I live in Santee, within 6 miles of two high schools who experienced shooters this month. My son's high school is only a mile from Santana High. It keeps me up at night....

Beyond the sadness and the surreal feeling of "It couldn't happen here in our little community" lies the harsh wake up call - like a dash of ice water saying - but it did, twice and maybe will again.

I'm watching the bureaucrats respond predictably, the sheriff's respond admirably, the kids riding the drama (or not reacting at all). I know, in the way you sometimes know deep in your bones, that there needs to be a new response, a dramatic new approach, there has got to be something innovative we can do to connect to these kids in some powerful way.

We need some out of the box thinking on this one my friends. Fast Company Community has the tremendous strength of forward, decisive, brilliant, innovative thinkers..... We sure could use a brilliant idea or two in my neighborhood....

my thanks in advance bb

-- Barbara Blackwell (bb@salesflight.com), March 24, 2001

Answers

If there is anything that would keep someone up, especially a mother, it would be the thought of violence in their children's schools.

There is no simple answer, but I can only think that all of these problems and many others (teen pregnancy, drinking and drug abuse) all start at home. Parents and the community that they are a part of must realize that "it takes an entire village to raise a child". There are so many forces, especially these days, tugging at our young childrens minds that, if they are not consciously guided by those who love and care for them, they are bound to go astray.

I can't help but think that there were many warning signs that the parents of the teens that have caused this terrible violence simply overlooked or didn't see because they failed to play a big enough part in their child's lives.

It may seem like a poor analogy, but if you have ever tried to raise a dog, or have know someone that has, you will see that almost everytime a dog receives a lot of love and attention throughout it's first couple years, the dog turns out to be a wonderful pet. If you buy a puppy and lock it up all day at home without spending any time with it, it's going to tear up the house, bark and possibly cause bodily harm. . .simply because it was not taught any better or brought up in loving conditions. The same general principle applies to our children.

Guns will always be available no matter how hard we, as a society, try to regulate and or ban them. This is something we must accept. However, we, as a community of parents, coaches, teachers and responsible adults can take a more active role in the raising of all our "kids". This means not only your genetic offspring, but those that you come in contact throught your daily activites.

As I stated above, there is no easy answer for this violence, but I think if society as a whole takes a more active role in the rasing and developing of it's children, I think we will see a much better outcome. We've already experienced the gruesome results if we don't.

-- Bryan Ward (bward02@yahoo.com), March 26, 2001.

Set a goal, A THEME, for a six month transformation! Call it something like: Unity, Blessings, and Peace for OUR COMMUNITY!

Month 1)Form a team of All ages, professions and ethnic groups: Kids to Seniors To Discuss Solutions; pick a facilatator and communication vehicle for the group: phone calls, flyers, mail, and e-mails are great.

Month 2) Communicate Solutions freely, openly, and sincerely.

Month 3) Attend events of interest like: ball games, recitals, restaurants, movies...where there is a 5 minute presentation on Your Theme throughout all segments of the community.

Month 4) Hold a pot luck supper, a community breakfast, and a super lunch where The Theme is discussed.

Month 5) Feature amazing revalations and testimonials in every community communication vehicle available!

Month 6) Mission Accomplished! Celebration Festival at a common meeting Venue!

Ongoing) Innovate and Perpetuate The Theme!

-- Edward Bryant (ebryantus@yahoo.com), March 28, 2001.

As a victim of high school violence and hazing, the change must begin with ridding high schools of sports and elitism. It is always the case that the kids that end up identified are not the perps, the perps are the ones that instinctively prey upon these kids. In every case it is the athletes or the popular kids. Hell, if my parents had owned weapons during the time that I was victimized I would have done the same thing. Think about the dehumanization and marginalization that goes on in the minds of these kids, to make them do these things. I still carry these scars.

-- No Bullies (nobullies@aol.com), March 30, 2001.

Barbara, I commend you on your desire to make a change within your community. Don't let your initial urgency to create a difference fade, too many good intentions go unrealized. I think most misguided parents and officials attempt to 'reach the kids' through programs or 'youth community spaces' that THEY create. You have to go to the youth in their own environment and respect the culture that they have created and attempt to integrate your program to fit these unique forums. If the kids in your community hang out in a park or a mall or a mickey d's with their skateboards or hackie sacks then find a way to spread your message through that medium. It is much harder to try and get them to go to a ball game or potluck (please bryant don't take offense, I think your enthusiasm is fantastic!) if they don't traditionally take part in these events. Give the kids the autonomy to create their own solutions. They will, if you provide the encouragement and the support in believing in their power as individuals and peers. Generations of high schoolers have experienced bullying and violence within the schoolyard but the escalation of events involving deadly weapons means kids today are taking it alot more seriously. You are needed as a tireless supporter of the youth in your community and their ability to create positive solutions.

-- CollegeKid (tasty@ilovesoy.com), May 19, 2001.