BerlinRosen’s Post

READ ALL ABOUT IT 🗞️🗞️🗞️ January's Mission Network is now available online! Read about David, who found a helping hand at The Union Mission after being released from prison. Meet our new Senior Director of Programs, Douglas Preston, and what's on his agenda for 2024. And finally, learn how Legacy Planning is an act of love. Check it out at the link below! 👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/evmdnXG3 #CaringLikeChrist

As mass shootings and gun-related violence heavily impact Jewish communities around the country, the trickle-down results are spreading… ➖ Some synagogue and JCC members who don’t feel safe onsite stop visiting, resulting in poor attendance and monetary strife. ➖ Members who do show up may be doing so despite their fear, which can impact the positive environment and create toxicity in the community. ➖ Non-members may pass judgment on the synagogue's and JCC's perceived safety, damaging the community's and its congregation's reputation. While it can be difficult to plan for an unspeakable tragedy, the alarming rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes demands action in JCCs and synagogues. On Friday, March 8 at 1 p.m. Eastern, ZeroEyes is proud to sponsor a strategic and tactical discussion on protecting Jewish community centers and places of worship from the emerging threat of gun-related violence. Your hosts: ▪️ Scott Braswell, CEO of California’s Merage JCC of Orange County ▪️ Steve Rogers, CEO of New Jersey’s Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Don’t miss this crucial talk on how Jewish community leaders are standing up to hate and leveraging technology to protect against gun-related violence—reserve your seat now for this online event. 

I urge you to take a moment and read this poignant reflection on the haunting reality of living in the shadow of gun violence. CWBA member and Senior Counsel in the Government Section of Hanson Bridgett, Laura Ratcliffe shares a personal account of a recent lockdown experience at her children's school, highlighting the pervasive fear and anxiety that grips communities across the nation. It's a wake-up call to the devastating impact of gun violence that we all too often normalize. Explore the full article on our blog, The 1891. #GunViolenceAwareness #EndGunViolence

"Our youth are the long-term plan and approach to preventing future gun violence from spreading." In honor of Gun Violence Prevention Month, The Community Foundation is highlighting the work and mission of peacemakers who are working to empower children, youth and adults to build stronger, safer communities. We asked the TRIGGER Project to share how they are using positive youth development to prevent gun violence. https://ow.ly/TQJV50Sl9Om

Community-based programming is so powerful. Low-risk, high-reward strategies need to be funded.

Senseless act of violence. Cowards hide behind weapons. It is easier to use your words than resort to violence. I understand mental health issues, I do not understand senseless acts of violence such as this. The names of the victims have not been released yet, which is respectful to the families and victims. If you see something, say something. After Pulse (I went there a few times, 12 days before the shooting) I took an Active Shooter Response class from Blue Spears Solutions. I encourage everyone to educate themselves so fear does not take over your thought processes. Flee, hide in a place as bullet proof as possible...and if all else fails and you know you may not get out alive, then you go down fighting. It is difficult to picture the scenario...sometimes training kicks in...we should all have the training. Fire extinguishers can be used to blind the shooter (pull, aim, squeeze and sweep)...then you knock the pee out of them with the canister. In a bathroom...use the top of the water tank and knock them over the head with it. Look around you...even a stethoscope can become a whip or be used around someone's neck, I know because I have seen a person use it against healthcare providers...which means we need to stop carrying them around on our necks. CPI Crisis Prevention Intervention should be standard for all hospital employees if you ask me.

Ken, this article, like many others, highlights the prevalent mindset of “it can’t happen here.” After-action reviews of incidents dating back to Columbine have been regarded as watershed moments meant to transform how school violence is addressed, yet meaningful change remains elusive. As school discipline and climate erode, the likelihood of critical incidents on our K-12 campuses increases. Compounding the issue is the profiteering mindset of many potential solution providers, turning proposed solutions into the next “shiny object” rather than effective measures. When school boards clash with local law enforcement and state attorneys, as seen in Worcester County, MD, over statistics and limit law enforcement from fulfilling their duties, one must question whose interests are truly being protected. With civil penalties becoming mainstream and potential criminal penalties on the table, as in Virginia Beach, there is hope for a shift in mindset, moving away from viewing these incidents as “Black Swan” events. While it may be impossible to completely eliminate the problem, a comprehensive, all-encompassing plan that includes people, processes, and technology can make our schools safer and mitigate negative outcomes if an incident occurs. These negative outcomes include the loss of life of children, teachers, and staff, as well as the associated financial and emotional impacts.