It is unprecedented for our community to experience the recent threats of violence that affected so many people and were so public. Many people were affected in many ways.
Some people were directly named as targets; many were confined to classrooms for hours; leaders had to quickly figure out how to respond to the situation and make challenging decisions about what to do. Others were concerned that someone might assume that they were associated with the threats of violence. Others are concerned about Josiah and his family while being deeply upset and confused about what happened. Many community members have deep concerns about the young people in our community and about the people who work for our schools. There may be additional impacts as well. This adds up to a lot of people impacted. During difficult times, often our only option is to deal with them individually, yet our entire community has been affected.
In addition to these events, the differences among us, which have been valued within the fabric of our community, have recently polarized us around issues. There has been a lack of civility in the discourse surrounding issues about which we care deeply. This conversation will be based on a foundation of mutual respect with the aim of reinforcing our basis of civil discourse as well as our mutual desire to strengthen our South Burlington community. Growth and resiliency come from adversity, and we would like to come together as a community—neighbors, students, families, and friends.
The South Burlington Community Justice Center (SB CJC) and leaders of faith organizations in our community would like to invite you to an event to listen to and support one another, and recognize the effects of what has taken place.
Community Conversation
Tuesday, May 2
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Community Bible Church
2025 Williston Road, South Burlington
This conversation will be an opportunity for each of us, in a safe space, to hear and be heard as we express both the collective and individual impacts that have occurred. All South Burlington community members are welcome. We are hoping that SB residents, people who work and go to school in SB, parents of SB students, and school and city employees will all attend. We hope you will attend.
This event is posted on the SB CJC Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/events/1337524159666629/?active_tab=about
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