Series tackles violence in society beginning March 5th

In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy, three community organizations are collaborating on a series, “How Can this Generation Speak to the Next about Violence in Society?” being held on three consecutive Tuesdays, March 5, 12 and 19 at Wilton Library, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The forums are sponsored by the Wilton Clergy Association, the Wilton Interfaith Action Committee (WI-ACT) and Wilton Library.

Wilton resident Stephen Hudspeth, an organizer of the timely series recently noted, “Now that the period of initial shock is over, we find that people are looking for long-term answers/solutions.  However, the reality is that violence is so deeply embedded in our culture that it won’t end any time soon.”  He continues, “What are the best techniques for finding a way forward?  For example, can we help our community to find “common space,” a town green if you will, within home, schools, faith institutions, and the community at large where issues of broad reach can be addressed?”  

            The first topic on March 5 is Creating a Common Space in Community Where Issues of Violence Can Be Addressed.  The speakers are Dr. Steven Marans, Harris Professor at the Yale Child Study Center and Director of the Trauma Service of the Yale Medical Group, and Carrie Epstein, MSW, Assistant Clinical Professor at the Yale Child Study Center.  The Yale Child Study Center focuses on the short and long-term responses of children, their families, and communities to trauma and violence.  In its work, the Center partners with both mental health professionals and law enforcement professionals.  The speakers will address the impact of violence in schools both on children who experience it or observe it directly and those who learn of it through media or by word-of-mouth.  How can a community best address these issues at home, at school, in faith institutions, and more broadly?

            Part 2 on March 12 addresses Shaping Perspectives: Police and the Broadcast Media – What Potential Shooters and the Public Observe.  Speakers include Redding Police Chief Doug Fuchs (Newtown first responder), Wilton Police Captain John Lynch and News 12 News Director/Anchor Tom Appleby. Chief Fuchs and Captain Lynch will speak on shaping perspectives, both for potential shooters and for the public in general.  They will address the significance of a police presence in deterring bad conduct such as not speeding when a marked police car is readily observable or discouraging something far worse.  News Director/Anchor Tom Appleby will address the role of the instantaneous broadcast media in communicating information on tragic events to the public: sensationalism vs. careful analysis and what the pressures are to do one over the other.

            The final session on March 19 focuses on Finding a Way Forward with a panel comprised of Rabbi Leah Cohen of Temple B’nai Chaim, the Rev. Mary Grace Williams, Rector of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, and Imam Dr. Kareem Adeeb of the Islamic Institute and Chair of the Interfaith Council of Western Connecticut, moderated by Steve Hudspeth, with a brief discussion by each panelist followed by audience questions and discussion.

            There is no charge for this informative series. Registration is strongly encouraged. Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center.  For information, directions and registration, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213.