HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-01-19 Task Force MinutesMeeting opened at 7:07 PM
Attendance:
Committee Members:
Vice-Mayor, Joe Cobb
Ryan Bell
Jordan Bell
David Thomas
Bishop Jamal Jackson
Courtney Penn-Vice Chair
Nicole Ross
Tim Spencer
Antwyne Calloway
Stacey Sheppard
Taisha Steele-Secretary
Mary Ward
Troy Gusler
Mark Hamill
Joshua Johnson
Guests:
Brian Jones, Jr.
July 1, 2019
Task Force to Reduce Gun Violence
Community Solutions Center
2328 Melrose Avenue, NW, Roanoke, VA
Welcome and Introductions-Joe Cobb
Proposed Slate of Officers:
Chair-Shakira Williams; unopposed; (committee voted yes)
Vice Chair-Courtney Penn; unopposed (committee voted yes)
Secretary-Taisha Steele; unopposed (committee voted yes)
Discussion of FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) -Tim Spencer
Review of Strategic Ideas and Action Steps-Courtney Penn
(SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT TITLED CURRENT REALITY)
• Task force reviewed steps and ideas that are truly actionable
• Also, identify projects or programs that other groups are working on to collaborate and prevent
overlap
• Do we need the city or other groups to come in to speak with us to support any actions steps we
feel are important?
1. Connected and Thriving Youth, Young Adults, and Families
Questions about certain items (community trauma training, storytelling and government shadow)
Joe Cobb mentioned he has a meeting set up with staff of the Community Mediation Center (housed at
Children's Trust) on Monday at 10 AM to learn more about their program and what they offer. Joe will
report back to the group, but invited anyone who wants to attend with him.
2. Safer and Healthier Neighborhoods
Questions about certain items listed
3. Strong Community Engagement and Partnerships
A committee member recommend that someone from the task force go visit families that experience
violence. Nicole Ross recommended that it be added to the conflict resolution plan.
4. Coordinated Citv Services and Planning
There was some discussion about "gun buy-backs" and whether they work. Should this be replaced with
providing locks, and gun safety?
Taisha Steele mentioned having someone from the Suicide Coalition come to speak to the group about
suicide data and statistics so we don't have to re-invent the wheel
Further Discussion:
Jamal Jackson mentioned that this group could seek mental health services from counselors in the
Roanoke Valley who would be willing to provide services pro-bon for a tax write-off.
What can we do to teach a man how to value another man's life?-Antwyne Calloway
• Teach de-escalation techniques
• Find influencers and teach them how to value another man's life
Team agreed that the task force will meet on 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00PM at the Community
Solutions Center on Melrose.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:02PM.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Taisha Steele, Secretary