We all have our part to play in public safety
Thank you to our Boulder Police Department for hosting last week’s Coffee with a Cop and the Daily Camera’s advance announcement to invite residents to meet and talk with police officers about public safety. I found it very worthwhile to meet officers and other staff to openly talk about community needs to balance safety, compassion and accountability for police and the public. We hear a lot about instances where harmful processes or outcomes occurred, but relatively few examples of the ongoing good work our officers are doing every day as they put their own lives on the line and must make instant decisions to keep the public safe, while often protecting vulnerable people.
I appreciated learning today about the help and services provided by officers such as Keith Steinman on the Homeless Outreach team to provide transportation and needed services to connect people with shelter and essential life-changing support. I’d like the Daily Camera to report on examples like that, along with information on the interconnected organizations and resources that are working hard and collaborating to meet community needs for health and safety.
For example, Boulder residents could take Mental Health First Aid training from Mental Health Partners (our local community mental health center) to learn to do initial safety assessments for people in crisis and support referrals to appropriate professional resources.
Of course, our police officers are essential to protecting us and keeping our community safe, and I hope our community members can consider how we all can contribute to community safety and support the valuable work they do. I appreciated today’s gathering to interact with our police officers and staff, and encourage other residents to participate in meetings like this so we all can learn from each other and support our shared community goals for safe and healthy living.
Linda LaGanga, Boulder
Support scholarships for local youth
Receiving a scholarship for post-secondary education can change a life. We know, because there are several scholarship recipients in Longmont that are making a difference for our community. This is true for those students who went on to college and those who went on to create a career in a range of areas, including plumbers, electricians, cosmetology, etc. Some would not have gone on to post-secondary education without that scholarship. For many, it helps makes it financially possible or reduces their post-graduation debt. Receiving a scholarship from a local organization can also instill confidence.
At our 2023 dinner, it was inspiring to see students receive their scholarships and then to hear what they said at the end of the ceremony. Community scholarships are truly an excellent investment. Businesses often need employees with post-secondary education, whether it’s from college or trade schools. Also important is that students who complete their secondary education will have better-paying jobs and will be able to better support their families.
Longmont Latinx Voices was formed to help youths in our community. Scholarships are just one of the ways we will be helping our students, but an extremely important way. In 2023 during our first scholarship dinner, we awarded seven scholarships named in honor of community activists. The Longmont Latinx Voices 2024 scholarship dinner will take place on the evening of May 11 at the Moose Lodge in Longmont. You can help by making students aware of the scholarship by attending the dinner or getting to know LLV. To learn how to purchase tickets to this year’s scholarship dinner or to donate, Contact our founder, Vic Vela, at 303-587-3495, or go to tinyurl.com/LLVDinner2024.
Bob Norris, Longmont
