Broken Windows

Recent events have shown the best and worst of people in my community. Individuals have sought to intimidate and destroy supportive structures with hateful vandalism. Instead of attacking the 'authoritative establishment,' this malevolence is erroneously aimed at volunteers who only want to help better our lives.

Cowardly vandals have once again struck this past Thursday night at the office premises of the Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre, breaking all remaining windows not already covered up with sheets of plywood. That the culprits targeted the office is further sign of what is wrong about their lack of respect. The GWCPC is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on volunteer involvement, and that has as its primary goal to provide crime prevention programs and services to the Commercial Drive corridor and surrounding Vancouver area.

We endeavor to assist the Vancouver Police Department and our community in reducing crime and street disorder, while improving the quality of life in our neighbourhood.

That we, as volunteers, willingly seek out the assistance of the justice system to achieve our goals despite the misplaced aggression, to me reinforces the nature of our commitment to build a stronger and more vibrant community.

The number of volunteers over the past year has in fact grown, perhaps as a positive result of other incidents of criminal behaviour that have touched us in some way, pushing us not away, but further forward along a straighter path.

At one time, and among many other cities around the world, NYC suffered through a unlawful disorder. Adopting a clean-up theory from an article titled "Broken Windows" authored by James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling which first appeared in a 1982 edition of The Atlantic Monthly, the city was able to turn the tide. Each time someone caused damage there, the community rallied and turned it around by making repairs and eventually fixing the problem.

"Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Eventually, they may even break into the building, and if it's unoccupied, perhaps become squatters or light fires inside. Or consider a sidewalk. Some litter accumulates. Soon, more litter accumulates. Eventually, people even start leaving bags of trash from take-out restaurants there or breaking into cars."

This must stop. We can't let criminals own our community. We can't and won't allow criminals to destroy our community.

Praise builds pride, self-confidence and boosts morale. A person should appreciate the positive impact when hearing that an accomplishment is being well regarded, and be encouraged to move forward with new efforts.

As children, we are rewarded with praise for learning new skills – tying shoelaces, spelling our name, catching a ball. Once we're adults, we are not as often offered a pat on the back for a job well done, or have our work appreciated for the time invested.

Sometimes though, someone will notice, and the investment return is a rich one brimming with pride.