From June 3–5, 2024, The Just Trust brought together all 14 of our esteemed Safer Communities Accelerator partners for a transformative gathering in Oklahoma City. Hosted at the Diversion Hub and expertly captured by graphic recorder Michael Lagocki, this convening provided a vital platform for collaborative peer learning and narrative change strategy. Here's a closer look at the key sessions that shaped the event:
Flexing Narrative Power
Led by facilitator Meredith Fenton, this session delved into the fundamentals of crafting compelling messages for community-driven safety models. Attendees learned how to target their audience with values, hope, and solutions, while also emphasizing the importance of simplicity and clarity in messaging. A highlight of the session was a presentation by Cory Manento of Gradient Metrics, who shared insights from a message testing study conducted in partnership with The Just Trust. Grantee partners had the opportunity to refine their messaging strategies and begin thinking through the right messenger/message combo that will resonate with their audiences.
Survivor-Centered Storytelling
Community Based Public Safety Collective (CBPSC) and Common Justice led a discussion on the ethical incorporation of survivors' lived experiences into their work. Aqeela Sherrills, community advocate and co-founder of CBPSC, opened with a bold statement: "You can't have public safety without the public." He emphasized the transformative power communities have when they take control of their narratives to demand change and accountability.
Also on the panel was Cymone Fuller, senior director of the Restorative Justice Project at Equal Justice USA. Drawing from her extensive experience working with individuals who have caused and experienced harm, Fuller highlighted the ethical challenges in storytelling. She noted, "Folks are asked to contort their stories to be more palatable for an objective that's not theirs," and emphasized, "It becomes really challenging to compromise our values for the purposes of what is easiest to digest."
Learning from Local Leaders
Guided by our OKC grantee partners, Foundation for Liberating Minds and Live Free OKC, this session offered invaluable insights into the realities of community safety work in Oklahoma City. Attendees gained firsthand knowledge of the organizations' endeavors, challenges, and triumphs, while also providing a platform for mutual support and feedback. Central to the discussion was the critical issue of funding and building political will for community safety, with both organizations candidly addressing the delicate balance between sustaining operations and fulfilling their mission. The dialogue underscored the need for strategic resource management and multi-sectoral partnerships in navigating the complex landscape of community safety initiatives.
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The convening was not all work and no play. Participants enjoyed a historical site visit to the First Americans Museum, honoring the Indigenous groups that inhabited the land now known as Oklahoma before the United States was established. Throughout the jam-packed days, there were several light-hearted group activities to keep the energy high and minds refreshed. The event concluded with a lively celebration at Eastside Pizza House, founded by the talented artist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Live Free OKC, Jabee Williams.
This year’s Safer Communities Accelerator Convening showed that our collective commitment to advancing community safety is stronger than ever. The innovation and creativity of every group involved in the accelerator is proof that there are many tools available beyond punishment and incarceration. From restorative justice programs to mobile crisis response units, these groups are leading the way in helping us reimagine the future of public safety. To learn more about the accelerator, all of the groups involved, and how to support, please visit our Safer Communities Accelerator page.
