Catching Up #1 - NE Watch
I was still digging out of my work until early this morning, so I'm finally getting to the update on the NE Citizen's Patrol meeting. The meeting was a way to bring awareness and recruit volunteers for the NE Citizen's Patrol as well as to kick of the formation of the Minneapolis chapter of the Guardian Angels. I signed up for doing some neighborhood walks for the NECP, but couldn't committ to the time requirements for the Guardian Angels.
The Guardian Angels go through a 3 month training program, which includes self-defense training, first-aid training, and training on honing observation skills. Because of this they would prefer a few nights a month from their volunteers.
I was highly impressed with the professionalism and experience of the Denver chapter members who will be coordinating the initial training. I was pleased to find out that a friend who is a retired Marine and one of our delegates was a Guardian Angel back in the 1980's. He will be helping John Schulte and the Denver GA's with the start up.
There were about 130 concerned citizens at the meeting -- way more that I would have expected. I think some were there just to vent their frustration with the rising criminal activity. Some were there to just get more information, but most were there to find out how they could get involved and help. The majority signed up to take watch shifts in their neighborhood. About 25 or so signed up to be Guardian Angels, which considering the time committment is pretty good.
There was one gentleman in an NRA hat who ended up storming off in frustration. He thought the whole idea of being on the street unarmed while the gangs have guns was a bad idea. A good point, the Guardian Angels aren't vigilantes. There job is to be visible eyes and ears on the street as a deterent. They have no interest in becoming another gang. With the exception of this gentleman, everyone else was very supportive and excited.
The meeting was a Columbia Grounds on 33rd and Central. Even though it's only 6 or 7 blocks from my house I had never been there. It is a fantastic coffee shop with a wonderful garden/patio area, complete with waterfall. I will be going back. I also want to acknowledge and thank John Shulte for getting this all going.
I have a female friend who is going through the training and am involved now in the NECP, so I will keep you posted on Guardian Angel events and progress.
The Guardian Angels go through a 3 month training program, which includes self-defense training, first-aid training, and training on honing observation skills. Because of this they would prefer a few nights a month from their volunteers.
I was highly impressed with the professionalism and experience of the Denver chapter members who will be coordinating the initial training. I was pleased to find out that a friend who is a retired Marine and one of our delegates was a Guardian Angel back in the 1980's. He will be helping John Schulte and the Denver GA's with the start up.
There were about 130 concerned citizens at the meeting -- way more that I would have expected. I think some were there just to vent their frustration with the rising criminal activity. Some were there to just get more information, but most were there to find out how they could get involved and help. The majority signed up to take watch shifts in their neighborhood. About 25 or so signed up to be Guardian Angels, which considering the time committment is pretty good.
There was one gentleman in an NRA hat who ended up storming off in frustration. He thought the whole idea of being on the street unarmed while the gangs have guns was a bad idea. A good point, the Guardian Angels aren't vigilantes. There job is to be visible eyes and ears on the street as a deterent. They have no interest in becoming another gang. With the exception of this gentleman, everyone else was very supportive and excited.
The meeting was a Columbia Grounds on 33rd and Central. Even though it's only 6 or 7 blocks from my house I had never been there. It is a fantastic coffee shop with a wonderful garden/patio area, complete with waterfall. I will be going back. I also want to acknowledge and thank John Shulte for getting this all going.
I have a female friend who is going through the training and am involved now in the NECP, so I will keep you posted on Guardian Angel events and progress.
posted by Nordeaster | 5:41 AM
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