Over thirty times this year (and remember, this year is nowhere near over) we have turned on the news only to learn that someone else has been murdered. Children are being assaulted, abducted and killed. Bodies are being found in parks, rivers and along roadsides. Like many, I continue with my day to day tasks overwhelmed by the feeling that there is nothing I can do, comforted by the fact that it wasn’t my child on the news. That is not enough. The reality is Minnesota is my home and Minnesotans are being killed. So what can we do? Tuesday, Aug. 3, is National Night Out. National Night Out is a way that citizens can reclaim and protect their communities. It is fun, easy but most of all effective.

While the traditional ‘lights on’ and front porch vigils remain a part of NNO, activities have expanded considerably over the years to include block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from law enforcement, festivals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs, contests, rallies and meetings. It’s a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote camaraderie. While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year.

So I invite citizens to have a cookout and invite the neighbors or grab the kids and go for an evening stroll. I invite businesses and community organizations to help promote awareness or plan activities but most importantly just do something because with the rise in violent crime, we cannot just sit around and hope it doesn’t happen to us.

For more information or if you are the victim of a crime contact Hands of Hope Resource Center at 320-732-2319 or call 1-800-NITE OUT or visit www.nationalnightout. org

“The demise of a nation begins in its homes” ~indigenous proverb

Jamie St George Domestic Violence Coordinator Hands of Hope Resource Center (320) 732-2319