High School Students Launch Police Forum, May 16

Disillusioned with the incredible amount of polarization surrounding the topic of police in communities within the city of Portland and across the country, a group of local high school students decided to take action.

Police Peace PDX is a student-founded and run organization with the goal of bridging divides between community and police through productive dialogue, education, and engagement.

Our mission is simple. Looking around Portland, we see insular thought and frustration on both sides. We believe that much of this is the result of misinformation, partisan politics, and divergent agendas.

As such, we are working to bring together individuals on both sides of the issue, to promote productive and informative conversations, to open minds, and, most importantly, to engage and educate young people about this issue so that they can lead the charge towards creating more peaceful communities.

While we are starting with Portland, our ultimate goal is to improve police and community relations across the country. 

Police Peace PDX aims to address what it has identified as 5 key components of the issue:

(1) Insular thought

(2) Lack of local government engagement

(3) Race

(4) Accountability

(5) Lack of an official means for youth to have voice on the issue.

Inaugural Event:

On May 16, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Police Peace PDX is hosting a community dialogue concerning the role of police in the Portland community.

The panel -- which is youth-run and moderated -- will feature six voices (final speakers TBA soon) from different perspectives on the issue. Although they may disagree, the speakers will engage in a productive and informative dialogue.

The goal is to educate community members about all sides of this issue and move towards a more peaceful city. The event will take place at the CENTER, located at 3510 N. Vancouver Ave.

Space is limited so please RSVP if you are interested, using this link or on Facebook.

Twitter: @policepeacepdx

Facebook: @policepeacepdx