#HOLDING SPACE FOR SURVIVORS OF GUN VIOLENCE

CVK Consulting

Written by Kenton Kirby, LCSW

COMMUNITY LED SHOULD NOT BE KRYPTONITE

I’ve had the fortune of working in and supporting organizations locally and nationally doing deep community-based work. I’ve been able to see the magic that people with their own lived experiences have been able to do to impact lives. From witnessing violence interrupters leveraging their lived experiences to prevent a shooting and help trauma survivors see a way forward to service agencies supporting their staff so they can continue to do the work that is right and moral.

Over the years, what I have observed, and question is how the term “community led” or “community based” can be what prevents these heroes doing the work to be at the table. Similar to when Superman is exposed to kryptonite, which takes his power away. How are they not the decision makers in the larger systems that impact their daily lives?

I believe one reason for this disconnect comes from the misconception that the term “community led” means that the community should have all the answers and lead all the decision-making processes. This is equivalent to Superman’s weakness towards Kryptonite – it weakens otherwise strong and powerful individuals.

The truth is that “community led” means that the community holds the power to create solutions that serve their unique needs and that they are active participants in shaping the direction of the work. It is not about having all the answers, but it is about having a seat at the table where decisions are being made.

Superman is weakened by Kryptonite because he lacks control over his own destiny when he comes into contact with it. Similarly, communities can be weakened when they lack control over the direction and decision-making processes of the work that impacts their daily lives.

Therefore, it is important for funders, service providers and decision makers to recognize the importance of “community led” solutions.

I am hopeful the term “community led” doesn’t have to be Kryptonite to progress. Instead, it can be a key ingredient in creating sustainable and effective solutions that truly reflect the needs and desires of the community. Communities are not weakened by having a seat at the table, they are empowered by it. You lead and WE follow.