Last week, I had the good fortune to attend my friend Hal’s
graduation from the Alexandria Police Academy.
Police Chief Cook gave an inspiring talk at the gathering about how our
police strive to represent us with professionalism and care. His theme was that we don’t have to engage
with one another out of distrust—the root of much of the national
conversation. His brief talk was
peppered with the word, “Love.”
As a college student, I was given the assignment on the
first day of an education course to return the next week with my philosophy of
education. I spent the weekend painting
a large banner with Peter Max-like figures dancing around The Beatles’ lyrics,
“All You Need Is Love.” It hung in the
Michigan School of Education for many years, giving me and others ample
opportunity to reflect on our beliefs about effective education. When I was interviewed
about it years later, I said that my years teaching
at-risk kids had led me to conclude that love might not be the only thing
needed, but it’s a great place to start.
Chief Cook’s comments last week served as a reminder that
love is a great place to begin any relationship. I am convinced that those who see the glass
half empty and bring suspicions or doubts to every interaction are no happier
than I am. And I see the applicability
of the approach not only to teaching and policing, but to every walk of
life.
Chief Cook noted that the Alexandria police may not be
perfect, but they are always striving to do better. He asserted that he and the Department
welcome difficult feedback and open dialogue in their effort to serve our
citizens better. Those who know and have
worked with me know how I share his dedication to continuous improvement.
Last week’s ceremony reminded me how grateful I am to be a
member of a vibrant community where diversity works and is not just a
slogan. I was inspired by the diversity
of the Academy graduates, their friends and families, and how comfortably we
interacted with one another that night.
All organizations are diverse communities, just as our City is, and
would benefit from authentically honoring diversity and tackling obstacles to
unity.
Thanks to Hal for inviting his friends to his
graduation. Thanks to Chief Cook for his
positive message. And thanks to a
community that respectfully engages all of its members in decisions that affect
them.