YWCA Greater Austin Monthly Talk Tackles Middle Ground Between Support Of Police, Accountability

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX -- Given the polarizing nature of today's mode of dialogue, it's often difficult to engage in civil discourse on issues of disagreement. With each side entrenched in their own views or ideology, it's often difficult to have a measured debate about a topical issue creating intractability and tension.

Not so at YWCA Greater Austin, where staff members aren't afraid to take on monthly dialogues that often tackle the most divisive, delicate or taboo subjects toward an aim of greater understanding. Friday's talk fits the bill: A conversation exploring the idea of reconciling one's endorsement of police accountability while offering support to the efforts of law enforcement officers in general.

The dichotomy that has emerged around the Black Lives Matter movement and the police force has yielded an ideological chasm between those embracing the idea of greater police accountability and those offering unwavering support of law enforcement.

But the two ideas aren't mutually exclusive concepts.

"If you support police accountability and an end to police brutality it is assumed that you hate the police," the event's organizers write. "If you support the police force, it is assumed that you condone the murder of black individuals by the police."

The upshot of both extremes in thought: "Neither assumption considers an individual's social location, intersectionality of multiple identities."

It's from a middle ground of understanding that a healthy dialogue must spark, serving as the premise for Friday's discussion at the YWCA.

A template for discussion parameters is offered to those interested in attending, with a list of areas likely explored:

• Do we have to choose between Black Lives Matter and the police force?
• What does it really mean if we choose one over the other?
• Can we support both?
• How do families with relatives in the police force create a balance?

Also offered are some points of contemplation:

• Do I find myself being torn in supporting one side or the other?
• Can I see how there can be a balance?
• How do I talk to my friends/family about looking at all sides compassionately and critically?

The discussion is scheduled Oct. 28 from noon to 1:30 p.m. It will be led by clinical director Laura Gomez-Horton, LCSW, and Dr. DeAnna Harris-McKoy.

"Bring your lunch and let's talk!" organizers beckon, sending in advance a vibe of civilized discussion rather than the yelling back and forth one sees from pundits on television. But the casual invitation also bespeaks to the safe environment for discussion of delicate issues that is the hallmark of the monthly dialogues staged at the YWCA.

"The YWCA Greater Austin believes that the best way to handle a difficult subject is through open, honest, productive conversation with many voices in the room," officials write. "This free dialogue is open to the community."

Greater Austin YWCA is located at 2015 S. Interstate 35, Suite 110. To reserve your spot in the discussion group, contact Laura@YWCAaustin.org or RSVP at (512) 326-1222, although officials say walk-ins are welcome. Call the same aforementioned telephone number if in need of special accommodations.

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