Local nonprofit pitches six-week conflict-resolution series to council

Carlton Avery, representing the conflict-resolution nonprofit PeaceLink, asked the council on Tuesday for support of a six-week program called 'Talk It Through Thursdays' to be held at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church.

Avery described the program as a mix of community discussion and conflict-resolution training aimed at reducing nonviolent calls to police and strengthening community cohesion. He presented a proposed schedule beginning June 4 with sessions planned for June, July and August and said organizers hope for about 100 participants per session and a goal of reaching 600 residents over the series. "What this nonprofit will be, what this initiative is about is a 6 week program…it's called Talk It Through Thursdays," Avery said.

Council members thanked Avery and noted district council funds and other support options; a council member said a town-hall schedule and participation details would be provided. The presentation was part of the citizen-comments portion of the meeting; no formal council appropriation was adopted during the meeting.

What's next: The council indicated willingness to explore district funding and staff cooperation to support the proposed sessions, and PeaceLink expected to follow up with the clerk’s office and council staff.