By Reco Bembry, StoneBCS, LLC
Outdoor Equity Coalition / Bembry Consulting Services / StoneBCS, LLC
Seattle, we have to tell the truth with love.
In light of the recent increase in violence and gun activity among young people, especially near places that should be safe havens — parks, recreation centers, teen life centers, schools, bus stops, and community gathering spaces — I am calling on powerful community leaders, elders, directors, youth workers, artists, mentors, parents, guardians, and public partners to tighten our unified efforts.
This is not the time for blame without responsibility. The true victims are the children murdered in our streets and the families carrying grief and loss. We can and must do better.
Over the years, Seattle has seen horrific shootings at or near youth-centered spaces. Each incident tells us something bigger: our children are hurting, our families are overwhelmed, and our community safety net is under pressure.
This is a call to gather, not scatter. We need powerful community leaders and elders to step forward with wisdom. We require accountability and support in our youth organizations.
It’s Time to Focus on KASH
I am calling us back to KASH: Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, and Habits.
- Knowledge: Understanding young people’s challenges including trauma and access to firearms.
- Attitude: Approaching this work with humility, love, and urgency.
- Skills: Equipping staff with robust training in crisis response and social-emotional support.
- Habits: Building consistent practices such as weekly check-ins and youth circles.
Trust is rebuilt through transparency and respect is earned through action.
Community Responsibility
The answer is not to destroy community-based work but to strengthen it. We need more than just to ask who failed — we must ask who is willing to come to the table, share resources, and protect our children.
This is the moment for unity in community. Let’s gather the elders, support the workers, train the teams, and create safe havens for our children.
This isn’t about credit; it’s about who is willing to do the work.
Let’s do better together, Seattle.
With respect,
Reco Bembry
Outdoor Equity Coalition / Bembry Consulting Services / StoneBCS, LLC
An Award-Winning Company