OUR CRITICAL GOALS
A critical goal of JUI is to build bridges that humanize our community by educating and supporting our
youth and their families.
​Building Bridges & Building Mutual Respect
YOUTH
PARENTS
COMMUNITY
​Build bridges that humanize our community by educating and supporting our youth and their families.
Building mutual respect between the police and our youth, parents, and community members by having open dialogue in safe spaces for all and offering solutions and support based on concerns.
Monthly Listening Sessions
The JustListen program is comprised of monthly listening sessions, tailored to varying community issues from youth violence to education on the structure and law practices of local municipalities. Each session will also include breakout meetings, where smaller groups, based on demographic commonalities and subject matter, will participate in solutions-based strategizing and goal-setting for future sessions.
Community Safe Spaces
The integral goal of JUI and the JustListen program is to develop safe spaces for community members to be heard and given actionable feedback to improve and address local issues and community concerns. For each JustListen session, community members and invitees will engage in intimate dialogue
by bringing community members with teachers, legislators, law enforcement, returning citizens, at risk youth, and community advocates.
Trust, Collaboration, and Positive Change
These sessions nurture and help strengthen the delicate bond between community and law enforcement and as a result, participants from both sides leave with a different perspective of community and better understand how we all play an intricate role in its improvement. A brief overview is included in Table 2.
JustListen Bridging Communities
This three-part series aims to create a foundation for trust, collaboration, and positive change between Prince George’s County Police Department and black youth in our community. A brief overview is included below.
Sessions
01
SESSION 1
Building
Understanding​
Facilitate open dialogue between community members, teachers, legislators, law enforcement, returning citizens, at risk youth, and community advocates to foster mutual understanding and
dispel misconceptions.
02
SESSION 2
​Collaborative
Solutions
Collaborative Solutions Identify actionable steps for improving the relationship between community members, teachers, legislators, law enforcement, returning citizens, at risk youth, and community advocates in the community.
03
SESSION 3
Implementing
Change
Develop a plan for implementing the identified solutions and
fostering ongoing communication between community members, teachers, legislators, law enforcement, returning citizens, at risk youth, and community advocates.
Testimonials
Swipe through and discover what others have to say about Just Listen monthly sessions.
PGCPD
Input from the PGCPD
Dr. Daria Bailey
Community First Division - Office of the Chief
Prince George's County Police Department
"As we gathered to discuss strategies and initiatives aimed at supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society, we appreciated the engaging and meaningful dialogue, sharing insights, and collaborating with stakeholders to foster positive outcomes and promote successful reintegration. Together, we can work towards building stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. The reentry listening session was instrumental in fostering a collaborative partnership with community trustees in several ways:
Identifying Community Needs: By engaging with individuals who have experienced incarceration, their families, service providers, and community members, together, we can help identify the specific needs and challenges faced by those reentering society. This insight allows for tailored support and resources to be developed.
​
Enhancing Reentry Programs: Through open dialogue and feedback, the listening session provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of and necessity of reentry programs. During the listening session, participants offered feedback that can be used to refine and improve services to meet the needs of individuals returning to the community and increase their chances
of successful reintegration.
Building Partnerships: The listening session brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies (PGPD), nonprofits, community organizations, and individuals impacted by incarceration. This collaboration fosters partnerships and strengthens networks within the community, enabling more comprehensive support systems for individuals reentering society.
Reducing Recidivism: By addressing the underlying issues that contribute to recidivism, such as lack of housing, lack of gainful employment opportunities, and obsolete social support, the listening session served as a catalyst to developing holistic reentry strategies that reduce the likelihood of individuals returning to incarceration. By promoting successful reintegration, these efforts contribute to safer and more resilient communities.
Overall, the reentry listening session played a crucial role in empowering communities to
address the complex challenges associated with reintegration and create a more supportive
environment for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. Together, we can
achieve greatness. "
Chief Malik Aziz
Chief of Police PGCPD
"It has been a great opportunity to engage with Ms. Dawn Dalton and her Listening Sessions. The most important aspect is bringing the community and police together. The meetings have been great, if not the best, and the most honest meetings that I have ever attended in my over three decades of law enforcement.
The dialogue and subjects were relevant, direct, and difficult. It opened the door for us to move forward as a community who displayed great concern with police-community relations. The diverse perspectives needed to progress are often missing from normal police and community relations. The individuals in her meetings are the marginalized community members that have their voices dismissed or simply go unheard. I am proud that Ms. Dalton would invite me to participate and deliver a meaningful program each and every time.
The road to better police-community relationships start with a single conversation of perspectives. The balance and vision we found in common was a better community, less recidivism, opportunity to returning citizens, and honest and viable partnerships. I believe her Listening Sessions provide a way forward to all aforementioned objectives.
We are not a monolithic community and we realize that police solutions alone are not the panacea for a better and safer community, but community lead solutions are and have proven to provide the best opportunity for success. Ms. Dalton is a barrier breaking community leader who recognized the need to give a voice to the unheard. The police chief must give access to all members and this would not have occurred without the foresight of Ms. Dalton and her team. "
Vernon Hale Assistant Chief
Office of the Chief PGCPD
"I am pleased to endorse the work of the Just Us Initiative. Their court support and assistance
were invaluable to me and my family. They provided valuable guidance and support in dealing
with the lawyer and navigating the Maryland Judicial system. Their advice and support were
pivotal in achieving a fair and favorable outcome. Regarding the listening sessions, these sessions provide a safe environment for young men to open up and speak freely with law enforcement (police). I was amazed at how the young men initiated dialogue with them, overcoming their
initial fear to speak openly. Considering the perception of and how society views law
enforcement (police) sessions such as these are essential. Due to the current crime rate and
issues in Prince George’s County, there is a critical need for the sessions. The JustUs Initiative has
made an impact on how many residents and their efforts/work deserve backing and support.”