Cultivating Peace: Insights from a DC Peace Team Member
“De-escalation skills are something that anyone can learn,” Carol, a dedicated member of the DC Peace Team (DCPT), is adamant about this. Her simple yet profound statement underscores a powerful truth: every individual can contribute to community safety and harmony.
Since 2011, DCPT has been a beacon of hope in the DC area, teaching civilians how to de-escalate tense situations and providing unarmed civilian protection when necessary. Its Community Safety Unit aims to protect civilians in situations of violent conflict, imminent violence, and post-crisis situations–and create space for local peace initiatives.
Carol first joined to make a difference by engaging with residents who are often marginalized. “I feel like that is a part of my community too,” she said, “and it gives me the opportunity to connect with my neighbors.” She emphasized how important it is to acknowledge and support them by providing a listening ear and connecting them with necessary resources whenever possible.
Carol has been part of DCPT’s unarmed civilian protection efforts for several years, spending time at the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza (where FRESHFARM operates a farmers market), a bustling area that can become tense due to the diverse mix of people who converge there. Additionally, Carol plays an important role at local protests and demonstrations, particularly those that encounter significant resistance and backlash.
Her experiences go beyond merely recognizing the difficulties faced by her neighbors; they allow her to forge meaningful connections with those who might otherwise be overlooked. Each individual has a story, with struggles and triumphs, strengths and resilience. By taking the time to listen and understand these stories, she is able to address people’s immediate needs and offer support in a more personalized and impactful way.
“It’s heartbreaking just hearing people’s stories like that, but I can at least accompany people and help them to feel like they’re not alone.”
Carol recounted her recent conversation with a man experiencing homelessness who had been the victim of a car accident–his motorcycle was destroyed, he lost his wallet during the accident, and his injuries resulted in his job being terminated.
“He doesn’t have his job, he doesn’t have his ID, and now he’s hungry. He wanted to know how God could let this happen. If God is so powerful, how could He let this happen? So, I’m here at the Columbia Heights Plaza, suddenly having a theological conversation with someone who’s gone through some real trauma.”
Carol and DCPT cannot solve these issues alone–no single entity can. Addressing such challenges requires a collective effort from multiple sectors of society. But every encounter and moment of empathy creates a deeper shared understanding, transforming passive observers into active participants. DCPT plays a major role in this larger effort by empowering community members like Carol to engage in meaningful work and by sparking collaboration with other organizations that drive tangible, systemic change. Such change comes through DCPT connecting people to resources, including housing, de-tox, treatment, and jobs, often with local nonprofit partner District Bridges. Such change also comes through DCPT’s Community Forums, hosted to identify root causes and collaborative opportunities to shift structures, resources, and government policies.
“Maybe sometimes people think, well, why haven’t you fixed it yet? Fix the drug problem, fix the problems that have led to this situation,” she shared. “But we’re just a few people.”
There are currently around 10-12 people in the Community Safety Unit. Despite operating with limited resources, with around 10-12 people currently in the Community Safety Unit, 15-20 residents (and counting) have transformed their lives by completing detox and treatment, getting housing or a job, and finding community. At the same time, new people and different drugs have recently moved into the plaza area, simply being displaced from other areas in nearby neighborhoods.
As a vital piece of the puzzle, DCPT relies on the participation of its professional Community Safety Unit members like Carol, volunteers, and supporters to create positive change in our community. You can join them in making a difference! Visit their website to learn more about their trainings, donating, and getting involved with their Community Safety Unit.
Hear Carol’s story in the video below!