Update on community meeting on the sex trade...

I know there have been many meetings (and even a few public ones!) in Kamloops about the street level sex trade in our community. As I mentioned earlier, though, this current wave of discussion and interest has been staggering to me. I have had more public feedback on the sex trade comments I made than on any other issue. Two weeks later, letters to the editor are still appearing the papers, and I am still getting emails and phone calls.

I think I have to take a back seat, and try to faciliate some concerted community effort. I am going to organize a community meeting, likely in the next month.

A couple of challenges that I see:

1. Not allowing emotions or close mindedness to stifle a respectful, open discussion.
2. Taking the talking forward into concrete actions.
3. Getting me to shut up. I really need to take a back seat here and trust the wisdom of others.

If anybody sees other challenges or ideas to address the challenges above, I am absolutely listening.

The huge potential benefit is to make things happen that can make life better for a lot of different people - the sex trade workers, the people living near where sex trade workers work, and the businesses trying ti make an honest buck on the "current strolls".

I know this is ambitious but I belief in this community. When we work together, we can achieve great amazing things.

Comments

[Skylark]

I loved what I read in the paper recently. I know there are often errors in news reports, and I may be recalling some of the details incorrectly, but I hope it is true that a program has been created to provide work to sex trade workers and other marginalized people that is (a) flexible, some part time and some full time, (b) visually enhancing the North Shore (container gardens), (c) often experienced as both low-key and actively healing (gardening), and (d) allowing workers to keep some of the earnings on top of their welfare payments, providing a more livable income in a transition to a safer trade.

This solution seems to be a wonderful partnership providing a variety of benefits to all parties.

[Skylark]

And to answer your post :)

I think one way to reduce the emotionalism and focus on solutions is to set a time limit to each person's presentation. Each person can present as often as they wish, but only after every one in the room has had a chance in each round. One minute per person per round should get people focusing their presentation time on their proposed solution. Record only the solutions.

[Gisela Ruckert]

Despite much wishful thinking, the sex trade is not going to go away. Therefore it should be legalized and regulated to protect those involved in it. Until then, any changes we can make at the community level will be minimal, IMHO. Let's get a few more enlightened and pragmatic councillors and citizens to take a controversial stand and lobby the federal government for change, because they are the only ones who have the power to change the laws that govern this so-called "criminal activity".