Strengthening positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and the youth and communities they protect is the focus of an upcoming two-day seminar in Richland County.

Moving Forward Together: A National Summit of Schools, Communities & Law Enforcement takes place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 6-7 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The purpose of this summit is to identify the cultural differences that exist within communities and address those differences in a way that builds positive relationships between law enforcement and residents, with an emphasis on students and young people. This summit aims to provide attendees with the tools to establish a culture of understanding in neighborhoods and local schools.

Richland County and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department are two primary sponsors of the event, and Richland County Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson, District 2, will be the host.

“It’s important for all facets of our communities to come together to form positive, engaging relationships that are grounded in tolerance and respect,” said Councilwoman Dickerson. “These positive relationships are what lift us all to a better quality of life and set our young people on better pathways to success.”

The featured speaker at the event is Wintley Phipps, founder of the U.S. Dream Academy, which is a national afterschool mentoring program. Topics he’ll discuss include:

• The SC Department of Education’s Safe School Initiative
• The role of the School Resource Officer
• The culture of poverty
• Involving the community in schools
• Creating mentoring programs

By the end of the summit, those in attendance will have the knowledge to develop “Blueprints for Community Action” that will improve the learning environment in schools and enhance the law enforcement-resident relationship in neighborhoods.

Students, community and business leaders, houses of faith, law enforcement personnel and local residents are encouraged to attend.

“This summit will engage everyone in a conversation about taking positive steps forward to make our schools and neighborhoods safe and supportive places for students and residents of all ages,” Dickerson said.

For more information about the event, including registration costs and a schedule of events, click here or visit http://blueribbonschools.com/moving-forward-together.