Campus-Community Resiliency
August is a very difficult time for our campus-community members, partners and friends. Balancing the delicate relationships between colleges/universities and their host cities during the pandemic can be tenuous.

During this difficult time, please continue to correspond with us on how ITGA can best support you. We want to hear about the different challenges leaders are facing and how ITGA can be of assistance.

With our new expanded Board of Directors, we are offering monthly webinars at no cost to ITGA members. Please continue to let us know what topics you are interested in and how we can continue to support the important work you do. Contact Beth@itga.org for suggestions and inputs.

Beth Bagwell
ITGA Executive Director
ITGA Courageous Conversations: Humanity in Policing
Wednesday, August 19, 12:00pm (EDT): Humanity in Policing: Join moderator Lisa Dvorak, retired Assistant Chief of Police and former ITGA president; Chief Sylvia Moir, Tempe, AZ Police Department; Chief Carmen Best, Seattle, WA Police Department; and Commissioner Michael S. Harrison, Baltimore, MD Police Department.

The killing of George Floyd was a watershed moment in the history of police brutality and systemic racism in the United States. The officer’s actions disregarded the sanctity of life and showed a lack of humanity. One of the many consequences is that police departments throughout the country are facing a crisis of legitimacy. 21st century policing strategies must include effective crime control while building trust and shifting officers from warriors at war with the public to guardians reducing harm. Further, more humane strategies include community informed policies and oversight that emphasize de-escalation training and alternatives to arrest. In addition, internal and external support systems are needed to ensure the safety, training, and well-being of officers. The success of these strategies relies on police and public engagement with a willingness to listen, explore, and foster an understanding of different viewpoints. This is free for ITGA members and $25.00 for nonmembers. To register, click here. This session will not be recorded.
Summary: Reopening in the Fall amid COVID-19
Over 100 university and municipal officials joined a webinar on August 5 to hear how schools and their host communities are preparing to reopen this fall. The panel discussion, hosted by ITGA and the National League of Cities, featured professionals from across the United States who are working through the myriad issues surrounding a safe and manageable return to campus. Moderated by ITGA president elect Britany Waddell, panelists included, Suchitra Webster, Michigan State University; Marc Baker, Colorado State University; Tom King, State College, PA; and Tanaka Vercher, Tennessee State University and the City of Nashville.

Presentations focused on supply distribution, education, and accountability. One common theme was evident, safety is paramount -- and in order to provide the safest environment for all, town and gown must work together. “We’ve been more collaborative than we’ve ever been, out of necessity,” stated Baker when talking about discussions with municipal officials from Ft. Collins. To access the recording, click here. Submitted By: Melissa Selesky, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
NLC's Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) Training
REAL Action: Advancing Racial Equity And Leadership in Town-Gown Relations, Sept. 9 (2:00pm-6:00pm) & Sept. 10 (11:00am-3:00pm) EDT.

NLC's Race, Equity And Leadership (REAL) department has developed curriculum to guide participants toward an expanded understanding of racial equity and how it can impact our leadership and interactions. The two-day virtual training will focus on equity and inclusion practices/policies with a specific focus on leadership and community building to better support universities and municipalities. For a full description, click here.

Seats are filling up quickly so reserve space for you or your team today. We are offering special rates for teams of five or more. Contact Beth@itga.org for more information. Registration is open until Friday, Sept. 1st or until full.
Join us on Social Media
A growing and impressive group of professionals from campus communities continue to network and share strategies for improving town-gown relations. Join us on TwitterLinkedIn and Instagram.