Active Witnesses
Are the Key

What defines a community?

One Randolph response to last week's news of abduction and murder by a Randolph Center man was to declare that this event does not define the Randolph community. So, what does?

I believe that a community's response to the event defines the community that has witnessed horrific violence. A person need not have been present at the scene to be a witness; just receiving the news, and being neither victim nor perpetrator, one is a witness. Neither shame nor defensiveness need overwhelm those who accept the challenge of actively witnessing violence. It is a skill that we can develop by practice, one that strengthens us even as it connects us to others.

Actively and positively witnessing is a skill that one learns, and like other skills it is improved by practice. Offering condolences, making bouquets and banners, and coming together and sharing are all well-proven, active and positive ways of witnessing. There are many more.

It takes tremendous courage to struggle with a decision about how to respond as an active and caring witness, but the rewards of doing so are immense, and can be contagious.

Toxic shame is triggered in many people, especially young and otherwise vulnerable people, who passively witness horrific violence. But as the community persists in active, positive witnessing, and as there are more and more chances for participation in active witnessing, then reclaiming personal self-respect and discovering a new commitment to creative living becomes possible for more and more people.

Beth Champagne

St. Johnsbury