During my seven years of coaching my son’s baseball team, along with many years as an educator, I continually witnessed the lack of parental involvement with children.
It is heartbreaking that our society is deeply wounded by broken families, with walls of resentment between previously married couples and parents disconnected from their children.
There is a lesson for America with such a lack of communication between parents and their children, as communication, interest, and involvement is critical, not only to families, but to society itself.
Parents must get involved with their children, especially in a society dominated by one-parent families.
All of us must also strive to be involved with our communities, schools, government, workplaces, and houses of worship.
Encouraging Collaboration
During my two years of writing this weekly column for the Epoch Times, collaboration has been continually emphasized as a critical principle for society.
Achievements are always possible throughout American society, as well as internationally, and stone walls can be torn down, when good will is manifested and collaboration cultivated.
We need to communicate with one another in a manner reflecting integrity, respect, and charity; so that the gifts of each person can be discovered. All of us must be dedicated to promoting unity, despite our differences.
The path to peace within families, communities, and nations is respectful dialogue, and an unwavering dedication to always finding a way to do what reflects character, ethics, and leadership.
Professional Collaboration Models
Cohesiveness that begins in the family, as the foundation and original cell of society, must be complemented throughout the community and in professional life.
When we are collaborative, as much as humanly possible within the family, we can then be authentically balanced, involved, and positive in society.
No matter what our responsibilities are in life, we must find ways to collaborate and to serve others.
Since my professional responsibilities include leadership development, violence prevention, education, public safety, policing, and security management, I am involved with numerous associations that complement my efforts.
Some of these include the following that will hopefully serve as models of collaboration and inspire others to get involved in ways that complement their talents and professions:
Society of the Honor Guard—Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: The goal of this society “is to make certain that the individuals that made the ultimate sacrifice of their life for our freedom, are not forgotten, and that the general public understands the price of freedom.”
It is a profound honor to be a member for many years, as this society cultivates respect for military sacrifices and is deserving of America’s profound gratitude, admiration, and honor.
Bergen County Police Chiefs Association (BCPCA): The mission of this New Jersey association emphasizes collaboration, through securing a closer official and personal relationship among police officials, unity of action in police matters, elevating standards of police institutions, and striving to prevent and detect crime as well as promoting police efficiency.
During the last 13 years, I have been privileged to serve the BCPCA as their chairperson of community policing and school security. In this role, I share remarks at monthly meetings attended by over 100 police chiefs, community leaders, and other law enforcement officials including the FBI and NYPD.
NYPD SHIELD: As detailed in my article titled “NYPD SHIELD: America’s Public-Private Collaboration Model,“ for the Epoch Times, Jul. 25, 2014 edition, this ”public-private sector security partnership is dedicated to protecting New York City by Countering Terrorism Through Information Sharing.”
Events are held at NYPD headquarters and attended by over 600 law enforcement and private security professionals.
ASIS International: This is a leading international association for security, law enforcement, and public safety professionals with a mission promoting excellence and leadership. It has 236 chapters worldwide, and over 37,000 members in over 125 countries.
Board certifications are also attainable through credentials, testing, and on-going professional development including the prestigious Certified Protection Professional (CPP). This certification, which I have been privileged to have since 1999, demonstrates objective proof of credentials, experience, and achievements.
National Law Enforcement Associates (NLEA): This organization conducts training and facilitates collaboration between law enforcement and private security professionals. The NLEA holds events at locations throughout New York City.
The First Precinct Financial Area Security Council: The mission of this group highlights establishing contacts through networking with law enforcement and security professionals in order to share information related to the safety and security of people and property primarily, but not limited to, Lower Manhattan.
Final Reflections
Collaboration is critical to America, beginning in the family, and must then be championed throughout all of society.
When America enhances its dedication to collaboration, by living an unwavering oath to a unity of effort, we will be on the path to reawakening the nation.
Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America. Bove is a recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for combating crime and violence and is a former confidant of the New York Yankees. His newest book is “Listen To Their Cries.” For more information, see www.vincentbove.com
