In the 1940's, neighbors knew one another and weren't concerned about thieves, burglaries, predators or gangs.
Unlocked homes with porches and sidewalks, made it easy to visit neighbors.
Connected citizens created strong communities, with few police.
Neighbors were the authority figures as everyone watched out for children and adults didn't tolerate bad behavior.
People cared and shared each other's joys and sorrows.
Religion was the foundation for community peace.
By the 1960's, modern living included television while front porches disappeared into fenced in backyards.
Neighbors became strangers as people moved away from families and neighborhoods seeking job opportunities.
Sexual attitudes changed and divorces increased.
Crime and drug abuse dramatically accelerated.
Cities needed more police.
Police became the new authority figure.
During the 1980's, absentee fathers and single working mothers were a sign of the times.
Blended families were the new norm with latchkey kids left on their own.
Lacking adult supervision, children became vulnerable to a generation of adults without moral compass.
Domestic violence, child abuse and predators reached record highs.
Drug abuse was an escape from self, as religious participation dramatically declined.
Police programs such as, "Neighborhood Watch" grew in popularity.
However, police unintentionally increased social isolation as they encouraged neighbors to lock up and become "the eyes and ears for police.
" Police focused on individual security rather than collective responsibility.
By 2000, many police agencies turned to community policing and programs involving citizens.
Police no longer had the resources to keep cities safe as prison populations exploded.
In the 1970's we had 300,000 in U.
S.
prisons.
By 2014, there were 2,300,000 Americans in prison.
(Source: Frontline PBS) Today, reducing social isolation has an additional challenge! Many neighborhoods are no longer safe for children to play outside.
Youth are growing up with computers, I pads, I phones and spending hours texting, playing video games, "talking" on Facebook, twitter and other social outlets.
In addition, youth are exposed to sexually explicated, violent movies and TV.
Teens struggle to cope with bullies, stalking, date rape, violence, drugs, shootings and gangs.
We shouldn't be surprised when children feel anxious, depressed, isolated and drop out of school.
The message is...
families need supportive neighbors to help protect children.
So...
how can we reduce social isolation and protect children? Ask your city leaders to organize a volunteer citywide task force to promote and help neighbors connect.
A task force can sponsor education programs and events to bring neighbors together.
Volunteers can speak to civic and religious groups to promote citizens adopting their block.
City employees, nonprofit groups and church members can take a leadership role by taking charge of their neighborhood safety.
In one community with 15,500 residents, 10 volunteers help neighbors organize.
Citizens reduced crime 48% all within two and a half years and without a local police department.
Volunteers focused on "neighborhood responsibility!" When neighbors band together, families no longer feel alone, isolated or helpless.
And, in the process, they can save lives.
To ignore this critical issue, is to put our future in peril.
Protecting children is a moral responsibility for every adult.
Together we can create safe, peaceful cities!