In the era of Ferguson and Baltimore, it is crucial that a city stands united, listening and learning from each other. That is exactly what several groups in Renton are attempting to do.

In the early part of 2015, the police department partnered with the African American clergy of Renton to create a forum series, “Real Issues, Real Solutions.”

“The idea behind the African American clergy group and the city of Renton getting together was to create a relationship so that we can begin talk to the community, look at problematic areas and put together solutions as a team to avoid things that came up of that nature,” said Rev. Dr. Linda Smith, pastor of SKY Urban Empowerment Center.

The forum, structured like a mini-conference, is an opportunity for community members to gather and talk about various issues surrounding law enforcement, justice system, employment, equity and other issues the city faces.

“If an incident happens in the city of Renton where there’s an encounter with a police and a citizen, we talk about it and we discuss it,” Smith said. “We talk about how people can file complaints if there is an issue about if they felt like police didn’t act appropriately… that’s for anyone, not just for African Americans. So I think in that respect, making people knowledgeable in the processes and having the cooperation and partnership with the police department has opened up the communication.”

The forum series also has an ongoing employment component, where the city representatives offer information about job opportunities, interview hacks and support for everyone. So far, there have been three forums, each focusing on various aspects of police-community accountability and various social issues.

“It has been very rewarding being able to get direct feedback and understanding the perspective of the community and their concerns,” said Deputy Chief Ed VanValey. “With each session we are able to take information back to our individual departments and work on a better way to do business.”

The most recent forum took place on President’s Day at Living Hope Christian Fellowship. The forum began with a play about Rosa Parks put on by middle schoolers from across the district. As Pastor George Houston, member of the African American clergy of Renton, welcomed the crowd, he made it a point to say that the forum was not a racial reconciliation conference, but it hopes to achieve just that.

“We changed the format in this community forum to openly discuss issues including law enforcement, employment, social issues, and education,” said VanValey. “It was an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships, open community dialogue, and have candid conversations about important community topics. With each session we have increased our efforts for transparency and answered some tough questions as to why and how we do what we do.”

“In the small groups, they are gathering information about ways that eliminate or build better relationships, have open communication with local police department and government officials,” said Smith.

While it’s hard to calculate success with such a forum, Smith is optimistic about the positive outcomes.

“A solution is to keep talking,” she said. “When you can come to the table and have a voice about it, and there is information to either support it or not support it, it diffuses a lot of the misconceptions you have about the community. Opening up communication is a real solution.“

The police department and the African American clergy are also working with schools to provide resources and continue to the conversation with students.

“I’ve always believed in people and I’ve always believed that people are entitled to the gift of life,” Smith said. “People are entitled to good education, good jobs, good environment to live in and a safe dwelling place. It’s the city that says I do care about the people. Renton is putting action behind words.”

The next forum is scheduled in April will be held in Renton Community Center.