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Mike Butler, Longmont public safety chief, believes Longmont is in a transition period of growth and that residents could contribute social capital to further bolster a healthy city.
"In theory, the more people we can invite and who are willing to engage in trying to solve our mental health issues, homelessness and those who are living in a fight or flight mentality - the better. This isn't just about service providers. I have lived here for 40 years, I am personally and acutely aware of the significant goodness that resides here, in Longmont," states Butler.
For these reasons, Butler assisted in an effort to bring Dr. Bruce Perry, author of "The Boy Who was Raised As a Dog," to speak on November 11 from 6-9 p.m. at the Vance Brand Auditorium (600 E. Mountain View Ave.). The event is free to the public, although registration is required.
Perry is a world renounced researcher whose work demonstrates the power of empathy and support to help heal traumatized children and adults. Perry's brain research focuses on how a person's fight or flight impulses compel them to make fear-based decisions.
"We live in a time where there's a lot of isolation and disconnectedness. People are hungry to be a part of something better - they don't know how to do that. What we are taking on is the how part. How to coordinate the gifts that our community residents have and use their want to help the bigger picture," Butler said.
Butler sees the visit as a chance for all Longmont residents to learn more about childhood trauma, and what it takes to grow a healthy community.
"So we have a brain on trauma and a brain on love - how do we get from there to here? Perry will be a great speaker for our community," Butler said.
