Law & Justice Day was held March 8, 2019 at the Kitsap County Administration Building in Port Orchard. Class members took an in-depth look at Kitsap’s law and justice institutions. It was a powerful day reflective of our Positive Leadership capacity of Community Building.
“Community Building is about providing people with a platform to be their best selves. The more meaningfully connected we are to our communities, the better versions of ourselves we become.” – Positive Leadership
Jon Rauch (LK17), Bremerton Kitsap Access Television (BKAT) Program Director, led off the day by sharing opportunities for the class to use Leadership Kitsap’s BKAT Membership to check out equipment and how to use BKAT’s services to promote their projects and community partners. Project Co-Chairs Alex Cervantes (LK18) and Ashley Oaksmith (LK18) followed up the conversation with project team reports.
Board Member Jennifer Yeaman (LK11) facilitated an activity focused on the Positive Leadership capacity of Community Building. One participant shared, “Community building is paramount to leadership. In order to create positive change, you need to build a strong community of people who are like-minded in order to progress towards a state of thriving.” The theme was woven throughout the day.
Undersheriff John Gese (LK04), facilitated a law enforcement panel discussion with Kitsap County Sheriff Gary Simpson (LK97), Bainbridge Island Police Chief Jeff Horn (LK17), Suquamish Police Chief Mike Lasnier, and Bremerton Police Chief Jim Burchett. One participant reflected on the discussion, “[I learned] law enforcement is the last responder and the last line of defense with minimal resources.” Among the many topics covered were how the various local law enforcement agencies work together.
Keith Hines and Kim Bailock from the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office shared the complexities of the sentencing process.
Following lunch, the class was given a tour of the Kitsap County jail facility and got a first-hand look at life behind bars. The tours were led by Lt. Penelope Sapp (LK11) and Sgt. Scott Billingsley (LK16).
Janel McFeat, Program Manager, with the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Re-entry Project with Regina Avery, Valerie Jones, Michael Robinson, Lt. Penny Sapp, and Donel Steves shared “Breaking the Cycle – The Welcome Home Project” restorative justice model. Their powerful discussion of re-entry and rehabilitation reinforced the day’s theme of community building.
Our Law & Justice Day was an inspiring day of learning how our community is coming together to serve, protect, defend, and restore Kitsap. Thank you to our many presenters, and to our Challenge Day sponsors Corner Bakery Cafe, Kitsap County Administration, Kitsap County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild, and Sanchez, Mitchell, Eastman, & Cure, PSC Attorneys at Law.