Finding Common Ground in the Tahoma Community
Dear Tahoma Community,
In recent years, I have witnessed a growing divide within our community, marked by the rise of tribal politics and the unfortunate tendency to label those with differing viewpoints as extreme, often without engaging in constructive dialogue or seeking to understand the nuances of each perspective. This divide has manifested in various ways, from online group censorship to challenges within the Tahoma School District itself. While this polarization is certainly not unique to Tahoma, it is a challenge we must collectively confront to address the issues we currently face.
I am a native of Maple Valley/Black Diamond, who, after leaving for military service at age 20, returned to this area after serving 13 years in Air Force Special Operations. My experiences, like yours, have shaped my beliefs. I am proud to be a Tahoma Parents supporter who has contributed both financially and through projects such as their mobile application. I believe that this organization has been working hard to give those a voice who feel their concerns go unheard. However, I write this letter as an individual and have requested it to be published by Tahoma Parents on my behalf.
Like many other parents in the district, my wife and I saw our children’s educational experience decline at Tahoma due to lacking leadership. We did not feel it was a proper environment after learning about shocking events and seeing a decline in academic standards. As such we decided to pull our children from the district. I understand however, that not every parent has the ability to do this. I also care about my community so I seek to continue participating in the school district in hopes that we can return Tahoma to its foundational values.
We are all painfully aware of the incidents of sexual abuse and the lack of accountability that have deeply scarred our district. These events have shaken our community to its core, making it crucial that we come together to address these wounds and work toward healing and prevention. In times of adversity, it is unity, empathy, and open communication that are our greatest assets.
To achieve this unity, I personally believe the community must work towards the following principles:
Respectful Discourse: Let us engage in respectful and empathetic conversations with one another. Recognizing that diverse perspectives enrich our community, we must understand that open dialogue is the cornerstone of progress.
I am unapologetically a Christian who loves Jesus, and I believe that certain viewpoints should not be taught to my children at school. However, I also acknowledge that many do not share my belief system and believe that not teaching certain topics can perpetuate a negative impact. We must be able to discuss these matters without letting conversations devolve into false claims of bigotry or extremism. We should strive for productive discourse, as there is always common ground to be found, such as the shared desire for a safe environment for our children.
We don’t have to agree on thought, but we can agree to remain civil.Active Listening: Let us actively listen to one another's experiences and concerns, fostering an environment where we seek to understand, not to diminish. We often rush to criticize others' thought processes, searching for technicalities to devalue their opinions. We must move away from this behavior and genuinely strive to understand, even when we do not agree.
Seek Understanding: We should endeavor to understand the reasons behind different viewpoints, even when we may not agree with them. This empathetic approach can bridge divides and create common ground.
Accountability and Healing: For the sake of those affected by recent incidents, we must demand accountability and seek healing together. We must make meaningful change to correct course. I don’t personally have the answers on the “best” way to do this, but we can be civil in demanding and discussing the various viewpoints on how to determine the correct path.
Together, we can work towards healing and preventing such tragedies from happening again.Community Engagement: Let us come together in various community forums, both online and offline, to discuss the issues that affect us all. Through active participation, we can find innovative solutions and strengthen the bonds that hold us together. Join your PTAs and attend school board meetings. Contribute your thoughts to Tahoma websites and blogs as they are great mediums for disseminating information. No matter how you involve yourself, your involvement matters and makes an impact.
The culture of our district reflects that of our community. If we cannot find common ground, even on fundamental issues like accountability and child safety, our district will continue to struggle.
With a pivotal school board election underway, we need to allow the candidates to address how they will help remedy the issues. Ask them tough questions and hold them accountable, but do so with civility and honor, or else we will never come together. We've all heard the quote, 'A house divided cannot stand,' and I wholeheartedly believe in it.
Let's work toward positive principles and begin the process of healing and reconciliation within our Tahoma community. Change requires time and effort, but I firmly believe that by finding common ground through these principles, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and compassionate community for ourselves and future generations.
Justin Gielski is a parent, veteran, local business owner, and American Ninja Warrior who strives to see a productive Maple Valley community.