Committee hears presentation on Resilience High Point’s Compassion Charter

The Transparency, Engagement and Communication Committee on Monday received a presentation on the Resilience High Point Compassion Charter, a community initiative focused on addressing adverse childhood experiences and trauma in High Point.

Damon Ducane, assistant city manager, introduced the item and said the committee would “receive a presentation regarding Resilience High Point’s Compassion Charter, delivered by Miss Charlene Gladney.” Charlene Gladney described Resilience High Point as a group formed in 2019 to begin addressing ACEs — adverse childhood experiences — and trauma, and said the organization’s strategies include trainings, convenings, a “bridge” program and a compassion effort.

"Compassion is reciprocal. It builds on itself," Gladney said, describing the charter as a "statement of intent" and listing activities such as "Seen and Heard" listening events, trainings, and community communication tools. Gladney cited a pair of examples used in the presentation: a widely reported case of a Swiss photographer who died after being passed by bystanders and the nonprofit model "City of Refuge," which the presentation said has combined housing, on-site services and vocational training to help people exit homelessness.

Councilman Patrick Harmon — who disclosed he serves on the Resilience High Point board and said he had consulted the city attorney about potential conflicts — urged the committee to consider the charter and noted the effort was inspired by research and examples from other places. Councilwoman Amanda Cook thanked presenters for getting the item on the committee agenda quickly and said she hoped the presentation would be seen as a first step toward "a new High Point that is more connected and more compassionate."

Committee members asked about expectations if the city were to adopt the charter. Gladney said signing the charter is a commitment to "try to be more compassionate" in municipal dealings and that the trainings and events the organization offers are provided at no cost to the city. The presentation also mentioned screenings (the presentation referenced the film The Antidote) as a tool for giving participants another viewpoint on issues and possible solutions.

Chairman Michael Holmes asked staff to schedule a fuller briefing for the entire council so members who have not yet reviewed the charter can see the details before any formal action. Ducane agreed to pursue a managers’ briefing and additional presentation to the full council.

The discussion produced no formal motion or vote; presenters and council members indicated interest in further review and wider briefing to the full council.

The committee then moved on to other agenda items.