Frank Smith is a husband, father, writer and teacher – all roles about which he is passionate. He once lived on a remote island in South Carolina, doing community service and teaching in the two-teacher elementary school. The experience greatly effected him in wanting to always be open to people whose lives were different from his in many ways, realizing there is always common ground that joins us.
Frank feels the work of the TRC is very important. He has invested considerable effort in doing personal healing work around events in his own life, and understands the importance of giving voice to the wounds and offenses one has experienced. He also knows from personal experience the importance and value of being witness for others who seek to give voice to the wounds and offenses against them. He views being witness as sacred work. It serves also to heal those who listen, whether they were in any way involved or directly responsible – or not the source of the wound and hurt. These kinds of exchanges, of giving voice and listening, are what touches the deepest part of the common ground between people. Frank feels honored and appreciative of being invited to participate as a statement gatherer.
