Friend,

In the midst of this election year, one issue we do not want to neglect is the critical importance of defending the rights and safety of our communities in cities and towns nationwide.

And let's face it. If recent events have shown us anything, it is that our nation's overreliance on police and incarceration has not made us safer. On the contrary, it has enabled a culture of government surveillance and police violence – while sacrificing essential services and disproportionately harming Black and brown people, people experiencing mental health issues, and people who are unhoused.

It's time for real, community-focused safety solutions, ACLU Supporter. That's why the ACLU is calling for three achievable and evidence-based changes. If you're with us, add your name to urge local and state leaders to take the following actions:

1. Repeal laws that lead to an unnecessary police response – like those that ban people experiencing homelessness from sleeping outside, encourage traffic stops for minor violations, criminalize abortion care and gender affirming care, and those that direct police to target immigrant communities.
2. Fund Alternative Crisis Response – also known as "ACR" – programs. Programs that send trained experts, like social workers, instead of police to calls involving people who are experiencing mental and behavioral health crises.
3. Adequately fund housing and community services like mental health and addiction treatment, rather than maximizing funding for police.

ACLU Supporter, our elected leaders have chosen to underinvest in essential community services that keep us safe while expanding the reach and power of law enforcement. It's past time to make a change.

Add your name to our petition today – and together, we can achieve true public safety for us all.

In solidarity,

Ellen Flenniken
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Deputy Director, Justice