Imagining a Police-Free Future

Dear John,

Last Sunday, a veto-proof majority of the Minneapolis City Council announced their intention to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and re-imagine public safety from the ground up.

It will be a long journey, but this is a massive step forward for the city of Minneapolis, the country as a whole, and the entire movement for Black lives.

As a multiracial organization, we’re following the leadership and guidance of Black-led organizations and Black leadership within TakeAction Minnesota.

We don’t have all the answers, but this is a crisis that has been in the making for 150 years.

As we organize for a better, safer world, we want to hear from you. What is your vision for public safety that includes all of our neighbors? What questions do you have? Take our survey and let us know.

Many Minnesotans are coming to terms with the fact that police departments like MPD cannot be reformed.

We are not starting from scratch, and we can make historic change together. Our community has abundant wisdom, resources, and leadership -- especially from Black folks who have been pushing us to imagine a world beyond policing for years. 

The transformation of our systems is not only the work of one city council, or one group of activists. This is a global conversation. No matter your race, gender, or where you live, you have a role to play.

Let’s be clear: we’re not going to get rid of support for folks who are in dangerous situations or who need help in times of crisis. Instead, we’re finding alternatives that are rooted in justice, care, and healing – and systems that actually keep us safe.

We have to do something different because what we're doing now isn't working.

TakeAction is a member-driven organization and we want to hear from you. Take five minutes and let us know what you’re thinking and feeling right now.

It’s going to take a lot of work, but together, we know we can figure it out.

Onward,

Sabrina Mauritz

Organizing Director