Support Community-Led Unarmed Crisis Response

ICPJ works toward non-violence in our communities, knowing that this can only be achieved through genuine racial and economic equity and justice and by uprooting systems of oppression. Many in our communities have fallen into the misconception that we can only achieve peace through the use of guns and force. But we know that this path has only led to disproportionate violence and imprisonment of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, and further entrenches us into a cycle of violence. Our vision is for communities in which residents work together to heal the harms of past generations and create community-led responses to crises. Knowing that we have the experience and skills, and the compassion and creativity to solve crises in our community without replicating patterns of violence and harm, ICPJ enthusiastically supports the CROS proposal. We are ready to join with other community partners to create new solutions that move our communities closer toward our vision of justice and nonviolence.

Here’s what you can do today to get involved in building an unarmed, non-police response in Ann Arbor:

1. Sign onto the CROS plan and share it with your networks!

2. Fill out this form for Ann Arbor ARPA funds to go towards unarmed response!
The City of Ann Arbor would like to know which projects Ann Arborites would recommend to be funded using the $24 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that the city will receive. Fill out the form and vote for unarmed response today!

3. Create your personal endorsement graphic!
Follow this link, then click “edit” to open the image studio on your browser. You’ll be to upload a photo of yourself, and add in a quote about why you support unarmed, non-police response in your community. When you’re done editing, click “export” on the top right to download your image and post it! If you prefer to use Canva, click this link here.

Creation your personal endorsement video!
Share a 30 second recorded video of either your statement or how you, your family, neighborhood, workplace, etc. would benefit from a non-police response program. Please send your items to the CROS email by Friday COB, February 11.

4. Are you part of an organization? Email CROS to endorse the plan!

5. Email CROS  to volunteer.

6. Follow CROS on Facebook and Instagram and share our pages!

Join the Public Forum on February 16th

Review of the History: The City of Ann Arbor passed a resolution this past April stating that they would develop an Unarmed Public Safety Response Program. CROS formed in response, with the mission to create a program that would truly serve the needs of our community. The CROS plan is the only plan put forward so far (see the detailed CROS memo challenging the narrative put forth by City administration and the Washtenaw County Sheriff Office) and it was made by and for the community based on thorough research from other models across the country as well as in depth conversations with community members and leaders in Washtenaw County. You can find details on the plan, who we are, and links to our social media and petition here

Why Endorse? This coming March, the city is poised to designate money from ARPA funds to a program for community response. We have just a few more weeks to ensure that this program is created outside of police jurisdiction, funded by the city, and run by the community. We are gathering endorsements from individual community members in order to show the city that there is broad public support for CROS’s plan!