Who we are

Founded in June 2020, Defund the GRPD is a coalition of several grassroots groups and movements:
Grand Rapids Area Mutual Aid Network
Together We Are Safe
Movimiento Cosecha GR
GR Rapid Response to ICE
People’s Budget GR
Justice for Black Lives (joined March 2021)

Our 2020 Accomplishments

  • Hosted a week of action including a press conference
  • Hosted a virtual panel discussion with community leaders on defunding the police
  • 2,041 emails sent to city officials (1,651 about defunding the police)
  • Many direct actions including city official home visits, chalk events, and more
  • Launched our alternatives to police magnets and distributed 736 so far
  • Distributed about 200 children’s books about community, organizing, and activism within overpoliced communities
  • 8 city commission and committee of the whole summaries posted.
  • Raised $2,470 for books, magnets, and materials!
  • Launched our very first 2020 Worst of Grand Rapids Awards in collaboration with Grand Rapids Tenant Union and Justice for Black Lives
Learn why we believe defunding the GRPD will benefit our community.

Accountability

To have a future without police, we must practice community accountability in which we don’t call armed enforcers who incarcerate to deal with our conflicts and problems.  ​

Learning more

Learn what steps other communities have taken to defund their police departments, and what the vision can ultimately look like.
Share stories about interactions with the GRPD.

Alternatives to police

When we talk about defunding the police, we must in the same breath talk about refunding the communities so those resources can be used for alternatives to the police. 

Be part of the movement

 We are building a movement of the people, and we need your help!