Dreaming Into Collective Futures: Open Call

About

Thinking about how policing has impacted you can be challenging and have negative effects on your health and wellbeing. If you’d like to connect to support and resources, click here.

In March 2023, Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) asked children between the ages of 4 and 10 to create artwork with the prompt "what does policing mean to you?" This police propaganda is concerning because it ignores the harm that Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities have experienced from police violence and surveillance. This example of police marketing as "the good guys" and "our protectors" is particularly harmful in targeting young children who are still developing their critical thinking skills. Their artwork would ostensibly be used to promote the false narrative that police are always on the side of justice and safety, despite the reality of harm and death that police have inflicted upon our communities.

We reject this attempt to normalize and glorify policing, especially when it erases the voices and experiences of those who have been most impacted by police violence. We believe that it is crucial to engage in conversations and initiatives that actively work towards abolition and decolonization, rather than reinforcing harmful power dynamics.

Why does this matter?

Time and time again, we have witnessed how police systems are designed to control and punish communities. Attempts to reform the police have not worked, and year after year, police budgets increase while funding for much-needed social service supports decrease. Policing creates more division, violence, and criminalization in our communities.

We need to imagine new ways of keeping communities safe that involve care and accountability instead of police power. 

The ask

We want to hear about your experiences with policing and how it has impacted you, your connections, and your community. We understand that policing affects individuals and communities in different ways, and we welcome submissions that reflect these varied experiences.

Note: We recognize that conversations about the harms of policing and justice can be difficult and triggering. We prioritize your well-being and safety, and you are not required to share any experiences that may cause distress or discomfort.

We also want to see and hear your vision for creating safer communities. Here are some questions to consider:

What would a community look like without police?

What can we do in our daily lives to work towards abolition and decolonization?

How can restorative and transformative justice contribute to making neighborhoods safer?

What forms of mutual aid and care can we offer each other to address harm and violence?

Why is building relationships and accountability crucial in creating safer communities?

We invite you to use your creativity and share your unique perspectives with us. We believe that your submissions can spark important conversations and inspire positive change in our communities. As abolitionist and community organizer Mariame Kaba says, "When something can't be fixed, then the question is: What can we build instead?"

We want to hear from you

Click here for more details/guidelines the call-out and submission form.