DASHR believes that our communities deserve a better response to conflict and crisis and works to transform the narrative of public safety.
Below are some of the principles that connect our coalition:
- We value prioritizing basic human rights and dignity over all else
- We believe in community-driven transformation
- We believe in lifting the voices and needs of those most impacted by violence as well as larger issues of poverty and systemic racism
- We believe in interconnectedness shaping equitable, respectful interactions in times of crisis
- We believe in collaboration to provide support to individuals and families in conflict or crisis
When it comes to our priorities in ensuring safety and navigating conflict and crisis, the below is an order of operations of sorts of ideas and tactics that don’t involve using the criminal justice system or otherwise systems of violence.
Community Empowerment
- Education
- Community-building
- Employment
Basic Human Needs
- Ending food insecurity
- Decriminalizing homelessness, ensuring basic shelter for all
- Access to healthcare/health services
Initial Response to Emergencies
- Immediate first aid
- De-escalation
- Navigation of mental health crises using clinicians
- Overdose treatment
- Medical Response
Healing After Conflict/Crisis Has Occurred
- Restorative practices
- Transformative justice
- Counseling
Transforming Safety Wheel
Instead of viewing our alternative vision for public safety as an order of operations with a Point A to Point B approach, we also frame this vision as a wheel of constantly navigating crises as presented below.
