A letter to Boulder's Children and Youth (and their adult allies who might help share this letter):
Thank you for being a part of the Reimagining Policing journey to ensure that our city is safer for all community members, especially those impacted by policing. We have reached the end of the planning process, and the Reimagine Policing plan will be reviewed and voted upon by City Council this Thursday, 9/7.
Because your voices are so valuable, and it is critical that City Council hear your perspectives as they make decisions around next steps, we invite you to directly share with City Council your feedback about the plan itself or your experience about the process of giving input to the plan. You may do this by:
- Testifying before Council this Thursday, 9/7, or
- Submitting your feedback electronically to council before 9/7
Here are the details for how to participate:
- Testify: To testify in-person at city council chambers or online, you MUST register in advance. The sign-up form opened this morning, Friday, 9/1 and will close on Wednesday, 9/6 at 2 pm. You get 2 minutes to talk during the Public Hearing (agenda item 5) on 9/7 after 6 pm (although likely around 7 or 8 pm)
- Electronic submission: If you have a video, art, or written words to share, complete this form by 9/6; the form allows for attachments.
Testifying or submitting information in Spanish is welcomed, and there will be interpretation at the council meeting.
Finally, here are some ideas of how you might share:
- Write a statement/letter
- Speak from your heart using the open mic to share your experience and recommendations for next steps
- Create a short video or tiktok
- Share a voice memo with your statement
- Create and share a poster, art or spoken word
- Reference the GUB/MMH youth engagement reports
You may share anything you think is important for the City Council to know regarding the Reimagine Policing plan. You can also speak to:
- Feedback on the plan
- Your experience being involved in the process itself
- Hopes, fears and expectations
If you would like additional support in either the creation of or in the delivery of your open comment, please reach out to us, we are happy to support!
