A look into how Kansas City is creating safer communities through innovative justice approaches with Decarcerate KC.
Decarcerate KC is on a mission to create a Kansas City free of the harmful cycles of incarceration and over-policing. Through raising awareness, organizing community power, and fostering systemic change, this multiracial, multigenerational movement envisions a city where safety is rooted in care, restoration, and transformation—not punishment.
At the heart of Decarcerate KC’s work is their commitment to those directly impacted by incarceration and policing. By centering their voices and experiences, the organization challenges systemic inequities and works to dismantle structures that disproportionately harm Black and Brown people, women, and those living in poverty. Decarcerate KC focuses on replacing these flawed systems with life-affirming institutions that prioritize accountability, equity, and collective well-being.
A Bold Vision for Public Safety
Decarcerate KC is rethinking what public safety means. With a North Star of abolition and collective liberation, the organization advocates for transforming traditional systems of policing and incarceration into structures that nurture communities. This vision is being realized through their Community Safety Hubs, neighborhood-based groups where residents come together to imagine a safer, more equitable future beyond the confines of current systems. These hubs emphasize collaboration, dialogue, and innovative thinking.
Another hallmark of Decarcerate KC’s activism is their #NoNewJailKC campaign. Kansas City is considering building a new municipal jail on top of the already-under-construction Jackson County jail. Decarcerate KC argues that building more jail infrastructure only perpetuates racial and economic injustice, as it inevitably results in the incarceration of more Black and Brown individuals and people experiencing poverty. Instead, they urge the city to invest in programs and institutions that uplift communities rather than punish them.
Community Engagement Through Education and Action
Education is a critical pillar of Decarcerate KC’s work. Their book club fosters deep discussions about abolition, justice, and collective power, promoting a shared understanding of the issues and potential solutions. Additionally, the Reimagining Safety Street Team takes activism to the streets, distributing surveys, hosting events, and inspiring conversations about public safety.
To further involve the community, Decarcerate KC invites residents to participate in their Reimagining Safety Survey. This short survey helps gather insights into how Kansas Citians perceive safety, guiding the organization’s ongoing efforts to create meaningful, people-centered change.
Join the Movement
Decarcerate KC is not just an organization—it’s a movement. Whether by attending a Community Safety Hub meeting, joining the Street Team, or amplifying the message of #NoNewJailKC, there are countless ways to get involved. Together, Kansas City can move closer to a future where safety and justice are defined by care, equity, and empowerment.
Take the survey and learn how you can be part of the change by visiting https://actionnetwork.org/forms/decarcerate-kc-public-safety-survey-2023/
#DecarcerateKC #JusticeReform #CommunityChange
