Community Defense Model
Community Defense Model
Section titled “Community Defense Model”Community defense is more than rapid response—it’s a philosophy of how communities protect and support each other.
What is Community Defense?
Section titled “What is Community Defense?”Core Concept
Section titled “Core Concept”Community defense means communities taking collective responsibility for protecting their members, especially those most vulnerable to harm.
It’s not about replacing law enforcement—it’s about recognizing that some community members cannot rely on law enforcement for protection, and in fact may be targeted by it.
Key Principles
Section titled “Key Principles”1. Community-led
- Those most affected lead the work
- Decisions are made by the community
- Outside organizations support, not lead
2. Solidarity, not charity
- We’re all in this together
- Supporting each other is mutual
- No saviors, just neighbors
3. Collective power
- Individuals are vulnerable
- Communities are powerful
- We’re stronger together
4. Harm reduction
- We can’t prevent all harm
- We can reduce harm when possible
- We support those who are harmed
The Model in Practice
Section titled “The Model in Practice”Layers of Defense
Section titled “Layers of Defense”Community defense operates in layers:
Layer 1: Prevention
- Know Your Rights education
- Family emergency planning
- Legal resources ready
- Community awareness
Layer 2: Early Warning
- Patrol and monitoring
- Community reporting
- Information sharing
- Alert systems
Layer 3: Active Response
- Verification and broadcast
- Documentation
- Legal observation
- Family support
Layer 4: Aftermath Support
- Legal connection
- Family assistance
- Community healing
- Learning and improving
Roles in the Model
Section titled “Roles in the Model”Everyone can participate:
- Broadcast recipients stay informed
- Reporters share what they see
- Patrol members monitor regularly
- Verifiers confirm information
- Responders document and support
- Admins coordinate
- Supporters provide resources
No role is more important than another. The grandmother who stays inside and calls her neighbor is as important as the verifier in the field.
Relationship to Other Movements
Section titled “Relationship to Other Movements”Mutual Aid
Section titled “Mutual Aid”Community defense is a form of mutual aid:
- People helping people
- Horizontal, not hierarchical
- Based on solidarity
- Meeting real needs
Transformative Justice
Section titled “Transformative Justice”Community defense can incorporate:
- Alternatives to calling police
- Accountability processes
- Healing approaches
- Addressing root causes
Immigrant Rights Movement
Section titled “Immigrant Rights Movement”Community defense is one tactic within a broader movement:
- Policy advocacy
- Legal challenges
- Electoral work
- Direct action
- Community organizing
All these approaches work together.
Building Community Defense
Section titled “Building Community Defense”Start Where You Are
Section titled “Start Where You Are”In your neighborhood:
- Know your neighbors
- Build relationships
- Share resources
- Look out for each other
In your networks:
- Talk about these issues
- Share information
- Build trust
- Identify how you can help
Expand Outward
Section titled “Expand Outward”Connect to existing efforts:
- Immigrant rights organizations
- Mutual aid networks
- Religious communities
- Labor organizations
Fill gaps:
- What isn’t being done?
- Who isn’t being reached?
- What resources are missing?
Build Infrastructure
Section titled “Build Infrastructure”Communication:
- How do people share information?
- How do alerts go out?
- Who coordinates?
Resources:
- Legal support
- Financial resources
- Physical supplies
- Human capacity
Training:
- Know Your Rights
- Rapid response protocols
- Role-specific skills
- Ongoing education
Community Defense Values
Section titled “Community Defense Values”Centering Those Most Affected
Section titled “Centering Those Most Affected”The people most at risk should be:
- Consulted in decisions
- Centered in solutions
- Respected as experts
- Supported in leadership
Rejecting Hero Narratives
Section titled “Rejecting Hero Narratives”Community defense is not about:
- Individual heroes
- Saviors coming to help
- Outsiders knowing best
- Recognition or glory
Community defense is about:
- Collective effort
- Mutual support
- Solidarity
- Shared power
Security Culture
Section titled “Security Culture”Protecting information protects people:
- Share only what’s needed
- Protect identities
- Use secure communication
- Think before posting
Sustainable Practice
Section titled “Sustainable Practice”This work requires:
- Self-care
- Community care
- Realistic expectations
- Long-term thinking
Challenges and Tensions
Section titled “Challenges and Tensions”Urgency vs. Sustainability
Section titled “Urgency vs. Sustainability”Tension: The need is urgent, but we can’t burn out.
Balance: Build systems that can respond urgently while maintaining sustainability.
Security vs. Accessibility
Section titled “Security vs. Accessibility”Tension: Security practices can make participation harder.
Balance: Appropriate security for each context, with clear paths for involvement.
Action vs. Planning
Section titled “Action vs. Planning”Tension: We need to act now, but we also need to plan.
Balance: Start acting while continuing to develop, iterate as you learn.
Local vs. Connected
Section titled “Local vs. Connected”Tension: Local focus matters, but connections provide resources.
Balance: Root in local community while connecting to broader movements.
Growing the Model
Section titled “Growing the Model”In Your Community
Section titled “In Your Community”- Build relationships first - Trust takes time
- Start with what’s needed - Listen to community
- Add capacity gradually - Don’t overcommit
- Learn continuously - Adapt as you go
Connecting with Others
Section titled “Connecting with Others”- Share learnings with other networks
- Adapt what works elsewhere
- Contribute to the broader movement
- Build regional and national connections
Long-term Vision
Section titled “Long-term Vision”Community defense is part of a larger vision:
- Communities that care for all their members
- Systems that support human dignity
- Justice for all people
- A world where this work isn’t necessary
Living the Model
Section titled “Living the Model”Daily Practices
Section titled “Daily Practices”- Know your neighbors
- Share information
- Support those in need
- Build trust
In Crisis
Section titled “In Crisis”- Respond with what you have
- Coordinate with others
- Document and support
- Care for each other
Always
Section titled “Always”- Remember why we do this
- Stay connected to purpose
- Take care of yourself and others
- Keep going
Resources
Section titled “Resources”Models to Learn From
Section titled “Models to Learn From”- Protect RP (Chicago) - Neighborhood defense model
- NYSLYC ICE Watch - Statewide rapid response
- States at the Core (STAC) - Training and coordination
- United We Dream - National immigrant youth network
Further Reading
Section titled “Further Reading”- “Community Defense” resources from immigrant rights organizations
- Mutual aid organizing guides
- Transformative justice frameworks
- Movement history and theory
Training Opportunities
Section titled “Training Opportunities”- Local immigrant rights organizations
- National training programs
- Legal observer trainings
- Know Your Rights facilitation training
Community defense is not just what we do—it’s how we relate to each other and our shared humanity. We protect each other because we’re connected. We’re stronger together.