Good Apple Initiative is a new, collaborative approach to transform the culture of public safety

Whether you're a good apple within law enforcement, government, media or the court system, or in our businesses and communities, Good Apple Initiative is your invitation to take action, together.

The seeds of Good Apple Initiative were planted in peaceful community activism. As Jaleel Stallings peacefully protested after the murder of George Floyd, he was confronted by the very thing he was speaking out against -- police brutality.

A Minneapolis SWAT team, firing from an unmarked cargo van, shot Jaleel with a "less-lethal" 40mm round. Because Jaleel believed the shooters were white supremacists Governor Walz had warned citizens about earlier that day, he shot at the ground near the van to disrupt the attack.

When he realized the shooters were police, Jaleel dropped his legally registered firearm and surrendered, laying face-down on the pavement, holding his empty hands above his head. Jaleel did not defend himself when officers kicked and punched him in the head, stomach, chest and back for more than 30 seconds.

Jaleel was arrested and faced trial for several charges, including attempted murder. He was eventually acquitted of all charges by a jury, but faced incredible challenges defending his truth at every turn --- from his arrest and trial, through his attempts to hold the offending officers accountable for their crimes.

Jaleel knows his experience is not unique, and he is committed to interrupting this cycle of brutality and abuse of power. He founded Good Apple Initiative because he believes there are good apples in every branch of law enforcement and government, as well as within the communities they serve. Only by supporting the good apples and working together can we build confidence, connection and trust in public safety within our communities.

Here are a few ways you can help:

1. Join in our Work

Visit WeAreGoodApples.org to pledge your commitment to our collaborative approach, and join in our efforts to make our communities safer for everyone.

2. Share Your Insights and Ideas:

We each have a unique perspective, to see opportunities for change and gaps that need to be addressed. Please share:

faults within the systems of policing and justice
policies or processes that aren't successfully being implemented
needed support that could bolster the influence of good officers; or
ideas for policing and justice systems to more efficiently, effectively and safely serve our communities

We're working to establish a confidential system for submitting these ideas and suggestions. Until then, please reach out via email to share your suggestions, or to set up a coffee or phone call.

3. Share Your Skills and Service + Materials and Assets:

It takes a community to stand together and demand change. We appreciate your willingness to volunteer time and skills to help our efforts.

Likewise, we're glad to accept products, materials or other assets you'd like to share in support of our mission! Whether it's a ream of paper, printing or delivery services, the occasional use of a conference room, food and beverages for a meeting or event, or something we haven't even realized we need yet, we welcome the offer.

4. Contribute Financially

An awkward and unfortunate truth of nonprofit work: We need your donations to do the work.

If you're able to make a tax-deductible contribution to help us get started, we'd be honored to have your help. Many Minnesota employers match employee gifts, which may allow you to double your impact!

ANY donation of money, skill, time or talent is appreciated!

5. Make Introductions and Connections

to individuals and organizations that may be enthusiastic partners or supporters.

6. Share Good Apple Initiative with Others

Please tell others about Good Apple Initiative and share our work with anyone who might be interested in our mission.

Follow Good Apple Initiative on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Comment to add your perspective, and share posts with good apples in your life. Pass along this KARE 11 segment and Minnesota Reformer article about Good Apple Initiative.

7. Invite the Conversation to a Conference Room or Community Room Near You

If your business or organization is interested in hearing from Jaleel or learning more about collaborative efforts toward systemic change, we're eager to talk with you to coordinate just the right experience.

Contact Good Apple Initiative Executive Director, Shelly Dvorak, at Shelly@WeAreGoodApples.org.

Cheers to Good Apples everywhere!

We are tremendously grateful for your suggestions, assistance, donations and participation in support of Good Apple Initiative.

Good Apple Initiative is a public charity under IRC Section 501(c)(3), so any donations you make to Good Apple Initiative via this site are tax deductible. Unless otherwise designated, all donations received will be applied as the Good Apple Initiative team determines funding is most needed / most impactful. Any donation is appreciated.

Launching Good Apple Initiative

Help us launch Good Apple Initiative to transform the culture of policing and justice in Minnesota

Team Members