When Kendrick said they not like us, we felt that.
We’re not waiting on anyone to protect and serve our communities. We are taking our care into our own hands and we want to inspire the first 400 of you reading this right now to join us on this journey.
We check in. We step up. We make sure our people are safe because if we don’t, who will?
And March isn’t making it any easier. From mass federal layoffs to a nonstop cycle of bad news, the struggle is real.
Meanwhile, police killings are on the rise—a grim reminder that calling 911 in a crisis too often puts our loved ones in greater danger instead of getting them the help they need.
That’s why we’re calling on our Sistas and allies to become 1M4 Ambassadors. Community members committed to lead, to share, and to make sure The Right Response directory and all our safety focused partnerships reach those who need it most.
Because no one should have to navigate a crisis alone and we have a RIGHT to safety.
Remember: sustainable leadership means taking care of yourself, too. These resources aren’t just for other people. Use them. Lean on them. Shield/protect those you love most.
Sign up for a 30minute Ambassador training session below. We’ll share everything you need to know about our organization, our resources, and the ways in which you will step up to shield your local community and family from harm.
It’s time to step up and speak out.
“Ignore the glass ceiling and do your work. If you’re focusing on the glass ceiling, focusing on what you don’t have, focusing on limitations, then you will be limited.”
— Ava DuVernay
Become a 1M4 Ambassador
Your Expertise is Needed!
We’re completely revamping The Right Response Directory and need your input to ensure it meets our community’s needs.
This critical resource connects you to alternative first-response programs offering compassionate support through peer responders, clinicians, and trained EMTs for calls like welfare checks, noise complaints, traffic incidents, and mental health crises.
Your feedback is vital for us to improve. Please take a few minutes to complete our confidential survey. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
What We’re Reading
The Richmond Community Police Review Commission is taking steps to expand public access to its complaint process bt proposing a longer filing deadline, allowing anonymous submissions, and broadening oversight authority.
Advocates say these changes will improve police accountability, while the Richmond Police Officers Association argues they’re unnecessary and politically motivated. With police killings on the rise, expanding oversight is more urgent than ever. Read more.
A Mental Health Tip For You!
🍊🥦🥑 When you eat good, you feel good! In honor of National Nutrition Month, we want to remind you that what you eat directly affects your mood and mental health.
Science shows that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods can help reduce anxiety, boost focus, and improve overall brain function. For example:
– leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with folate to regulate mood,
– berries and oranges provide antioxidants that combat stress
– omega-3-rich foods like walnuts and flaxseeds support brain health
But let’s be real—not everyone has access to fresh, healthy food, especially with rising grocery prices. If you’re looking for affordable options, check out your local farmers market, food co-ops, or community gardens.
Many cities also have food hubs, produce subscription boxes, and even churches or mutual aid groups offering fresh food at lower costs. Wherever you can, fuel your mind and body with good nutrition—it’s self-care that starts on your plate!
Spread Some Blessings!
The consequences of police violence extend far beyond the loss of life. For families affected, it’s the loss of income, the sacrifice of basic necessities, and the start of a high-cost legal fight. If you have the capacity, consider donating to 1M4. Proceeds help support impacted families and sustain the work of 1M4 toward ending police violence for good.
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The work continues, but so must our care for ourselves and for each other. We can’t show up for our communities if we’re running on empty. Prioritizing rest, nourishment, and mental well-being isn’t just personal; it’s part of the movement. If you or someone you love is facing a mental health crisis, Community Response and Mobile Crisis Teams can provide urgent, compassionate care without the risks of police intervention. These resources exist to support you—use them, share them, and keep building the networks of care that sustain us.
Together, we lead and rest. |
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We’re training 150 1M4 Ambassadors by April 15th
We want to include you and your local community
Sign up to Shield The Village then attend a virtual training to answer all your questions and equip you for community advocacy.
You Got Your 1M4 Merch Yet?
Visit the 1M4 merch store to make sure you’re representing at court support, protests, or in line at your favorite coffee spot. We want to see YOU in your 1M4 gear. Every purchase goes directly to funding the work of 1M4 increasing access to safety and wellness.
The Mental Health Literacy Collaborative (MHLC) has officially launched its MHL Aware Certification Training.
Mental Health Literacy (MHL) Aware is a 60-minute training (with an optional certification) that benefits professional, personal, and community needs for knowledge, language, and confidence around the topic of mental health. This training is the first step in guiding people to successfully integrate MHL into the fabric of their community. The Aware training focuses on educating individuals about 1) What MHL is, 2) Why it is beneficial, and 3) How they can bring this information to their community. In addition to these core focus areas, the training provides basic, real-world application strategies. The cost is $30 per person for live trainings and $25 for the asynchronous course. Group rates are also available by contacting info@themhlc.org.
