Good Apple Initiative

From the State of Hockey and the Great American Get-Together, to 10,000 lakes, SPAM and Post-It Notes, Minnesota has a lot to be proud of. But there's room for improvement.

Donate today to make "Minnesota SAFE" the new "Minnesota NICE!"

Good Apple Initiative is a collaborative approach to transform the culture of public safety from fear and violence to trust and accountability.

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.

Jaleel Stallings went out to peacefully protest police brutality, and he found himself confronted by the very thing he was protesting against -- more violence. Jaleel founded Good Apple initiative to bring together all the “good apples” across community, policing and justice to make our communities safe for everyone. 

It’s not just “a few bad apples.” The issues we face are systemic and complex.  However, by working together, good apples can lead a cultural shift to strengthen relationships between our communities and our public safety officials; and increase trust and integrity in policing and our court systems.

Jaleel wants to equip us all to join together in changing the culture, so others don’t have to endure experiences like his. 

We've all seen horrible, violent scenes play out on TV news, or heard about wrongly convicted individuals spending decades incarcerated before being freed. You don't want to wait for the next terrifying headline before taking action, but what can you DO?

Here are a few ways we would appreciate your help:

1. Join Us

Visit WeAreGoodApples.org to  join in our efforts.

2. Share Your Insights and Ideas

Each of us has unique perspective and life experiences. Reach out if you are aware of:

 - Gaps or faults within Minnesota's systems of policing and justice

 - Policies or processes that aren't successfully being implemented

 - Needed support that could bolster the influence of good officers

 - Ideas how our justice systems could more effectively serve Minnesota communities. 

3. Share Your Skills and Service + Materials and Assets

It takes a community to stand together in demand of change, and we appreciate your willingness to pitch in. Please connect if you'd like to volunteering your time and skills to help Good Apple Initiative. 

If you have products, materials or other assets you'd like to share in support of our mission, let us know! Whether it's a ream of paper, printing or delivery services, 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 appreciate the offer. 

4. Contribute Financially

If you're able to make a tax-deductible contribution to help us get started, we'd be honored to have your help. Donate here, or text the keyword "APPLE" to 53-555.

5. Make Introductions and Connections: 

We welcome introductions to others we should contact, and information about grants for which we may qualify. 

6. Share Good Apple Initiative with Others:

We'd love to keep you in the loop! Please sign up at WeAreGoodApples.org to get involved and be notified about Good Apple Initiative news. Follow Good Apple Initiative on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Please share our work with friends, family, colleagues, bunco competitors, snowmobile clubs, cashiers, your mail carrier -- anyone you feel would be interested in our mission.

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

Jaleel and other Good Apples are available to speak about the importance of community involvement in shaping the culture and expectations of our justice system.  If your organization is interested in learning about collaborative efforts toward systemic change, we're eager to coordinate just the right experience. 

To learn more, get involved or offer assistance, contact Good Apple Initiative Executive Director, Shelly Dvorak.

Thank you for your support!