Everywhere we look, outdated systems of policing are failing communities. In this inspiring speech, an alternative policing advocate describes the movement to change the way we enforce laws.

Kalina Kulig draws on her own experience working in alternative policing initiatives, along with information from people making similar strides across the country. She shows that incorporating social workers, counselors and medical professionals into emergency response helps people connect with the resources they need in times of crisis.

As alternative policing programs develop across the country, this talk highlights some of the most effective ideas that are being tried. Kalina makes the case that these programs can learn from each other and from the voices of stakeholders who are often overlooked. This all builds up to an urgent call- that now is the time to reinvent policing. Kalina Kulig serves on the Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Community Advisory Board and the Denver Mayor’s Youth Commission. She lives in Colorado with her family, where she is a senior in high school. Kalina knows that alternative policing solutions have the potential to empower people across the nation by raising communities from their roots. She hopes that people in power will be open to innovative solutions and take into account the voices of all stakeholders. Kalina’s writing has been published in the Denver Post and ColoradoBiz Magazine, and she has been featured in several TV segments on PBS12. As an advocate for her community, Kalina Kulig is passionate about giving back while empowering young people. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx