Beyond Tomorrow Program
Safety by the People, for the People
You shouldn’t have to choose between showing up and staying safe. Beyond Tomorrow is ADRC’s community-rooted response to rising violence, voter suppression, and systemic threats across Arizona. We’re building a statewide network of trusted, trained community members—not just for election season, but for the everyday defense of our democracy, autonomy, and dignity.
Launched in 2020 and expanded in 2024, Beyond Tomorrow is grounded in the belief that true safety doesn’t come from punitive systems—it comes from us. Through mutual aid, training, and collective care, we’re strengthening our communities to protect each other and lead with power.
Why Community Safety Matters
When violence shows up in legislation, at the polls, or in our daily lives, the systems that have historically harmed us won’t keep us safe. That’s why we build our own.
Beyond Tomorrow defends bodily autonomy, challenges attacks like the rebooted SB1070 and bans on reproductive rights, and stands firm against intimidation—whether at a ballot box, a protest, or in our neighborhoods. Our safety is non-negotiable, and our resistance is rooted in care.
What Beyond Tomorrow Offers
Democracy Defense Front
Trained over 249 community members in 2024 across all 15 counties and 25 cities in Arizona. These Poll Defenders—many formerly incarcerated—are trained in de-escalation, conflict resolution, and threat assessment, proving that democracy includes all of us.
Know Your Rights Trainings
Get equipped to protect yourself and others during protests, at the polls, or in interactions with law enforcement. These trainings prepare community members for high-risk situations with confidence and clarity.
De-Escalation for Organizations
We offer custom trainings for organizations, coalitions, and mutual aid groups to build internal safety plans and conflict resolution tools that align with abolitionist values..
Event Safety & Mobilization
We deploy trained Defenders at public events and community actions to ensure safety for our community by our community
Our Approach To Community Safety
Technical Assistance: Real-time help through hotlines and support lines for urgent issues.
Capacity Building: Training and toolkits to grow community resilience and autonomy.
Network Building: Connecting organizations and leaders through resource-sharing, aligned strategy, and collective action.
This work is year-round. It’s deeply local. And it’s how we take back our Community, together.
How to Get Involved In Your Community
Train as a Defender and protect your community at the polls or at public events.
Host a Know Your Rights or de-escalation training in your area.
Partner with us to share resources and build coordinated safety strategies.
Learn How to Protect Your Community