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Catalyst Radio: Organizers examine the success of Decriminalize GR

Supporters say the success of the ballot proposal to decriminalize some marijuana violations is the result of effective organizing.
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About Catalyst Radio

Catalyst Radio is the weekly public affairs radio program of Community Media Center, with producer and host Linda Gellasch. The program is a feature of WYCE and The Rapidian and includes interviews with organizations and people working on social change and community support, examines media and free speech issues, and takes a look at the behind-the-scenes of Rapidian reporting. You can catch it on air at noon every Friday on WYCE 88.1 FM or streaming on the Grand Rapids Community Media Center Website.

Past Catalyst Radio episodes are archived on The Rapidian.

Decriminalize GR kicked off its ballot proposal effort at a September press conference with support of several elected officials

Decriminalize GR kicked off its ballot proposal effort at a September press conference with support of several elected officials /Decriminalize GR

Don't have time to listen now? Download the mp3 and listen at your leisure.

 

INTERVIEW

In this episode of Catalyst Radio we talk with organizers of Decriminalize GR – the effort to lessening the offense of possession and use of a minor amount of marijuana in the city of Grand Rapids, making it a civil infraction.

The ballot proposal to amend the city charter was passed on Election Day last week by nearly 60 percent of the voters.

Michael Tuffelmire and Tyler Nickerson of Decriminalize GR come in-studio to discuss the citizen-led initiative, who supported the effort, why it succeeded and what it means for Grand Rapids. They also talk more broadly about citizens organizing to effect community change and be a part of local government decisions.

 

MUSIC

Music featured this week on Catalyst Radio from Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood, with the Peter Tosh song “Legalize It.”

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