: Vision: A world where life is valued and protected, free from the injustice of the death penalty. Communities healed through restorative justice, where individuals are held accountable while pathways to redemption and rehabilitation are prioritized. Equal justice for all, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or circumstance. Mission: To lead the fight to abolish the death penalty in Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania through legislative advocacy, education, and community engagement. To champion restorative justice practices that prioritize healing, accountability, and community repair. To build a network of diverse allies committed to dismantling systemic racism and bias within the criminal justice system. Core Values: Sanctity of life: Every human life has inherent worth and deserves to be protected. Restorative justice: Justice should focus on healing victims, holding individuals accountable, and rebuilding communities.
Racial equity: The criminal justice system must be free from bias and discrimination. Empathy and compassion: We approach all individuals with understanding and a desire to see them flourish. Community engagement: We build partnerships and empower communities to advocate for justice. Policy change: We work strategically to enact legislation that reflects our values. Commitments: Lobbying for specific legislation: Advocate for bills that repeal the death penalty and implement restorative justice practices in each target state. Specific Legislation: Florida: Supporting the “Second Chance Act” to expand parole eligibility and the “Fair Justice Initiative Act” to address racial disparities in sentencing.
Indiana: Support the “Fair Sentencing Act” to reduce sentence lengths and the “Restorative Justice Expansion Act” to expand restorative justice programs. North Carolina: Advocate for the “Racial Justice in Sentencing Act” to address racial disparities and the “Wrongful Conviction Compensation Act” to improve compensation for exonerees. Pennsylvania: Support the “Abolish the Death Penalty Act” and the “Second Look Initiative” to provide pathways for resentencing and parole. Partnering and Collaborating: Connect with national organizations like the Equal Justice Initiative, Death Penalty Information Center, and Center for Restorative Justice. Partnering with Local Media and Journalists: Identify relevant media outlets: Research newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, and online publications in your target states. Look for journalists covering criminal justice, social justice, or human rights issues. Build relationships: Reach out to journalists via email or phone, introducing yourself and your organization. Offer to provide expert commentary, share stories of exonerees and families, or participate in interviews and discussions. Pitch compelling stories: Develop newsworthy angles for your advocacy work. Highlight statistics, personal stories, or unique aspects of your initiatives that could resonate with readers or viewers. Provide resources and support: Offer journalists access to research, data, and visuals related to the death penalty and restorative justice. Be available to answer questions and provide background information. Utilize social
