About the Criminal Justice Initiative

In 2020, the movement to defend Black life became the largest protest movement in US history and successfully made the case to a majority of Americans about the existence of systemic, racist police violence. Even though we’ve made huge gains, Republicans and the “tough on crime” status quo have tried harder than ever to attempt to diminish our demands and mitigate our power.

That’s why we’re ramping up to expand the number of races we’re investing in across the country and creating infrastructure to support decarceral leaders once elected. This is what we’re doing to build a reimagined system of justice:

Run aggressive campaigns to elect actors in the criminal-legal system that center decarceral policies in their platform.

Since our founding in 2019, we’ve elected several progressive district attorneys across the country, including Monique Worrell, Eli Savit, and Deborah Gonzalez. Each is dedicated to decarceration by ceasing the failed war on drugs, ending cash bail, promoting diversionary programs, and implementing some of the nation’s most innovative plans for transparency and officer/ prosecutor accountability.

Grow the base of people engaged in our movement.

By centering those most affected by the system, and working with on the ground grassroots groups and empower them to define the role of the district attorney and distinguish the candidates through platform and questionnaire development, community forums, house meetings, and canvassing.

Organize to increase voter turnout among young voters and voters of color.

By reaching thousands of people every month at their doors, on their phones, or in their inbox who haven’t previously participated in the electoral process.