Working for justice is hard. Sometimes it feels overwhelming. You know that because you’ve been in the trenches with EJUSA for more than two decades.
But we always go on because we feel strongly and passionately that we must change the conversation about violence – its causes and solutions. And today, we are at an important tipping point moment to do just that.
New national attention to mass incarceration and racial inequities in the justice system has created an unprecedented opportunity. Leaders on all ends of the political spectrum are paying attention, and pressure is mounting for change.
That’s the backdrop as we head into the New Year. And here’s the plan:
- Raise the stakes on the death penalty, building on EJUSA’s groundbreaking work at the state and national level. We must expose the truth about the death penalty’s failures, drive towards the next state repeal, and stop executions.
- Complete a two-year series of dialogues and training on trauma, racism, and justice with 250 police and community members in Newark, NJ. Nationally promote EJUSA’s recommendations for trauma-informed policing that come out of the project.
- Convene EJUSA’s national network of crime survivors, law enforcement, and others touched by trauma to build the movement to address violence as a public health issue.
- Support 15-20 community-based groups working with people of color harmed by violence to help them expand their reach and strengthen their life-saving programs.
