From protest to sustained action

Photo: Hannah Castle / A crowd is gathered on a downtown Houston street, their backs to the camera and many holding signs.

We are a few months away from a day that marks one year since George Floyd was murdered by police. Many of our partners and supporters marched for Black lives last summer, joining the almost 60,000 in Houston and millions across the country. The widespread outrage during those summer months made clear that collective action is integral to demanding justice. Many of us may be wondering: What now?

To that end, Restoring Justice is excited to announce a new initiative we're calling the Restoring Justice Ambassador Program that fosters meaningful discussion and actions to engage people from all backgrounds and experiences. 

Almost 70% of Americans agree that the criminal justice system needs either major changes or a complete overhaul. Since the emergence of #BlackLivesMatter, Black activism has been consequential in increasing that number in the past seven years. Our supporters and allies care deeply about the need to address injustice. If you're reading this, intimidated by the complexity and depth of the criminal legal system and unsure of where to begin – you are not alone!

Restoring Justice, galvanized by immense interest over the summer, saw a need to develop a base of activated people to build both community and a sustained commitment to ending mass incarceration. One way people of different backgrounds and life experiences can thoughtfully engage is through education and informed action.

So how does the Ambassador Program work? Over the next 8 months, you'll periodically get materials curated by RJ's staff on four topics: the indigent defense system, constitutional rights, cash bail system, and the death penalty. We invite you to be an agent of change and gather your neighbors, friends, and colleagues in to discuss the topic at hand. Restoring Justice staff will be there along the way to provide tips on learning and ways to take action.

The work ahead is tremendous. As an organization dedicated to our clients inside and outside the courtroom, it is abundantly apparent that people are what move systems and laws. We hope you will join us as an Ambassador, and in doing so, empower not only yourself but whole communities as thinkers and doers. Help create a world that honors our value of freedom for ALL.