The JustUS Coordinating Council (JCC) is launching #SecondChancesInAction, a powerful call-to-action symbolizing the pursuit of freedom from the weight of a criminal record through awareness and community-led initiatives. The goal of #SecondChancesInAction is to increase activities in Second Chance Month and Fair Chance Employment Month that reclaim opportunities, rebuild reputations, and break the chains of the past in order to start fresh. The JCC is partnering with legislators nationwide to honor the month and is encouraging engagement around the country with #SecondChancesInAction. Advocates are encouraged to take part in activities like expungements and pardons, bringing elected officials to prisons and jails, hosting job fairs, and organizing reentry simulations.
Here are some of the many things you can do in your local community, along with links to resources from JCC member orgs and experts you’ll need to get them organized!
An expungement clinic is a free community event that helps individuals understand and navigate the process of clearing eligible conviction histories. They typically include legal assistance, resources, and guidance to those seeking a fresh start, ensuring they have the tools to remove barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
With 28 states now banning juvenile life without parole (JLWOP), many individuals sentenced as children to life without parole are becoming eligible for parole. This change presents an opportunity for parole boards to implement processes that recognize the distinct experiences, challenges, and rehabilitation needs of those who have spent their formative years behind bars. It also provides a pathway for a second chance at life for people sentenced to JLWOP.
The primary purpose of pardons is to offer a path to redemption for those who have demonstrated genuine remorse and rehabilitation. By removing the legal consequences of a conviction, pardons can restore civil rights, such as voting and increasing opportunities for employment and housing. Events focused on or inclusive of education and applications for pardons enhance Second Chance Month offerings.
Jails and prisons may provide tours to public organizations, educational institutions, social service groups, community representatives, law enforcement, and correctional professionals exclusively for academic, educational, or professional reasons. These tours are available based on facility discretion and scheduling. To determine eligibility, guidelines, and any restrictions, check the official website of the facility you are interested in visiting. Some examples include:
A proclamation honoring Second Chance Month from your city, county, or state brings vital visibility to the importance of second chances and the challenges of reentry. It strengthens advocacy efforts by officially recognizing the need for policy improvement, helping to build public awareness and support for policies that remove barriers for people with a conviction history.
Employers are increasingly interested in exploring hiring opportunities and accessing the untapped talent pool of skilled employees who are directly impacted by the criminal legal system. To address this, businesses, public agencies, and community organizations can facilitate discussions about fair hiring practices and creating pathways to employment for justice-involved individuals.
This immersive experience puts participants into the shoes of someone reentering and allows stakeholders of all kinds experience the challenges faced by individuals returning to society after incarceration.
A warrant clinic plays a crucial role in providing second chances to individuals with outstanding warrants, particularly for non-violent offenses, missed court dates, or minor infractions.
View all of the #SecondChancesInAction events hosted by the JCC and partner organizations taking place across the U.S below!
Want to have your event listed? Simply invite communications@jlusa.org to your calendar event, and we will add it to this page!
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