For years, the justice reform movement has rallied around the idea of “second chances.” That language helped bring attention to the reality that people returning home from incarceration deserve opportunities to rebuild their lives. It helped open conversations about employment, housing, and community reintegration. But as the movement has grown, so has our understanding that the phrase “second chance” can unintentionally limit the very progress we are trying to make. Second chances focus on the individual. Fair chances focus on the system. We believe it is time to expand the conversation.
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!
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.
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.
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.
In Their Hands is a documentary about one man’s fight for freedom that pulls back the curtain on the politics of parole.
We are honored to partner during Second Fair Chance Month 2026 to provide a downloadable “Viewers Guide,” and we encourage you to find out if/when it is airing on your local PBS station to watch it and/or organize a viewing party!
View #SecondChancesInAction #FairChancesInAction events hosted by partner organizations taking place across the U.S below!
Want to have your event listed? Follow these simple steps below:
JustLeadershipUSA is excited to be participating in the National Returning Citizens Conference in Jacksonville, Florida:Wednesday, April 8 at 11:45am — JLUSA board member Kwame Kilpatrick keynotingThursday, April 9 at 10am — JLUSA[...]
More information:https://www.bigfootbooksnc.com/events/in-their-hands-pbs-documentary-viewing-party-discussion-april18
Second Chance Month Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill, presented in collaboration with the Congressional Second Chance Taskforce and the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery (ATR) Caucus reflecting a bipartisan, federal commitment[...]
The JustUS Coordinating Council will be holding its next Federal Speakers Series webinar on Tuesday, April 21 at 12pm ET on the topic of “State Advocacy in Action: Minimizing Harm at[...]
