If prisons don't create true accountability, then what does? Restorative justice. It challenges us to ask: What would it look like to make things as right as possible and open up a path towards repairing the relationship where someone was harmed? Read more about restorative justice circles here 🔗

Did you know? More than two-thirds of people serving life sentences in the United States are Black or Brown, and people of color are more likely to receive long sentences while being less likely to ever be released from them.

🚨 New Yorkers are rallying across from the NY Senate offices to demand passage of the Treatment Court Expansion Act. Watch their testimony: www.nysenate.gov/calendar/pub... #WorldMentalHealthDay #SaferThroughCareTCEA

A reminder as the National Guard is weaponized against more cities: Policing & crime do not go hand in hand. Incarceration rates in every single U.S. state are out of line with the entire world, and this disparity is not explainable by differences in crime or “violent crime.”

"Currently, 44 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico require survivors to cooperate with law enforcement to get compensation — an obstacle for many Black and brown people who distrust police." Read more about why survivors need increased access to victim compensation to heal after harm 🔗

NEW: Ready to reframe the conversation on justice? Our Narrative Hub is a free digital resource center built by survivors, artists, community leaders, and advocates to shift the conversation about violence and safety. Get access by visiting www.commonjustice.org/narrative-hub 🔗

Ready to build a safer, more just future for you and your community? Apply to our Community for Safety Collective! Applicants must be a NYC resident. This opportunity will provide a stipend upon successful completion, and MetroCards will be provided. Learn more and apply by November 1! 🔗

BREAKING: Another life was lost at Rikers last night, making it the 5th in two weeks and the 12th this year. These tragic deaths are inexcusable and preventable. We cannot accept a system built on harm. It’s past time to #CloseRikers and invest in real safety rooted in accountability and dignity.

From @americanprogress.bsky.social and @commonjustice.bsky.social ... A state-by-state analysis of victim compensation statutes reveals tremendous potential for states to better meet the needs of survivors of violence and to ultimately break cycles of harm.

Millions of people every year are victims of violent crime, leading to disability, trauma, and unplanned expenses as a result. New analysis with @americanprogress.bsky.social shows how each state can improve victim compensation to reduce harm & stop cycles of violence in your community:

NEW: Join Common Justice and @americanprogress.bsky.social to learn how our new State Victim Compensation Statute Rubric can be used by state advocates to improve access and equity in their own state for crime victims on Aug 20 at 1pm EDT 🔗 Let's create a future of healing and justice, together.

Politicians tell us that law and order will save us from danger, but recently released data reveals a different reality - the overall violent crime rate has been declining to the lowest recorded rate since 1969.

New York prisons are keeping people locked in boiling cells for up to 21 hours a day. The extreme summer heat is cruel and dangerous for millions of people inside state prisons, as nearly no facilities have air conditioning or adequate ventilation. This isn't justice, it's harm.

Our Communities For Safety Collective is designed for New Yorkers who believe that safety doesn’t start with policing, punishment, and endless surveillance — it starts with addressing the root causes of violence and holding people truly accountable for their actions. Learn more and apply by Nov. 1!

Each year spent in prison takes two years off a person's life expectancy. With more than 2 million people incarcerated, the prison system has shortened the average American life expectancy by four years.

"Though politicians capitalize on public fear to convince us that extra policing and surveillance are what make us safer, we know that isn’t true," writes Sadia Saba of Common Justice. Read more about the realities of public safety and true justice here 🔗 citylimits.org/opinion-poli...

Did you know? Black people are 2.7x more likely than white people to die by guns. Studies show that Black and brown communities encounter higher rates of gun homicides and police shootings due to historical and systemic racism.

We have only four items left! Donate today and make a big impact this back-to-school season 📚

🚫 Myth: Crime rates are up an immigrants are the ones to blame. ✅ Truth: Crime rates are at a historic low and have been declining since 2014. Nationwide data revealed that just 3% of people jailed are non-citizens.

Baltimore is experiencing its’ lowest homicide rate in 50 years – strategies rooted in community engagement are the cause. The results are clear: approaches that prevent crime are more effective than simply punishing it.

Our use of language in the media and the real-world largely shape our perceptions and interactions with those around us. Many of our culture’s deep narratives about violence and crime can be traced back to the stories and assumptions that validated slavery, the Black Codes and Jim Crow.

ICYMI: A new scathing report from the Department of Justice found abuse in federal prisons, including the overuse of restraints and shackles so tight that prisoners report scarring and permanent injury.

It’s that time of year again! We need your help to provide resources to responsible parties and their children. Your gift goes further than pencils and backpacks. It supports transformation, healing, and a future grounded in hope. Make your contribution today. www.amazon.com/registries/g...

Did you know? Recent spikes in deportations could hand private prisons a massive payday, turning human suffering into corporate profit. This isn’t just about immigration—it’s about exploiting vulnerable people for financial gain through our country's punitive system. (Source: HuffPost)

As nearly 160 million Americans received extreme heat alerts this past week, people incarcerated have been left vulnerable to the deadly heat wave amidst harmful living conditions without air conditioning.

❗️ Election Day for the New York City mayoral primaries is tomorrow: Tuesday, June 24th. We asked candidates about their views and plans regarding survivor-led public safety efforts. Visit the link to read the full questionnaire responses. Happy voting! 🗳 commonjustice.org/blog/vote-fo...

Our carceral system is a direct result of the racist history and policies of the US. It's not only an issue with sentencing: once in prison, Black people are more likely to be disciplined, and less likely to be granted parole than their white counterparts.

Did you know about the loophole in the 13th Amendment? 👀 Let's unpack it. You may know it to abolish slavery, but it says: "except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted." #EndTheException A 🧵:

ICE raids continue to tear apart families, shattering lives and leaving our communities vulnerable nationwide. As protests are met with violence from the National Guard and police, we stand with all marginalized people resisting fear mongering and abuses of power.

No one should be punished for the worst thing that’s happened to them and everyone deserves a chance to heal without judgment. We’re calling on NY legislators to support the Survivors First Act. Sign the petition today 👉🏾 www.tinyurl.com/SFApetition

No one should be punished for seeking safety or building a better life. Yet every day, immigrants are criminalized, detained, and treated as threats instead of human beings. 47,892 people are being held in custody across at least 107 facilities nationwide, the highest detainee population since 2019.

We commend Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature for including critical victim compensation reforms in the final budget, but the progress is not enough. We must build on this momentum to ensure that ALL survivors are met with compassion, not judgment, when seeking healing and support.

ICYMI: Did you see @jeremylevine.bsky.social was featured in a Q&A webinar w/ @commonjustice.bsky.social about #inequality and resources for victims of violent crime? Catch up on part of the convo on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBpz...

Did you know? In New York State, Black victims made up 31% of all victim compensation claims but 53% of denials for “contributory conduct.” This isn't just a stat. It's racial bias playing out in real time. Survivors are being denied the help they need. 🧵

Prison is seen as the only path to justice, but better alternatives exist. On Just Justice with @jhenryjustice.bsky.social, Danielle Sered shares how restorative justice listens to survivors, redefines accountability, and rebuilds community in ways prison doesn’t. 🔗 www.bit.ly/DanielleSeredPodcast

Don't miss this powerful discussion TONIGHT 🔗 www.tinyurl.com/cvrwwebinar

Did you know? More than two-thirds of people serving life sentences in the United States are Black or Brown, and people of color are more likely to receive long sentences while being less likely to ever be released from them.

Prisons are built to keep people safe, but they’ve torn families apart. This Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting the female abolitionists who’ve fought to show that real safety comes from changing the system, not putting people in cages. 🧵

Did you know that Black & brown survivors are denied funds set aside to support them because of ‘where they were’ or ‘who they are’? It’s time to end this injustice. Join our panelists to explore how we can help ALL survivors get the support they deserve. RSVP today 🔗 www.tinyurl.com/cvrwwebinar

New Yorkers are filing more complaints about crime than they have in a decade, even though data from police officials show major crimes are down 15% compared to last year.

ICYMI: Messiah Nantwi, a 22-year-old incarcerated person, was murdered by guards in a New York state prison this weekend. This comes just two weeks after murder charges were announced over the death of Robert Brooks, who was beaten by guards at the nearby Marcy Correctional Facility.

NEW: “People change. Our laws must, too.” Former DOCCS Commissioner Brian Fischer calls on NY lawmakers to pass the Second Look Act, Earned Time Act & Marvin Mayfield Act. Take action now 📢 bit.ly/cncny

Dr. Xenia Barnes's new book, "Triumph in the Trenches Volume 2" is out now! It delivers an empowering exploration of resilience, advocacy, and transformation in the workplace and community. To learn more, visit: truimphwithcoachbarnes.com/revdr-barnes...

We're glad to see critical victim compensation reforms in Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed budget. Now it's time for New York to put #SurvivorsFirst and make sure that ALL victims of crime receive the support they deserve.

ICYMI: "President Donald Trump’s administration is using federal prisons to detain some people arrested in its immigration crackdown," the federal Bureau of Prisons said. An influx of vulnerable immigrants into crowded prisons only causes further dehumanization and trauma. 🔗 shorturl.at/Ad0Jo

Did you know? Shootings in New York City dropped by 21% last month compared to a year ago. These are the lowest levels it's been for more than three decades. 🧵

Join Oresa Napper-Williams, the visionary who has supported countless families impacted by violence, to celebrate her new book "Good Grief" which explores the journey through loss and healing on January 27. To learn more about the inspiring evening, visit: www.oresawill.com/product-page...

ICYMI: During her State of the State address, Gov. Hochul outlined a plan to increase police presence in subways, in addition to the National Guardsmen that have already been redeployed into the transit system. 🧵

Southern California is burning as we witness thousands of lives being changed by the devastating impact of wildfires. Amid this tragedy, 30% of the people fighting the fires are incarcerated. Safety is justice, not exploitation.

2025 is here and so are you. When the world feels overwhelming, grounding can remind us we’re here, now, and capable. Try this simple exercise to start your year grounded and ready.