Vera Institute of Justice

Vera has been working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems for more than 60 years—and we won't stop until they’re fair for all. Because mass incarceration is wrong. Because immigration is under attack. Because poverty is not a crime. Because justice is for all. Because dignity is worth fighting for. Because we are Vera. Together, we can end mass incarceration. Join our movement: https://lnkd.in/eMtNC9pe #WeAreVera

“Magee says it’s not Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes, and I agree.” Reflecting on the Thanksgivings he has spent behind bars, Adam Roberts gives thanks to the community that has helped him endure incarceration—including Magee, the 22-month-old black lab he has raised as part of a service dog training program.

Last week, we joined the Second Look Coalition and people from across #Michigan to rally support for the Second Look Act. Our call to action was clear: elected leaders need to make the state’s prisons safer for staff and people behind bars. #SecondLookMI follows the evidence on safety and would: ? reunite families, ? allow disabled and older adults to live with dignity, ? give people who have changed a chance to be contributing members of society, ? and make communities safer. https://lnkd.in/gf8vdxcC

Jail and prison populations have dropped dramatically since 2019, but recent trends indicate some backsliding toward pre-pandemic levels as states increasingly build new carceral facilities and criminalize immigration. New Vera research raises the alarm about stalling progress and the lasting impact of “tough-on-crime”-era policies. https://lnkd.in/gq6-aq4r

Winter temperatures are especially challenging for people who are unhoused. Albuquerque’s Community Safety department has a solution in place to ensure unhoused people have the support they need: their Winter Sheltering Plan. Through this plan, city agencies are coordinating and utilizing a range of resources—from dashboards that track available shelter beds throughout #Albuquerque to transporting people during overnight hours—to make a significant impact and truly meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness. https://lnkd.in/e5Buamiw

?? Everyone deserves a fair chance at housing! Last week, we joined advocates from across Michigan to demand that elected officials pass the Fair Chance Access to Housing Act. 100 organizations have signed on to support the bill, which would remove barriers to housing for people with conviction histories. Add your voice to support #HousingNotHurdles: https://lnkd.in/eNQiJByx

??? Housing is a human right. Michigan's Fair Chance Access to Housing Act would ensure that applicants get a fair chance by limiting the use of conviction history screening during the rental application process. Take action for #HousingNotHurdles: https://lnkd.in/eNQiJByx

As transgender rights are increasingly under attack in the United States, it is essential to listen to trans voices and help protect them from harm—both behind bars and in our communities. This #TransDayOfRemembrance, we honor lives lost and reaffirm our commitment to advancing transgender justice. https://lnkd.in/gawKjv84

"The Power of Basketball: NBA Players, Coaches, and Team Governors on the Fight to Make a Better America", a new book from the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition written in partnership with the Vera Institute of Justice, is a collection of personal stories and essays that cover topics like voting rights, police reform, and the fight for a fairer criminal justice system—all critical social justice issues as we and our partners remain committed and on the front lines protecting the rights of all people. In the words of Vera Trustee, Miami HEAT Assistant Coach, and a contributor to the book, Caron Butler: “We can and must change the ineffective and unjust laws and practices that condemn our young people to endless cycles of system involvement.” Since its inception in 2020, the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition has been dedicated to advancing social justice and combating racial inequality. “The Power of Basketball” is just one of the latest ways leaders across the National Basketball Association (NBA) and WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) communities are using their platforms. To learn more about the book and coalition, click here: https://lnkd.in/dfJDTaPf

#JoinUs: This Thursday we are holding a special screening of “Borderland: The Line Within,” a film the reveals the truth of the business of immigration and highlights stories of resistance from migrants fighting for liberation. As our political landscape grows more hostile towards people who are migrants, we must uplift stories of resilience and come together to build community strength. Our collective work is essential for a better future where every person who arrives at our border has a chance at justice. For more information and to buy tickets, click here: bit.ly/DNDBorderland