Center for Justice Innovation’s Post

Small steps can reshape entire communities. I’m constantly reminded that innovation doesn't always mean big changes. I recently read about New Rochelle's Community Resource Center, which uses small shifts to make a big impact. They took a community justice approach. It's clever and inclusive. Small initiatives can lead to big differences: - Friendly meeting spaces can open dialogues. - Local advisory boards bring diverse voices to the table. - On-site help connects people directly with services. These initiatives seem small, but they create trust and a sense of belonging. For justice architects like me, it's a powerful reminder that little changes in design can promote equity and sustainability. Think about: - Including natural light in a courtroom to improve mood. - Designing accessible entrances that invite everyone in. - Creating flexible spaces to adapt as needs change. If a small shift in a building's design can make someone feel seen or heard, it's worth it. It's not always about giant, flashy projects. Sometimes, it's the small, thoughtful touches that matter most. Little by little, they add up, and next thing you know, you’ve transformed a community. Every step counts. Let’s take those small steps together. #CommunityImpact #SmallSteps #Innovation #CommunityResource #JusticeArchitecture #EquityDesign #SustainableArchitecture #InclusiveSpaces

🤝 In a recent interview, Police Lieutenant Tadario Holmes from the Memphis Police Department and Police Sergeant Diana Trueba Vega from the Fresno Police Department explained how the Faith & Blue initiative distinguishes itself from other outreach efforts and events. 🟢 One key moment that stood out was when Lieutenant Holmes shared, "For community members, it gives them the opportunity for their voices to be heard and their concerns brought to the forefront. They get to see another side of law enforcement officers—the human side—and express their needs for their community." 🟢 Sergeant Vega added, "Unlike other community outreach programs where you have to find and connect with people, Faith & Blue events are supported by faith-based organizations that are eager for connection. Many are very welcoming and hungry for that interaction, which makes achieving our shared goal of safer communities much more attainable." Our vision extends beyond these impactful events. The Law Enforcement-Community Engagement Network (LECEN) is a vital resource offering best practices, peer support, industry expertise, and current research for personnel in community engagement roles. Our mission is to professionalize these efforts by creating a trusted network where members can connect, develop, and collaborate. Join us in transforming communities through genuine engagement. Discover the power of the Law Enforcement-Community Engagement Network at https://lnkd.in/edzN4B4a Let's create safer and more connected neighborhoods together. #communityengagement #strongercommunities #lecen #faithandblue

Jobs are the pathway to opportunity. The criminal justice system is where policy failures in education, employment and other areas reside. Businesses should reach out to RBIJ and find out how to be part of the solutions.

Black Lives Matter is more than just a movement; it’s a powerful affirmation of our existence, our struggles, and our triumphs. It is a declaration to those who doubt our worth: Black Lives Matter! In a recent Town Hall with ABC 33/40, we discussed the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to public safety. For far too long, those in power have neglected our communities, diverting vital resources away from education, healthcare, and housing, while pouring money into policing. This must change! "Investing in our communities is the true path to safety and justice." - Eric Hall We demand investments that uplift and empower us—education that inspires, healthcare that heals, and opportunities that foster growth. When we prioritize these areas over the criminalization and harm of our people, we can create real, lasting change. Let’s come together to ignite deeper conversations about community safety and solidarity. It’s time to envision a future where our neighborhoods thrive and our voices are heard. #InvestInBlackLives #CommunitySafety #TogetherWeRise #BlackLivesMatter #BlackJoy #EndPoliceBrutality #EmpowerOurCommunities

One in four black boys born today in the U.S. is predicted to spend time in prison. For white boys, the likelihood of future incarceration is 1 in 23. This #BlackHistoryMonth, discover how your business or community can create more equitable outcomes for communities of color. One concrete step is joining the Unlock Potential program empowers businesses to create impactful employment opportunities for young people, preventing justice system involvement before it starts. Learn more about Unlock Potential at: https://hubs.la/Q02lnqKv0.

The US approach to crime needs an overhaul. In their latest op-ed in The Hill, Sarah Rosen Wartell and David Pitts of the Urban Institute argue that "tough on crime" rhetoric fails to create lasting safety. The solution lies in evidence-based reforms—community violence intervention programs, economic support, and housing. Read how research-backed solutions can make our communities safer in the long term: https://shorturl.at/fCSF3

As we continue to push for the closure of Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, we must also recognize the necessity of shifting away from incarcerating children –  which is ineffective, costly, and traumatizing – and embrace proven, community-based models of rehabilitation that strengthen public safety, allow youth to take accountability for the harm they caused and work to repair it, and give young people the support they need to grow and thrive.   https://lnkd.in/gCEaTQF4

✨🏆 Last week, I had the incredible honor of receiving the Justice Award from Middle Tennessee National Action Network for the work we did in #DisruptManchester to force the return of black children unnecessarily pushed into the foster care system (which is a pipeline to incarceration). I am deeply grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to stand alongside so many inspiring advocates for justice. 💪🏾 During my acceptance speech, I emphasized the urgent need for more proactive initiatives to combat mass incarceration which are rooted in our groundbreaking approach: the MFn Framework. 🌟 **Introducing the MFn Framework** This innovative framework is designed to address the systemic disparities that disproportionately affect Black Americans within our criminal justice system. Rooted in over a decade of experience in criminal defense and social justice, the MFn Framework is poised to drive meaningful change. 📢 **Call to Action** I invite you to read our newly published expose, “A New Framework: The MFn Solution to Mass Incarceration,” to learn more about how we can collectively work towards a fairer, more equitable system with more proactive and innovative initiatives. https://lnkd.in/ebg2qRE7 Swipe to Watch the video of my acceptance speech to hear more about the critical need for proactive reform. 🌍✊🏽 #JusticeAward #MFNFramework #ProactiveChange #MassIncarceration #DAMMConscious #DAMMAdvocate #CriminalJusticeReform #CommunityAdvocacy #SystemicChange #Empowerment #SocialJustice #MakeHistory #emeffen

Have you subscribed to 𝐈𝐧𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 yet? Join us each month for a conversation about a topic important to policing. We've covered constitutional policing, community engagement, training, and more. Dive into previous issues and receive October's issue by subscribing today: https://hubs.li/Q02RRgKV0

Today’s quote from “Stolen Freedom,” written by Morning Star Gali, a California-based Indigenous organizer, reminds us of the importance of restorative justice beyond the limiting and oppressive ideologies of settler colonialism. Gali’s political organizing work has manifested into large-scale actions for Indigenous sovereignty, climate justice, gender justice, and support for incarcerated Indigenous communities in California. As part of Kolin Kaepernick’s book, Abolition for the People: The Movement for a Future without Policing & Prisons, “Stolen Freedom” addresses the ongoing imprisoning and disenfranchisement of Native people and the resilient action of Indigenous community leaders to protect each other. Through Gali’s quote, we consider new ways to model repair through the practices of Indigenous peoples. In our work, we are grounded in a culture of care and a deep responsibility to our community. At The LP, we often consider these questions as we practice resilience: How can community care and repair exist outside of a discriminatory justice system? How can we heal together? Reflect and share: How does community repair show up in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts below, and stay tuned for more insights from our LP Library! #ReadRestandReflect #TheLPLibrary