WA organizations led by incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals
Building Positive Communities. There are chapters of this organization in several DOC facilities in Western WA. Coordinating with other organizations in partnership with the BPC is the Village of Hope Seattle.
The mandate of Civil Survival is to change policy by educating a broader and more diverse voter base. By engaging individuals who are focused on changing one big personal issue, we create social and political change.
F.I.G.H.T. was started by a group of Asian & Pacific Islander (API) men who were at one time incarcerated in the Washington State prison system. F.I.G.H.T. is a direct outgrowth of the organizing that many of us did through different API groups in different prisons. F.I.G.H.T. support both current and formerly incarcerated APIs through mentoring, advocacy, outreach, and political education.
I Did the Time supports individuals and families who are working to overcome barriers associated with past offenses with political advocacy and organizing.
Other WA community organizations
4People‘s mission is connecting people to resources and opportunities. 4People provides fast, quick lists of resources and services in each county.
Arms Around You is a re-entry program that provides referrals and resources to formerly incarcerated individuals coming out of correctional facilities, the homeless community, victims of domestic violence and substance abuse, as well as those dealing with transitional needs due to unexpected life changes.
The Freedom Project supports healing connection and restorative communities both inside and outside prison through the strategies of Nonviolent Communication, mindfulness, racial equity and anti-oppression.
The IF Project is “a collaboration of law enforcement, currently and previously incarcerated adults and community partners focused on intervention, prevention and reduction in incarceration and recidivism. Their work is built upon–and inspired by–people sharing their personal experiences surrounding the issues of incarceration. This project is based on the question: If there was something someone could have said or done that would have changed the path that led you here, what would it have been?”
WA Organizations with Re-Entry Guides and Resources
Along with local organizations, The Seattle Public Library (SPL) offers court-involved individuals—and their families—information and resources to help during and after incarceration. SPL has also compiled programs, discussions, and resource lists related to criminal justice and the impact of incarceration, including audio recordings.
Other Community Legal Organizations
Spokane Dream Center Legal Clinic
The Legal Clinic at Spokane Dream Center provides free, limited legal counsel for those in the Spokane area who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Although they are not able to represent anyone in court, they are able to give legal advice, as well as referral to attorneys in the area.
The Way To Justice
Empowering the community through advocacy and access. The Way to Justice is a community law firm led and created by women of color. Through direct representation, impact litigation, policy reform, and advocacy work, they address the barriers facing individuals who have been negatively impacted by our justice system.