Robin Hood’s Post

This past summer I attended a staff meeting at our Atlanta office location—which is located in the MLK Sr. (MLK Jr.’s father) Collaborative Center. The conversation was about advancing equity in the south through elevating the voice of those who have been impacted by the foster care system—with a a particular focus on those in spaces of advocacy. It was not lost on me that MLK Jr. was literally looking over my shoulder by way of the picture in the hallway. I spoke to an internal calling that might be greater for some—-and that I am my ancestors and I do stand on their shoulders. Unbeknownst to me—my colleague snapped this picture. Appreciate the moment being captured and a reminder that what we do is not so much for us—-but for those that follow. Be more than kind today, do more than participate in a “day on/not a day off”actively choose nonviolence, which is to do no harm, each and everyday with every decision you make. Don’t inflict psychological violence on children and families by separating unnecessarily. Children need their community and their families and ALL efforts should be made to prevent and/or get them back in community with their family, kin as soon as possible! Don’t inflict community violence by extracting talent, traditions, values by removing childen from their families and their neighborhoods. Find other ways to support families when the issues that they present with do not place their childen in present harm. Investigating is instrusive—it should be seen as the most necessary intervention. Don’t inflict generational violence by implementing and supporting policies that don’t honor reparative justice. Challenge ASFA—-the number of “legal orphans” who have rights severed from their parents and have not permanent resource suggest that this doesn’t work—-why do we keep doing it! Dont inflict physical violence on our children by placing them in facilities that mirror—in spite of best intentions, a carceral system. Would you want your child, relative in a facility? Have we justified that “certain” children deserve this fate because we are a country that loves jail? (Suggested by our investments in private/public prisons) Choose love. Choose nonviolence. Speak truth to power! #myancestorswildestdreams #mlkday

Network spotlight 💡 Equity And Transformation As part of our effort to build cultures of belonging in the U.S., Omidyar Network supports a growing network of advocates, artists, and more, to heal past and present-day harms stemming from the legacies of colonialism and slavery. That's why we're supporting Equity and Transformation, an organization uplifting Black workers operating in the informal economy and advocating for incarceration reparations in Chicago. One pathway to repair EAT leverages is eliminating material barriers to re-entry for formerly incarcerated Chicago residents through guaranteed income. Learn about Chicago Future Fund, EAT's guaranteed income pilot project, and how they are supporting 100 residents to determine their own futures via ABC7 Chicago👇 https://lnkd.in/gK-78Sej About our Building Cultures of Belonging focus area: https://lnkd.in/gPgJUKvS

Not long ago, I was one of an estimated 2,700 children in the United States condemned to death by incarceration. Over the course of my 31 year incagement, I, like so many other imprisoned persons, were unceremoniously stripped of our humanity and any semblance of human dignity. We were categorically deemed “the worst of the worst— a new breed of remorseless, ungodly suprepredators”. After building a lifelong legacy that shattered the common myths associated with children who commit harm, no longer were we fighting against contrived stereotypes, but the new weapon of political expedience became “what about the victims?!”— as if many of us were not ourselves victims of harm and violence long before we inflicted the same. However, a mighty tide is rising and there is a sea of unified and unifying survivors standing up and shouting out, “Not In Our Names”. This week, I had the distinct honor of introducing CFSY’s keynote speaker, Lenora Anderson, Founder and President of Aliiance for Safety & Justice —and author of the paradigm shifting text: “Not in Our Names!” She teaches us that justice is not mass human caging, rather, justice and safety lies in healing harm individually and collectively, interpersonally and systematically— in other words, Transformative Healing & Restorative Justice is our pathway towards real community safety.

"The evidence is clear: Community-based violence intervention works. Cities that have invested in effective, comprehensive, community violence intervention and prevention strategies have seen decreases in gun violence and recidivism rates....philanthropic support is crucial to grow proof-of-concept programs into proven operations that cities — and the country — can fully embrace." This is what it looks like when funders use their platform to validate and elevate the work happening in community! Thank you, Ford Foundation, Darren Walker, and our partner in the work, david rogers. They didn't miss with this funder call-to-arms: "The holistic nature of community safety makes it ripe for contributions from funders in public health, education, economic and workforce development, housing, youth opportunity and beyond." https://lnkd.in/eTz_e4eu

Systems often replicate the control tactics of abusers, creating more obstacles for survivors. This powerful article sheds light on the heartbreaking reality of discrimination faced by domestic violence survivors. We need to demand accountability and support survivors in their fight for justice. 🔊 Share this post to raise awareness and join Survivor Justice Action in working to amplify the voices of survivors, educate, and mobilize to demand systems change to prevent and end all forms of domestic violence. https://lnkd.in/gjSnYbyy #SurvivorJusticeAction #EndDVNow #DomesticViolenceSurvivor

CN member Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact): "We received a heart-warming message from a social worker at HMP Styal, highlighting the immense value of our 'Coffee and Crafts' mornings in the lives of the women there, like Louise*. Like many others, Louise doesn't receive visits and often feels the weight of isolation. But we're striving to change that narrative through the New Beginnings project at HMP Styal, funded by the Cheshire Community Foundation. Our 'Coffee and Crafts' sessions provide a safe haven where isolated women can come together and share stories, laughter, and creativity. These sessions aren't just about making pretty things – they're about forging connections and nurturing emotional wellbeing. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Women are forming friendships, supporting each other, and rediscovering hope. Let's continue to break down walls and promote hope and healing." *Name has been changed to protect anonymity. www.prisonadvice.org.uk

Redemption is a journey I know well. It’s a constant struggle to see myself as more than my mistakes, to look beyond the hurt I’ve caused and the wrong choices I’ve made. But in the midst of it all, there’s one unchanging truth that I hold on to: with God, I have been chosen and redeemed, and nothing I do can change that. This deep belief in redemption as well as my owned lived experience is what drives me to support those returning to society after incarceration. It’s why I’m thrilled to invite you to Rock Your Redemption on September 28th, 2024—a powerful evening dedicated to hope, healing, and transformation for justice-impacted individuals and their allies. We’re bringing together incredible speakers who understand the importance of this journey: Hosted by me, Tyree Chwilinski, Justice Impacted Advocate and Creator and Host of the Returning Strong Podcast. - Romarilyn Ralston – Senior Director of the Justice Education Center for the Claremont Colleges, and a staunch advocate for women’s rights, racial justice, and prison reform. - Jose Osuna Reentry Expert and Community Organizer, with a history of leading impactful initiatives at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. - Ashley McKay – Senior Program Associate of Housing and Partnerships for The Homecoming Project, with over 15 years of experience advocating for marginalized communities. - Pastor Gregory Sanders – President of the Long Beach Ministers Alliance, actively working on community violence prevention and reentry efforts. Together, we’ll explore the 5 pillars of reentry—Education, Housing, Employment, Community, and Well-Being—and discuss actionable solutions to support successful reintegration. Let’s come together to empower and uplift those on their redemption journey. Join us for Rock Your Redemption and be part of the change. #RockYourRedemption #Reentry #JusticeReform #CommunityBuilding

Let’s talk about it.

📚❗Check this out!❗📚 Read this amazing article about how Aaron Hicks and Frank Davis, reentry coordinators, are using Peer Support to impact recidivism and reentry! The program Build Up is using the lived experience of being formerly incarcerated to support others with the same lived experience as they navigate reintegrating into their communities! https://lnkd.in/dxeuKyZH

Join the conversation on our show for an in-depth analysis of how reparations impact communities of color. The answer might surprise you. https://lnkd.in/gSUKY8vn https://lnkd.in/gn8CXfCP