Goals & Strategies
First and foremost, we seek measurable, progressive change to the criminal justice system and a more balanced approach to public safety. Specifically, we seek:
- A reduction in Oregon's over-reliance on incarceration as a response to crime and social problems shifting toward more effective evidence based programs proven to reduce future crime
- Removal of the barriers to successful community re-entry faced by formerly incarcerated people
- Increased social and community support for survivors of crime
- Reform of the prison system consistent with constitutional and human rights with an emphasis on increased access to programs that reduce recidivism
Our core strategy is to combine grassroots leadership development and organizing with professional advocacy to achieve policy change. We implement this strategy through:
- Building coalitions and alliances with other groups and organizations who support our policy goals.
- Engaging in direct advocacy with policymakers and organizing campaigns.
- Providing education, training, and leadership development to our members to increase their effectiveness as grassroots policy advocates and organizers.
- Producing well-researched print and electronic materials as tools to mobilize broader public support for reform and to inform and educate the public, the press, policymakers, and our members.
