The Greater Baltimore Grassroots Criminal Justice Network (the Network) comprises criminal justice reform advocates, service providers and people directly affected by the justice system. With support from Open Society Institute-Baltimore, the Network was established in 2008 to provide a forum for a grassrooots criminal justice advocates to work collaboratively toward improving outcomes for people who have personally experienced the criminal justice system.
MISSION
The mission of the Network is to share information and support each other’s policy reform movements to create a fair criminal justice system and second chances for individuals who leave the system.
GOALS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Network collectively developed goals that, if achieved, would have a ripple effect throughout the justice system and improve outcomes for individuals who hae come in contact with the criminal justice system. The 3 main goals of the Network are to:1. Increase the number of employers, in stable or growing industries, that are willing to hire people with criminal records.
2. Create policy reform initiatives to remove barriers to employment for those with criminal records
3. Ensure that all prisoners have access to educational and vocational programming including people with violent offenses.The Network has accomplished many milestones to achieve these goals, including:
- Working with Baltimore City officials to improve language in city contracts in order to reduce employment barriers for people with criminal backgrounds; and
- Successfully advocating for policy changes requiring parole agents to notify people on parole that they may request a parole fee exemption.
MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
Members are dedicated to the purpose, mission and goals of the Network. Membership is encouraged for individuals directly affected by the criminal justice system, and representatives of nonprofit organizations that either provide direct services to people with criminal records or advocate on behalf of this population.
MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO:
- Attend and participate in monthly network meetings
- Support the mission and goals of the Network
- Support Calls to Action when feasible
- Be willing to host Network meetings
- Be willing to support the efforts of other Network members as they pertain to the overall goals of the Network
MEET THE NETWORK
Families Against Injustice
Jericho ReEntry
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