Alameda County Participatory Defense Hub
CURYJ is a proud member of the National Participatory Defense Network and a founding member of the Alameda County Participatory Defense Hub. Participatory Defense was developed and created by families of Silicon Valley De-Bug’s Albert Cobarrubias Justice Project. Our allies in the hub include All Of Us Or None, Young Women’s Freedom Center, and Urban Peace Movement.
Participatory Defense in Action
Based on a community organizing model, families and communities work together to take an active role in their loved one’s defense and demand that their voices be heard in the court process. Through advocacy, court presence, and videos, letters, and testimonials families work to show the courts that these adjudicated and incarcerated folx are more than just cases— they are full, loving, and loved beings. Check out the videos below for more insight into how and why Participatory Defense works.
Get Involved
CURYJ’s Participatory Defense program is led by Daniela Guzman, with support from J Vasquez. Both have inside knowledge of the court and prison system due to their own incarceration. Daniela won her release from a life sentence through CURYJ’s Participatory Defense work. Together, along with the Hub, they work with families and incarcerated people as thought partners while providing emotional support through the long and arduous criminal legal process.
The Hub holds weekly strategy sessions with system-impacted families to get the best possible outcome for their loved ones. The Hub is currently meeting virtually and families are free to join at any time. Families learn together and support one another to win freedom for their loved ones. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Participatory Defense, contact pd@curyj.org.