Our Approach
We’re organizing for a world without prisons where those directly impacted have the say in transforming their communities. We always strive to bring the voices of those most impacted by an issue to the table when developing and campaigning for new legislation.
We are creating the next generation of young leaders by including Dream Beyond Bars fellows in our policy campaigns. Fellows attend coalition meetings and are mentored by our Policy Team and CURYJ staff to engage with stakeholders, build community power, and craft policy.
Policy Wins
We work to transform individuals so that we can collectively change the systems that harm our communities. Here are some of the policies that we have helped to change.
Current Campaigns
Police Decertification
CA SB 2
The Kenneth Ross Jr. Police Decertification Act would strip badges from officers who commit serious misconduct, allow for independent investigations, and remove barriers to suing cops in civil court.
C.R.I.S.E.S. Act
CA AB 118
Would create a 5-year pilot program to expand community-based emergency response alternatives to police regarding situations involving people experiencing homelessness, mental health crises, intimate partner violence, community violence, and substance use.
Family Unity Act
CA AB 990
Would restore visiting as a civil right for incarcerated people and would remove barriers that prevent families and children from visiting their loved ones.
VISION Act
CA AB 937
Would prevent CA law enforcement and CDCR from colluding with ICE to deport people who have already served their time.
End Endless Probation
CA AB 503
Would limit probation terms for youth and require that conditions are individually tailored, developmentally appropriate, and not excessive.
PROMYSE Act
CA SB 493
Would reinvest into communities by requiring counties to distribute at least 95% of allotted funds to non-law enforcement community based organizations.
Cunningham Fix
CA SB 567
Would restrict a judge’s discretion to sentence a person to the high term by requiring aggravating facts to be presented to a jury and proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
Policy Team
Our Policy work is lead by our Policy & Legal Services Manager, J Vasquez. Hayden Renato and Xochtil Larios are Youth Justice Program Associates, who work on youth-led policy initiatives and support emerging leaders to navigate policy work.
For more information about our policy work or campaigns, reach out J Vasquez at policy@curyj.org.
Other Programs at CURYJ
Tap on the image to learn more about the program.
Community Healing
Dream Beyond Bars
Homies 4 Justice
Life Coaching
Participatory Defense
