Our Approach
We bring the voices of those most impacted by an issue to the table when developing and campaigning for new legislation. In our vision, organizing and advocacy work is youth-centered and elder-informed. We create systems-level change by building the next generation of young leaders. Our Dream Beyond Bars fellows learn how to organize and direct policy campaigns. Fellows attend coalition meetings and are mentored by our policy and program teams to engage with stakeholders, build community power, and craft policy.
Main Focus Areas
Policy Wins
Our work to change policy and transform systems impacts hundreds of thousands of people across the state. Change at this level is sometimes incremental, sometimes dynamic. These are a few of CURYJ’s key wins over the years:
Current Campaigns

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.
Get Involved
You can make a difference. Visit our Take Action page to learn more about how to volunteer, petition, engage in events, or otherwise support our policy work.
For more information about our policy agenda or campaigns, reach out to our Policy & Legal Services Manager, J Vasquez, our Policy & Legal Director, Sonja Tonnesen-Casalegno, or our Director of Campaigns and Organizing, Frankie Ramos at policy@curyj.org. For more information about our youth-led policy initiatives and support for emerging leaders, contact our Youth Program Associate, Xochtil Larios .