Tuesday, we made history with our first ever #TimeDone Advocacy Day! Hundreds of us living with a past conviction and our families rallied outside of the capitol, shared our experiences with lawmakers, and advocated for changes, including support for #AB1076 & #AB1331.
Lawmakers listened and stood with us. Music artists, Bobby Brackins and P-Lo joined along to support our cause. And we received media coverage across the state. This was all made possible because we came together, raised our voices, and took action. Thank you.
We brought a 1,400-foot “Wall of Post-Conviction Barriers” exhibit to the Capitol to visually display how many barriers we face due to a past conviction. It depicted the nearly 50,000 post-conviction restrictions placed on Americans living with an old conviction.
I am proud to be the new California State Director of #TimeDone, working with all of you to raise awareness and advocate for removing the barriers people living with old convictions face after completing their sentence. We are calling for an end to these often lifetime restrictions that can block people from economic security and family stability. We know these opportunities are what move people forward successfully without any further involvement in the justice system.
California has the opportunity to do something special and demonstrate national leadership on this issue. It’s going to take all of us to make that happen. We’re going to need to spread the word about #TimeDone, to our loved ones, friends and everyone across the state.
Our Advocacy Day was just the beginning – we’ll be having local #TimeDone events across the state over the coming weeks and continue advocating for passage of our #TimeDone agenda in the state legislature. It’s time to build a road to redemption and free ourselves through this movement. Let’s get to work.
Join this movement by texting #TimeDone to 72345
Terrance Stewart
TimeDone California Director
Californians for Safety and Justice