Fairness and Justice for All is Possible
Advocates like Impact for Equity have worked tirelessly to create reforms that hold the Chicago Police Department accountable, prevent misconduct, and rely on evidence-based, community-informed solutions to crime and violence. Due to systemic racism, Black and Latine individuals are disproportionately impacted at every phase of the criminal legal system, from policing to incarceration.
Ensuring equity requires eliminating these disparities and advocating for alternatives that allow for fair and just outcomes.
To achieve this vision, Impact for Equity’s Criminal Legal Systems team advocates for policies and practices that create and protect alternatives to mass incarceration, promote justice and accountability, and dismantle barriers to opportunity for those impacted by the criminal legal system in Illinois.
We develop research, legal approaches, and policy analysis that amplifies the perspectives and experiences of impacted individuals and communities and work strategically to build consensus and coalitions that center and support the power of affected communities to advance campaigns.
Ultimately, we work to promote Illinois as a state where fewer people have contact with the criminal legal system, and if an interaction occurs, it is just, equitable, accountable, and respectful of human rights and dignity.
How We’re Reimagining Public Safety
Residents in all communities should be safe, have access to effective resources, and be treated with respect by the government and law enforcement. Reimagining public safety involves asking how we can make better use of public resources to keep people safe and healthy.
Delivering on the Promise of Police Reform
Significant police reforms have been enacted in Chicago and Illinois in recent years. In order for these changes to realize the improvements they are designed to create, they must be effectively implemented.
Healing the Harms of Mass Incarceration
Over the last five decades, Illinois has relied on policies that have led to a crisis of mass incarceration, which disproportionately impacts Black and Latine people in our state. Impact for Equity envisions Illinois as a state where fewer people have contact with the criminal legal system, and if an interaction occurs, those involved encounter a just, accountable system that treats all people impacted by it equitably, with respect for their human rights and dignity.
Working with Impact for Equity has been a highlight in my organizing work. For years we have worked together on multiple initiatives, uplifting our community. Their staff genuinely cares about each other and everyone around them. This intention shows up when they are engaging with and building community and exemplifies how the work is personal to them and not just a 9-5 job.
– Nat Palmer, Organizing Lead, Lucy Parsons Labs & BYP100 Chicago Chapter member & Co-Chair
