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Our Work
The Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition works to end mass incarceration and build community-centered solutions through education, support programs, and advocacy. Our efforts focus on halting harmful jail expansions, empowering impacted individuals, and promoting alternatives that foster fairness and safety in the justice system.
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01
Education & Awareness
Education and awareness initiatives focused on ending mass incarceration highlight systemic issues in the criminal legal system and their impact on individuals and communities. They raise awareness about taxpayer-funded practices that harm communities, such as disproportionate bond setting, racial disparities, and harsh sentencing. By promoting alternatives to incarceration, these efforts support community wellness and safety. Advocates seek investments that promote fairness and fund essential community care systems for lasting impact.
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02
Community Navigation
Together, we can create community-driven solutions. As we work toward ending mass incarceration, we focus on empowering those most affected by harmful systems. AJRC supports individuals through warrant clinics, record-sealing, and courtside programs, where trained volunteers offer court guidance and emotional support. No one should face the courts alone; we’re here to help every step of the way.
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03
Policy & Law Change
The first step to building a new system is changing the current one. When the policies and laws do not work for us, we take steps to change them. We envision a world with well-funded and sustainable community care systems. Can you envision with us the end of cash bail, no more fines and fees imposed on youth, and spaces of healing and restoration rather than cages?
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04
Fighting Jail Expansion
Since 2019, we’ve fought against jail and prison expansions in our communities. A grassroots campaign successfully halted a $38 million proposal to double Washington County jail’s capacity, uniting community members to push for evidence-based alternatives. These efforts have prevented over $300 million in proposed jail expansions in Northwest Arkansas. In 2024, we continue to resist attempts to fund jail expansion, including those seeking to use American Rescue Plan Act funds.
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