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Fighting extreme sentences with empathy and understanding


Advancing Real Change, Inc. investigates the life histories of people accused of crimes to uncover their full humanity, and trains defenders nationwide. Our work reduces extreme sentences and promotes true justice.

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Our Mission

The mission of Advancing Real Change, Inc. is to create a more just world by advancing empathy, dignity, and equity within and beyond the criminal legal system. 

Our criminal legal system is driven by false narratives: that some crimes render people unworthy of mercy, that some individuals cannot change, and that everyone chooses the life they have. These fictions lead to dehumanization, extreme sentences, and mass incarceration. 

ARC is changing the narrative to change the system.

Through intensive, thorough investigation, we reveal the humanity and dignity of our clients. We counter fear-based narratives with true, nuanced life histories that help judges, juries, and other decision-makers see the complete picture of our clients’ lives.

Our Impact

Advancing Real Change, Inc., is transforming the lives of individuals and making a long-term impact on the criminal legal system.

94%

of our clients receive shorter and more humane sentences

3,500

criminal defense team members have accessed our training and resources

68%

of our cases have been in high-needs jurisdictions in the past 5 years

Upcoming Events

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Ask a Mitigation Specialist

Ask a Mitigation Specialist – June 17

Ask a Mitigation Specialist, a resource program that allows defenders to meet directly and privately with a mitigation specialist for…

  • June 17
  • 3:00 pm EDT
  • Holly Clifton & Miriam Bankston

Skills Workshop

2026 Baltimore Seminar | Mitigation as the Standard: Strengthening Justice Advocacy 

Criminal defense practitioners, sentence reform advocates, and other justice partners are invited to attend the seminar, Mitigation as the Standard:…

  • July 1
  • 8:00 am EDT
  • Various

Webinars

Compassionate Release Advocacy: Building Strong Cases for Relief

The session will offer practical strategies for building strong compassionate release requests. Participants will understand how to prioritize records and…

  • July 14
  • 1:00 pm EDT
  • Jessica Graf

Uncategorized

Submit your nominations for the 2026 ARC Awards!

  • Published June 3, 2026
  • Jeremiah Sierra
News

Why high-quality mitigation is essential in Alabama

  • Published April 14, 2026
  • Jeremiah Sierra
News

ARC opens a new regional office in Birmingham

  • Published January 26, 2026
  • Jeremiah Sierra
  • “I learned so much about myself, this work, my group mates…I feel so much less alone”

     

    Writing Stories for Change participant, 2024
  • “I feel supported and inspired by the network of amazing folks and feel empowered to advocate for work that matches the ABA guidelines.”

    Jacksonville conference participant 2024

    Got a question or need help? Let us know!

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