Advancing Real Change, Inc. promotes justice by ensuring that the life histories of people
charged with crimes are at the forefront of their cases.
charged with crimes are at the forefront of their cases.
What's NewTogether Towards Justice
Please join us for our virtual fall event, Together Towards Justice, on October 12 from 7pm - 8:15pm Eastern. The event will feature keynote speaker Stephen Bright; writer, artist, and activist Halim Flowers (a friend of ARC, Inc. and former client); the presentation of the 2021 Muhammad-White Award; and more. If you are interested in attending, you may purchase tickets or learn about event sponsorship. If you cannot attend at the scheduled time, you will be able to view a recording of the event. If you have any questions, please contact Mary at mer@advancechange.org. We're Hiring!
ARC, Inc. is recruiting for a full-time Development Manager. The individual who fills this position will lead the organization in identifying and securing the resources necessary to realize our vision through various program initiatives. The successful candidate can work in either the Baltimore, Maryland or Jacksonville, Florida office. For more details and to learn how to apply, see the full job description here. ARC, Inc. seeks to recruit a diverse group of candidates and strongly encourages applications from persons of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, disability statuses, sexual orientations, and those who have been system involved. September Book Club: Meet Author Marc Bookman
We are excited to announce the virtual book club will be reading A Descending Spiral: Exposing the Death Penalty in 12 Essays, by Marc Bookman, author and executive director of the Atlantic Center for Capital Representation. His book features case stories that illuminate the ways capital punishment is fundamentally broken and demonstrates that, as Marc puts it, "these stories are more the rule than the exception.” Log or call in via Zoom to discuss the book with Marc Bookman on September 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET. This will be the only meeting of the book club for this selection so please plan to join us! To participate, register through our virtual book club page. If you have any questions, contact Mary at mer@advancechange.org. Fall Training Opportunities
Next webinar: September 28: Compassionate Capital Mitigation (Presenter: Jesse Cheng, Ph.D.) Register here. We will also be holding our multi-day fall virtual training from Thursday, November 4 through Saturday, November 6. This replaces our in-person training this year, originally announced for October. While we had been looking forward to seeing everyone again, we did not feel that it would be safe to do so at this time given current COVID transmission rates and forecasts for the remainder of the year. If you'd like to join our virtual training, you can register here - program details to be announced in the coming weeks. For those needing to track past webinar participation or simply interested in the types of topics covered in this series, please note that information on the 2020 sessions has been consolidated here. Virtual BYOCs
NACDL, ARC, Inc., the Arizona Capital Representation Project, and attorney John Holdridge will continue to host virtual BYOC sessions throughout 2021. These sessions are designed to give capital defense teams working on capital cases at the state level the opportunity to receive case-specific technical support (through in-depth case consultation) with experts in mitigation, mental health, litigation, and other key topics. Registration for the September session is now closed. If you are interested in participating in our November session (Nov. 15 - 19), please have one team member complete the brief screening form here. Resource Clearinghouse - Updated Content
Did you know that our Resource Clearinghouse is being constantly updated with new materials? Visit now for materials from our recent webinars, tools for working during COVID-19, and more. First-time visitors can request an account here, while returning visitors may access the Clearinghouse directly. |
What We DoWe serve as mitigation specialists on defense teams for indigent clients facing extreme sentences. Our goal is to develop an accurate, multi-dimensional account of the accused's life, including investigating the circumstances of the offense. Each investigation requires multiple in-depth conversations with the client, interviews with those with knowledge of the client's life, and exhaustive records searches. Because each client's experiences are unique, no two investigations are the same.
We pursue our mission by - engaging in direct casework, - hosting and presenting at high-quality trainings for defenders at all stages of their professional development, - providing technical assistance, and - providing high-quality online training and materials such as our Resource Clearinghouse. We are committed to following the ABA Guidelines for Mitigation Function of Defense Team in Capital Cases and the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth Guidelines for the representation of child clients. We work as part of teams in which all members are able to contribute as equals and share a commitment to providing high-quality services. At A Glance
Our work takes us across the country and includes work on capital and juvenile cases and at all stages.
What Is Mitigation?ARC, Inc.'s Executive Director, Liz Vartkessian, gives a brief description of the meaning of mitigation. Thanks to our friends at the J.M. Kaplan Fund for producing this video as part of the J.M.K. Innovation Prize. |
Get Involved
Make a donation
ARC, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization (EIN 35-2518417) and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We have been awarded the Gold Seal of Transparency by Guidestar. Visit our financial support page to learn more or to designate your support to our Client Assistance Fund, training efforts across the country, or wherever it's needed most.
Volunteer
We are always looking for dedicated volunteers. Complete this form to let us know how you're most interested in helping.
Learn more
Requests for ARC, Inc. participation at an upcoming training or other project may be sent to info@advancechange.org.
ARC, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization (EIN 35-2518417) and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We have been awarded the Gold Seal of Transparency by Guidestar. Visit our financial support page to learn more or to designate your support to our Client Assistance Fund, training efforts across the country, or wherever it's needed most.
Volunteer
We are always looking for dedicated volunteers. Complete this form to let us know how you're most interested in helping.
Learn more
Requests for ARC, Inc. participation at an upcoming training or other project may be sent to info@advancechange.org.