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 New
Thank you!
Our small team does a lot with your generous support. Yet we know we can do more, so we focused our 2021 end-of-year campaign on building our capacity to sustain and expand our work in the coming year. We set an ambitious goal of raising $60,000 by midnight on December 31. Thanks to the generous support of this community, including a generous donor who provided a dollar for dollar match in the final weeks of the campaign, we met – and exceeded – that goal. We are so grateful for this support that sustains our work, and look forward to bringing the energy of this campaign into the New Year! 
Together Towards Justice
Thanks to those who joined us for this year's Together Towards Justice! We cherish the opportunity to gather (even virtually) with justice advocates and supporters near and far to acknowledge the power of mitigation. Special thanks to keynote speaker Stephen Bright and writer, artist, and activist Halim Flowers. And our heartfelt congratulations to Lela Hubbard, recipient of the 2021 Muhammad-White Award, and to the Arizona Capital Representation Project, this year's 3am Warrior Award winner. If you were not able to attend and are interested in viewing a recording or if you have any questions about the event, please contact Mary at mer@advancechange.org. We're Hiring!
ARC, Inc. is now hiring for a Senior Life History Investigator and an Administrative Manager, both of whom will work from our office in Jacksonville, Florida. For more details and to learn how to apply, see the full job descriptions for these and other positions 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. Training Opportunities
Please check back for upcoming ARC, Inc. training announcements. Although no sessions are currently confirmed, you may sign up here to receive log-in information for our next webinar. 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. |
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. |
Virtual BYOCs
Check back here or sign up for our newsletter to receive announcements for our next BYOC training scheduled for early 2022.
Check back here or sign up for our newsletter to receive announcements for our next BYOC training scheduled for early 2022.
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.
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.
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.