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 New2021 Summer Webinars
During the summer months, we will be hosting one webinar per month. Our July session is: July 27: Incorporating Race and Culture into Criminal Cases (Presenter Twyla Carter) To register, click here. For those needing to track past participation or simply interested in the types of topics covered in this series, information on the 2020 sessions has been consolidated here. Steps Towards Justice
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the 2021 “Steps Towards Justice" Hike-a-thon! On May 22 and 23, participants took to their chosen locations in 6 cities and took 213,260 steps in support of ARC, Inc.'s Juvenile Justice Program. As a result of everyone's efforts, ARC, Inc. can dedicate even more resources toward direct mitigation for juvenile clients and training for juvenile defense teams across the country. We hope you'll join us next year! In the meantime, you can visit our hike-a-thon gallery to see some of this year's participants in action. Book Club
Thanks to all who joined our virtual book club discussion of Let the Lord Sort Them: The Rise and Fall of the Death Penalty. Author Maurice Chammah, a journalist and staff writer for The Marshall Project, was our special guest on Wednesday, June 23rd for our wrap-up discussion. Stay tuned for future book selections. For more information and to register, please visit our book club page. 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. We expect to hold sessions in July, September, and November. If you are interested in participating, 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.