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 NewWe are pleased to announce the first events from our Jacksonville office and hope you will join us for one or more of the following:
Virtual Office Warming reception November 18, 5pm Join us for a Q&A with Sara Baldwin and Liz Vartkessian to virtually welcome ARC, Inc. to Jacksonville and find out more about how we can help to support local defenders. Visit our Florida training page to register.
Florida Mitigation Training
November 19 - 23 Please join us for three days of virtual training sessions focused on critical issues such as Records Collection, Interview Skills, Team Dynamics, Trauma, Client Relationships, and more. For a full agenda and to register, click here. We will be seeking CLE credit for these sessions. 2020 Webinar Series
We will be closing out our 2020 series with two sessions in December. We are excited to be joined by Sean O'Brien and Dr. Kathy Wayland for a session on working with experts and by Dr. Craig Haney for a session on prison trauma. Sessions are held on Tuesdays at 1pm Eastern. To register or for more information, click here. Stay tuned for more information on our webinar plans for 2021. Book Club
As our final book club selection for 2020, we'll be reading River of Fire: On Becoming an Activist by Sister Helen Prejean. Discussions will be held during the week of December 7. Click here for more information and to register. Remote Technical Assistance
Due to the postponement of the Bring Your Own Case training programs hosted by the NACDL, ARC, Inc., the Arizona Capital Representation Project, and attorney John Holdridge, we are pleased to offer capital defense teams working on capital cases at the state level a virtual opportunity for case-specific technical support (through in-depth case consultation) with experts in mitigation, mental health, litigation, and other key topics. If you are interested in receiving support, 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. |
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Together Towards Justice
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Together Towards Justice on Saturday, October 24. It was our honor to be joined by Sister Helen Prejean for the keynote address. We also want to extend our sincere congratulations to Anupama Vishwamitra, the inaugural recipient of the Muhammad-White Award for excellence in mitigation, and to Cassy Stubbs and the team at the ACLU Capital Punishment Project, who received the 3am Warrior Award for their extraordinary contribution to the defense of an ARC, Inc. client. |
If you missed the event and are interested in viewing a recording or if you have any other questions, please contact Mary at mer@advancechange.org.
Thanks to all who were part of making this such a special evening!
Thanks to all who were part of making this such a special evening!
Get Involved
Make a donation
Designate your support to our Client Assistance Fund, training efforts across the country, or wherever it's needed most. Visit our financial support page to learn more.
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.
Designate your support to our Client Assistance Fund, training efforts across the country, or wherever it's needed most. Visit our financial support page to learn more.
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.