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 NewThe America We Claim to Be
1/7/21 Yesterday's attack on the Capitol building was horrific. Images of rioters gaining access to the building with little resistance were appalling. Yet, the unchecked violence was also strangely familiar, as it reminded us of the inequities which have been allowed to continue to infect our nation. Just months ago, we witnessed police violence against peaceful protestors, marching to bring awareness to the continued killings of unarmed black people. The striking difference between the two makes it all too clear what we enable by allowing some voices and lives to be treated as legitimate while others are excluded because of race, nation of origin, or other characteristics. The attempted coup has been centuries in the making, the natural outcome of white supremacy.
Advancing Real Change, Inc. strives toward a legal system rooted in equity. We promote justice by uncovering the full life stories of those facing extreme sentences and insisting on their humanity in a system built to dehumanize them. We are committed to the progress of our organization and the systems we impact. The truth is that we have a long way to go to become the America we claim to be. We must do away with the dehumanization and inequity that plagues our society- in all its forms. The way forward is to finally come to terms with America's affinity for violence and racism and to empower those who have been rendered powerless by systemic injustice. That is the only way we can hope to truly become a just nation. Advancing Real Change, Inc. 2021 Webinar Series
With the close of our 2020 series earlier this month, we have recently announced our first webinars of the new year. Our next session, Muslims in Prison: A Story of Conversion, Litigation & Rehabilitation with presenter SpearIt, J.D., Ph.D., M.T.S. will be held on January 26. To register or for more information on the upcoming sessions, 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. Book Club
Thanks to everyone who participated in our book club throughout 2020! We have enjoyed spending time with you as we dug into topics such as childhood trauma, structural bias, and personal narratives of loss and inspiration. Please check back for information on our plans for 2021. 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.