Dear John,

In ARC’s ongoing effort to end mass incarceration and change the narrative around criminal legal reform and the importance of second chances, I appeared on Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy on Fox News to share my story of redemption, the power of family and why we must invest in people while they are incarcerated. This segment aired in late November, and following this, I recently appeared on The Trey Gowdy podcast. 
 
        

I spoke to the American people about how I am not a unicorn, not unique, and of how so many in our community who will come home are worthy of second chances. I spoke of ARC’s  Hope and Redemption team (which I founded), who go back inside to prepare people to be the best version of themselves, now and in the future. On the podcast, I shared about how my experience being incarcerated was the catalyst for the community outreach and activism work I lead today, as well as my desire to provide formerly incarcerated people the opportunity to start again. My underlying message is that we must invest in people while they are inside prison as reducing recidivism starts from the inside.

It is important that criminal legal reform remains a bipartisan issue and that leaders in the justice reform space work with members from both sides of the aisle to advocate for real change. This is an issue that affects all Americans -- nearly 1 in 2 Americans have had a brother or sister, parent, spouse or child spend time in jail or prison – and it is crucial that we do not politicize this systemic problem.

ARC is proud of our policy arm, which has helped pass 33 pieces of legislation in California. We are successful because we uplift and empower our formerly incarcerated Members to share their stories directly with legislators. Another core part of our success is working with policymakers and legislators along the political spectrum. In a country that is so often divided, we are honored to unite policymakers around justice reform. Narrative change is important and we are honored to do this work – to share stories that will change people’s mind. Will you make a gift to help us continue this work?

We thank you for your support of our work and your belief in us as an organization. We could not do the critical work of narrative change without you and encourage you to consider making a gift in honor of second chances.

I appreciate you standing with us in this fight for justice and hope to continue to change the narrative around criminal justice to truly make America a nation of second chances.
 
Sincerely,
Sam Lewis
Executive Director
Anti Recidivism Coalition