Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

July 21, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Wednesday's Federal Policy Update call features a special guest!

Sign up to learn about congressional assistance and services Donate Dear FAMMily,  Please join our FAMMily Federal Policy Call with our Policy and Family Outreach teams, Wednesday, July 23, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Eastern time, on Zoom about what FAMM is working on at the federal level. We will provide updat…

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  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

July 16, 2025 at 2:55 PM

Join us today for a special Storytelling Workshop!

There are too many lockdowns. Learn how to advocate and push back. Donate Dear FAMMily,  FAMM hears daily from family members like you who have incarcerated loved ones suffering through lockdowns, in both federal and state facilities. There are too many lockdowns, and it’s time to push back. In supp…

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  Shanna Rifkin, FAMM · [email protected]

July 8, 2025 at 3:07 PM

The 2025-2026 U.S. Sentencing Commission Amendment Cycle has begun

Donate Dear FAMMily,  The 2025-2026 United States Sentencing Commission amendment cycle is upon us! On June 9, 2025, the Commission published its proposed priorities. This is the Commission’s way of receiving stakeholder input on the issues they plan to prioritize this amendment cycle. Many of thes…

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  FAMM · [email protected]

July 4, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Celebrating Second Chances This Fourth of July

Donate Dear FAMMily,  Happy Fourth of July! Whenever this holiday rolls around, we can’t help but reflect on how lucky we are here at FAMM to have a front-row seat to what freedom, because of second chances, looks like for families. This holiday, newly reunited families are firing up the grill, wat…

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  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D., FAMM · [email protected]

July 1, 2025 at 1:01 PM

We celebrate FAMM’s new General Counsel, Shanna Rifkin, and Mary Price’s transition to Senior Counsel

Donate Dear FAMMily,  We are thrilled to announce that two members of our FAMM team whom you may know – Mary Price and Shanna Rifkin – are advancing into new roles!  Shanna Rifkin, who has served as FAMM’s Deputy General Counsel for almost 4 years, will now lead as General Counsel. Mary Price, who …

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  Daniel Landsman, FAMM · [email protected]

June 25, 2025 at 2:33 PM

Subject: Life on Lockdown: A Growing Crisis

The United States is facing a lockdown crisis Donate Dear FAMMily,  Over the last year, FAMM has received a terrifying rise in outreach from family members all over the country whose loved ones are locked down in prisons. We hear of lockdowns that last weeks and sometimes months. Incarcerated people…

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  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

June 23, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Join us June 24th for a State Policy Update Call

We’ll update you on recent developments, answer your questions, and discuss ways you and your loved ones can support reform Donate Dear FAMMily,  Please join our FAMMily State Policy Update Call with our Policy and Family Outreach teams, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, via Zoom, about what FAMM is working o…

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  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

June 16, 2025 at 4:02 PM

Join us June 18th for our "Inside-Out" Advocacy Training!

Learn how you can work alongside your incarcerated loved ones so that their voices can be included in policy discussions Donate Dear FAMMily,  Please join us for our next FAMMily zoom call, Advocacy Training: “Inside-Out” Advocacy. We’ll learn some best practices and strategies to work alongside you…

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  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D., FAMM · [email protected]

June 13, 2025 at 2:33 PM

We’re celebrating fathers and children reunited in the past year because of reform and second chances

Donate Dear FAMMily,  Happy Father’s Day! As always, we’re celebrating fathers and children reunited in the past year because of reform and second chances. Fathers like Terrance Stanton, who is enjoying his first Father’s Day outside prison walls with his children in a very long time. His wife, Sag…

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  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

June 9, 2025 at 2:33 PM

Join the live-premiere of our video Father’s Day: From Both Sides of the Fence.

Part of our new storytelling campaign: Children of Parents in Prison. Donate Dear FAMMily,  My name is Alexia Pitter, and in honor of Father’s Day, I’m proud to lead the launch of FAMM’s new storytelling campaign: Children of Parents in Prison.   My father has been incarcerated since I was three ye…

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  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D., FAMM · [email protected]

June 5, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Find out why FAMM was mentioned 2,400 times by the media in 2024

Check out the successes you made possible in 2024 Donate Dear FAMMily,  Last year, FAMM got people talking. This year, we're turning that momentum into action.  Visit our new microsite—2024: The Year of Change, Freedom and Reform—to see how we're honoring our founding mission while expanding our imp…

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  Shanna Rifkin, FAMM · [email protected]

May 28, 2025 at 2:33 PM

Add your voice and help 67 people become eligible for immediate release

Your opinion can help sway the Commission Donate Dear FAMMily,  Last month, we wrote to you about updates from the United States Sentencing Commission’s 2025 amendment cycle. Among other changes, the Commission adopted an amendment that will reduce the sentence for certain low-level drug defendants.…

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  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D., FAMM · [email protected]

May 21, 2025 at 2:36 PM

FAMM is proud to present our annual report

Learn how FAMM made a difference in 2024 Donate Dear FAMMily,  FAMM is proud to present our annual report: 2024: The Year of Change, Freedom and Reform. Over the past year, we’ve laid the groundwork for a future that honors our founding purpose while amplifying our impact. Our vision is clear: a jus…

See More from Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D., FAMM

  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

May 20, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Join us tomorrow for a Federal Policy Update Call!

We'll be updating you and taking your questions. Donate Dear FAMMily,  Please join our FAMMily Federal Policy Update Call with our Policy and Family Outreach teams, May 21, 2025, via Zoom, about what FAMM is working on at the federal level. Here’s how to register: https://act.famm.org/a/federal-pol…

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  Maria Goellner, FAMM · [email protected]

May 19, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Spring 2025 State Policy Wins & Battles — What’s Happening in Your State

A look at how FAMM is changing state laws this spring Donate Dear FAMMily,  Spring is in the air, and that means some states have already completed their 2025 legislative sessions. Many are wrapping up now, and others will continue for longer one- and two-year sessions. This map shows when your stat…

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  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D., FAMM · [email protected]

May 15, 2025 at 3:34 PM

Empowering families, changing futures – will you join us?

Their stories move mountains – your support fuels the fight Donate Dear FAMMily,  FAMM hosted a storytelling workshop last night that was one for the books. In honor of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the event centered on helping FAMM members focus their advocacy storytelling around their lived expe…

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  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

May 9, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Join us May 14th for a Storytelling workshop!

This session will help you create your advocacy story based on the experience of you or your loved one parenting from prisonFOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily, With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day around the corner, we're focusing on parents and children impacted by the criminal justice system – celebrating thei…

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  FAMM · [email protected]

May 6, 2025 at 2:33 PM

We know Mother’s Day can be hard, friends.

Let us know if you want to opt out of Mother’s Day messages.FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily, Mother’s Day is often associated with happiness and love, but we know that it can also be difficult for many of us. If Mother’s Day is painful for you for any reason, then the last thing we want to do is add to that …

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  Shanna Rifkin, FAMM · [email protected]

April 23, 2025 at 6:29 PM

Great advocacy opportunity, limited spots, must apply!

FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily, The United States Sentencing Commission wants you to apply to be a member of their newly formed Sentence Impact Advisory Group (SIAG)!  The Commission has a number of existing advisory groups (you can see them all here: https://www.ussc.gov/about/who-we-are/advisory-groups) t…

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  Daniel Landsman, FAMM · [email protected]

April 23, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Policy Briefing: Second Look

FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily,  Join us for another edition of FAMM’s Policy Briefing panel series. Each briefing provides an overview of one of our core issues. This month – second look. What are second look laws? Who do they help? How do they work? Join FAMM to hear experts answer these important questio…

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  Daniel Landsman, FAMM · [email protected]

April 22, 2025 at 5:52 PM

Support BOP oversight!

FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily, Last year, through your advocacy, we passed the Federal Prison Oversight Act. Unfortunately, the new law cannot go into effect until it is fully funded by Congress.  Sign-on to our petition in support a fully funded Federal Prison Oversight Act!  The Federal Prison Oversight …

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  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

April 21, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Join us tomorrow for a State Policy Update Call!

Our new format will hopefully create an experience in which more of you can speak directly with your FAMM state policy lead.FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily, Please join our FAMMily State Policy Update Call with our Policy and Family Outreach teams, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, via Zoom, about what FAMM is workin…

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  Shanna Rifkin, FAMM · [email protected]

April 16, 2025 at 2:16 PM

Relief for low-level drug defendants!

We were heard. The Commission has made changes that could significantly reduce the sentence for low-level drug defendantsFOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily,  The federal Sentencing Guidelines use drug quantity to set the base offense level (starting point) for drug guideline sentences. FAMM has always argued th…

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  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

April 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM

Sign up for Wednesday's Advocacy Training: How a Bill Becomes Law

FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily,  Please join us for our next FAMMily zoom call, Advocacy Training: How a Bill Becomes Law. We'll go over how this process works at the state and federal levels, how you can be a key part of the process, and answer all your questions. Understanding this part of the justice sys…

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  Shanna Rifkin, FAMM · [email protected]

April 10, 2025 at 4:08 PM

U.S. Sentencing Commission requests comments for guideline retroactivity

FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily, The United States Sentencing Commission has requested comment on the criteria used to decide whether, and under what circumstances, changes to the guidelines should be made retroactive. What does this mean?  Currently, when the Commission lowers a guideline, the lower sentenc…

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  Ann Espuelas, FAMM · [email protected]

April 9, 2025 at 7:38 PM

Beware of BOP Phone Scam

FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily,  We are reaching out to alert our members of a phone scam impacting incarcerated people in the federal Bureau of Prisons and their families. People are receiving phone calls wherein the caller is identifying themselves as BOP employees to secure money for community placement …

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  Ann Espuelas, FAMM · [email protected]

April 2, 2025 at 2:36 PM

This Second Chances Month, we’re celebrating clemency!

FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily, Happy Second Chances Month! Here at FAMM, we’re celebrating second chances through executive clemency, close on the heels of President Biden’s historic 4,000+ grants. Hearing from some of those people, now home, is truly joyful. They have accomplished so much since release, a…

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  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

March 25, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Join us tomorrow for a Federal Policy Update call!

Sign up for our bi-monthly Federal Policy Update Zoom callFOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily, Please join our FAMMily Federal Policy Update Call with our Policy and Family Outreach teams, March 26, 2025, via Zoom, about what FAMM is working on at the federal level. Here’s how to register: https://act.famm.org/a…

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  Kevin Hagan, FAMM · [email protected]

March 21, 2025 at 4:23 PM

Starting Soon! FAMM Policy Briefing on Mandatory Minimums

This is sure to be an important and impactful policy briefingFOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily, Please join us for our Policy Briefing on Mandatory Minimums today at 1:00 p.m. EST via YouTube.  We will be joined by Sagan Soto-Stanton, Vanessa Thompson of the Crime and Justice Institute, former U.S. Federal Dis…

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  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

March 18, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Advocacy Stories are a vital tool, join us March 19th and learn to create yours!

This month we're doing things a bit different!FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily, It’s time for another FAMM Storytelling Workshop! This month, we’re doing things a little differently. We’re going to laser-focus on how to create an “Advocacy Story.” This kind of story is a vital tool you can use when you are co…

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  Kevin Hagan, FAMM · [email protected]

March 7, 2025 at 3:34 PM

Join us for a FAMM Policy Briefing on Mandatory Minimums

This is sure to be an important and impactful policy briefingFOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily, Please join us for our Policy Briefing on Mandatory Minimums on Friday March 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. EST via YouTube.  We will be joined by Sagan Soto-Stanton, Vanessa Thompson of the Crime and Justice Institute, for…

See More from Kevin Hagan, FAMM

  Shanna Rifkin, FAMM · [email protected]

February 26, 2025 at 9:24 PM

The U.S. Sentencing Commission needs your comments by March 3rd

Now is your chance to weigh in on proposed amendments and help make drug sentences fairer. FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMilies, The guidelines that judges use to determine a range of sentences for federal drug offenses have been controversial for years.  The U.S. Sentencing Commission has proposed some signifi…

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  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

February 21, 2025 at 5:16 PM

Join us for a State Policy Update on Feb 25

We’re excited to try a new format for this call, which we hope will create an experience in which more of you can speak directly with your FAMM state policy lead. FOLLOW US:Dear FAMMily,  Please join our FAMMily State Policy Update Call with our Policy and Family Outreach teams, Tuesday, February 25…

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  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

February 18, 2025 at 3:35 PM

Prison walls don’t mean your loved one can’t be an advocate!

Join Tomorrow's Advocacy Training: Helping Loved Ones in Prison Advocate From InsideFOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily,  Did you know that some of the most powerful advocacy can happen behind prison walls? Your loved ones’ voices matter, and they can have a real impact on federal and state laws, especially …

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  Maria Goellner, FAMM · [email protected]

February 12, 2025 at 6:28 PM

February State Legislative Round Up

With Legislatures in session, we are hitting the ground running!FOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily,  Welcome to 2025! Statehouses all over the country are officially beginning new legislative sessions. Lawmakers are introducing new bills every day, and we are reviewing them in our target states to see if th…

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  Shanna Rifkin, FAMM · [email protected]

February 6, 2025 at 3:34 PM

Inmate Trust Fund Accounts - Comment on New Proposed Rule

FOLLOW US: Hi FAMMily,  In December 2024, BOP proposed a new rule to revise the Inmate Financial Responsibility Program. This proposal amended the BOP’s earlier one that was published in January 2023. We think this most recent proposed rule is a big improvement.   The BOP started looking into cha…

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  Shanna Rifkin, FAMM · [email protected]

January 28, 2025 at 1:01 AM

Corrected URL: The United States Sentencing Commission Wants to Hear From You!

FOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily, An earlier URL for submitting comments to the sentencing commission was returning errors. Please submit your comments by going to this URL: https://comment.ussc.gov/apex/r/ussc_apex/publiccomment/home Sincerely,  Shanna RifkinDeputy General Counsel, FAMM 1100 H Street NW …

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  Shanna Rifkin, FAMM · [email protected]

January 27, 2025 at 8:54 PM

FAMMily, The United States Sentencing Commission Wants to Hear From You!

FOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily,  We have heard from you over the years about the cruelty of the career offender guideline. Now is your chance to be part of fixing it!  The U.S. Sentencing Commission (“The Commission”) wants to hear from you. The Commission, which writes the federal Sentencing Guidelines…

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  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM · [email protected]

January 21, 2025 at 3:23 PM

4,168 Second Chances: A Historic Moment for Families

President Biden’s record-breaking clemency grants bring hope and healing—but there’s still work to do.FOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily,  Since I last wrote to you, President Biden granted additional clemencies in his final hours in office. In all, he commuted 4,168 prison sentences – the largest number of…

See More from Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM

  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

January 20, 2025 at 3:23 PM

Join our Federal Policy Update call January 22nd!

Learn about what we're focused on in 2025 and join the Q&A.FOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily,Please join our FAMMily Federal Policy Update Call with our Policy and Family Outreach teams, January 22, 2025, via Zoom, about what FAMM is working on at the federal level. Here’s how to register: https://act.…

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  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM · [email protected]

January 18, 2025 at 11:29 PM

Clemency Updates: What You Need to Know

Historic commutations have been announced—find resources, answers, and support for your family.FOLLOW US: Hello FAMMilies,  Yesterday, I shared the historic news of nearly 2,500 federal commutations being granted. Many of your loved ones are included on this list. The “warrants” — official docume…

See More from Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM

  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM · [email protected]

January 17, 2025 at 10:38 PM

Clemency news from the White House!

FOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily,  You spoke, and President Biden listened.    Today, the president is commuting nearly 2,500 federal sentences! This monumental action is a testament to the power of our collective work and advocacy. During FAMM’s Clemency Now! Leading With Justice and Mercy campaign, you …

See More from Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM

  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM · [email protected]

January 14, 2025 at 3:23 PM

Urgent call for clemency!

President Biden has only 6 more daysFOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily, President Biden has only 6 more days to lead with mercy and grant clemencies. FAMM has been pushing hard for executive justice for months now, and as we enter these final days, we need your help! Join us right now in one last call to th…

See More from Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM

  Alexia Pitter, FAMM · [email protected]

January 13, 2025 at 3:44 PM

Join us January 15th for a Storytelling Workshop

Learn how to create and deliver a powerful advocacy story!FOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily:  Happy New Year! For almost two years now, we’ve been thrilled to share with you one of the most important tools we all have – our monthly FAMMily Zoom calls. These are open to everyone, and every month we hold at …

See More from Alexia Pitter, FAMM

  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM · [email protected]

January 6, 2025 at 3:16 PM

FAMM Looks Back on 2024

FOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily, It was so gratifying making this video and looking back at all that we accomplished in 2024 – with your help! Take a look and celebrate with us: Reflecting on 2024 energizes us to do even more in 2025 – help more families, fight for justice, and do our part for what’s rig…

See More from Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM

  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM · [email protected]

December 31, 2024 at 4:21 PM

There’s still time to support FAMM’s work in 2024 and beyond!

FOLLOW US: Hi Friends, There’s still time to support FAMM’s work in 2024 and beyond. Celebrate the New Year with a special gift!     These past few weeks, you’ve heard from Norman Brown, a FAMM board member who received a pardon from President Biden on December 12th. Norman’s story shows the joy …

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  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM · [email protected]

December 30, 2024 at 4:21 PM

This is the moment!

FOLLOW US: Hi Friends, This Is the Moment:    With your support, FAMM did great work in 2024 as we pushed for criminal justice reform, compassionate release, clemency, and much more. Will you support our mission as we continue to fight for second chances in 2025?    We can’t do this important wor…

See More from Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM

  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM · [email protected]

December 29, 2024 at 4:21 PM

Time is running out

FOLLOW US: Hi Friends, Time is running out. Please consider ending 2024 with a gift to FAMM: https://act.famm.org/a/2024-eoy    FAMM’s Clemency campaign has been a huge success! President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoned 39 more, including FAMM board member No…

See More from Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM

  FAMM · [email protected]

December 24, 2024 at 4:17 PM

Happy Holidays from FAMM!

FOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily,  As we head into a time of reflection and celebration, all of us here at FAMM want you to know how grateful we are that you are part of the FAMMily. Last week was an amazing time – when President Biden granted 1,500 clemencies and pardons, our phones were ringing off the …

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  Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM · [email protected]

December 19, 2024 at 4:17 PM

Time is running out on clemency from Biden

Help us push Biden on clemencyFOLLOW US: Dear FAMMily:  Time is running out for President Biden to create a legacy of justice by using his powers of clemency. Our Clemency Now! campaign is getting louder than ever as we ramp up our efforts to make the case for second chances.   Please watch and s…

See More from Shaneva D. McReynolds, Ph.D. FAMM