Who we are

Our
mission

We are creating new models for justice and safety outside of Arizona’s punishment system.

Why we do what we do

Our purpose is to affirm the inherent and undeniable dignity of every person and the immeasurable worth of every community.

Our unique approach

Punishment doesn’t cultivate safety—relationships and human connection does. 

Our punishment system isn’t ‘broken’—it is operating precisely as it was intended. Based on the belief that some human beings are irredeemable and expendable, it creates superficial safety for a few at the expense of many. This unsalvageable system cannot be made more humane. We’re building something better. 

Together, we’re creating a world free of prisons and punishment, where reconciliation, truth-telling, and mutual interdependence foster healing instead of retribution.

A more effective justice system holds people accountable, when they cause harm, without relying on the practices of harsh punishment, banishment, and alienation.

How we get it done

Our
work

Reframe

We foster the leadership of directly impacted people in the movement to end mass incarceration, build their skills, and position them as leaders in all of JCA’s efforts.

Activities include:

  • Community outreach and engagement
  • Community research
  • Leadership training
  • Digital storytelling
  • Communications and media campaigns.

Dismantle

We work to change laws and policies to shrink, and ultimately eliminate, the punishment system. This includes reducing criminalization, decarceration, and reducing length of sentences.

Activities include:

  • Policy and advocacy campaigns
  • Constituent mobilization
  • Coalition building within the movement

Build

We identify, support, and promote programs and services outside the criminal justice system that create community, restore wholeness, treat trauma, and foster wellbeing. This work is about reinvesting in communities and directing money away from punishment to community-based programs and interventions.

Activities include: 

  • Community research
  • Advocacy campaigns
  • Supporting pilot projects and legislative initiatives
  • Increasing awareness and action in the community and throughout Arizona

We work to shift the narrative that marks people as disposable or “less than” and challenge the efficacy of punitive models predicated on fear and intolerance.

What success looks like

Our
vision

A more effective justice system holds people accountable when they cause harm without relying on practices punishment, banishment, and alienation.

It is intentional about shrinking and eliminating structures born from systemic racism and oppression, and it routes people towards community.

Justice also includes work that shifts the narrative that marks people as disposable or “less than.” We cultivate and invest in the leadership of directly impacted people because we know that through their experience and analysis, we can challenge the efficacy of punitive models predicated on fear and intolerance.