Our upcoming campaign, Through Another Lens, allows AFJ families to share what it would be like to be reunited with their incarcerated loved ones. Launching May 4th, 2022. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to hear their stories. 

Please join us on Monday, May 2nd for a car caravan demonstration in Albany to fight for the restoration of visitor brought packages, FULL-contact visits and to demand an end to sexually intrusive dog searches on visitors entering NYS prisons! We will meet at 10:30 am in Albany (exact meeting location given upon registration).

Five years ago, AFJ was successful in having DOCCS rescind its mean-spirited package policy just 10 days after it was introduced. This week DOCCS quietly issued a new set of rules regarding packages, drastically limiting the quality of basic necessities incarcerated people can receive and further burdening poor people. We’re preparing to push back even harder this time.

The proposed policy, scheduled to take effect on Monday, May 9, unduly burdens poor families and incarcerated people, who do not have easy access to the Internet/ technology or bank accounts and associated debit/ credit cards to place online orders, as the new policy stipulates. Essentially fresh vegetables and fruits will be inaccessible and there is an added cost of shipping that is unmanageable for low-income families.

DOCCS has alternative resources at its disposal that it can employ such as dogs, x-ray machines and metal detectors to inspect packages. We demand that the newly announced short-sighted package policy be rescinded immediately.

We are so excited to reconnect with everyone at the beautiful Riverbank State Park in Harlem on Saturday, May 14th from 12 pm-5 pm. We will be providing food and beverages for all in attendance. There will be activities and fun for all members of the family! We will be adhering to all NYC and CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 precautions. Register today!

New York for Full Restoration of Voting Rights Coalition is a campaign committed to ending felony disenfranchisement in NYS. Felony disenfranchisement is a practice that perpetuates political dependency, undermines democracy and perpetuates the marginalization of communities by removing civic agency. AFJ is part of the coalition and is proud to have sent some speakers for the panel during Caucus Weekend 2022.

Do you know someone who was prosecuted and wrongfully convicted by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office? Newly elected Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. recently announced the launch of the Post-Conviction Justice Unit application process that includes a collaborative investigation with impacted individuals.

We are calling on the State of New York to restore the right to vote for formerly incarcerated people so that they too can fully participate in the democratic process. Inclusion in the electoral process is a concrete way for incarcerated people to remain connected to their families and communities. For over 200 years, New York has engaged in its own unique form of Jim Crow by “baking” felony disenfranchisement into the state constitution. Ending this draconian practice would be a step forward in recognizing the importance of reintegration, rehabilitation and reentry.

President Biden recently announced he would use his Clemency Powers to commute or pardon the sentences of 78 individuals. This was done as April, Second Chance month, came to an end. These individuals will now be able to return and participate in society. While we believe this is a step in the right direction, AFJ knows that more work needs to be done in order for all directly impacted people to truly have a second chance

We have a great selection of AFJ t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags available on our website! $10 flat-rate shipping for each order. All proceeds go toward supporting our work. Place your order today!

Our next circle for formerly incarcerated people will take place on Saturday, May 21st at 1 pm!

This group is about “moving forward,” which is what songa mbele means in Swahili. The Circle will emphasize mindfulness approaches that can assist participants on a path to a healthy transition into the community. It will be facilitated by Yao-Obiora Dibia and will occur monthly on the third Saturday of each month. Please see below for Zoom information. If you are formerly incarcerated, we hope you will attend!

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/join

Enter Meeting ID: 825 5810 8249

For phone only: 646-876-9923

Enter: 82558108249# 

While we miss being able to gather in person, having our Family Empowerment Circle on Zoom every Tuesday evening has been a great way to stay connected and has enabled families across the state to support one another. The circle takes place from 6-8 pm every Tuesday and is facilitated by the one and only Yao-Obiara Dibia! It is reserved for families with currently and formerly incarcerated loved ones, as well as for formerly incarcerated people.

Please see below for Zoom meeting details. You can also click the button below at the scheduled meeting time to be taken directly to the meeting.

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/join

Enter Meeting ID: 841 0065 5340

For phone only: One tap mobile +1646-876-9923

Enter: 84100655340# 

Thursday, 6-8 pm

Please join Alliance of Families for Justice every Thursday at 6 PM for our weekly community organizing meetings. Led by directly-impacted family members, we meet every Thursday to identify policy priorities, craft strategies, and implement campaigns around issues that affect currently and formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones. Directly-impacted individuals and allies are all welcome! We ask that new participants attend any week except for the first Thursday of the month, which is reserved for current participants.

There are ample opportunities to engage in a wide variety of strategies. If you are unable to attend these meetings, but you want to get involved, please email aqirah@afj-ny.org.

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/join

Enter Meeting ID: 851 6657 8595

For phone only: 646-876-9923

Enter: 85166578595#