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By Paul Rothschild (Leading with Conviction™ 2024 participant):
From September 12-14, the People’s Coalition for Safety and Freedom (PCSF) took bold action in Washington, D.C. Over 80 directly impacted leaders formed teams and met with more than 50 legislative offices to mark the anniversary of the passage of the 1994 Crime Bill. Our mission was clear: To introduce our vision for the future through the People’s Bill, a transformative proposal to repeal and replace the outdated law.
We asked members of Congress to:
The support was palpable. My team had promising meetings with the offices of Representatives Jonathan Jackson, Delia Ramirez, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Ilhan Omar, and Robin Kelly, hearing genuine interest in our audacious plans for change.
Among the attendees, there was a strong presence from JustLeadershipUSA, including two current 2024 Leading with Conviction participants — myself and Gregory Chambers — and at least two other graduates — Avalon Betts-Gaston (LwC 2022, pictured above) and Brittany Lovely (LwC 2022).
The week was more than just advocacy — it was a time for connection. We decompressed with food, friendship, and solidarity. We celebrated someone’s first birthday at home after years behind bars. We built lasting relationships with teams from across the country and reclaimed our agency, power, and self-worth. In those meetings, staffers saw us for who we are — experts in our own right — and engaged with genuine curiosity.
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BACKGROUND
30 Years Ago …
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, also known as the ’94 Crime Bill, was spearheaded by then-senator Joe Biden and signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
The problems with this bill fall into 2 categories:
It’s time for a new vision of safety and policymaking.
Those most impacted by the criminal legal system are dreaming bigger and fighting for something better.
The People’s Coalition for Safety and Freedom is partnering with organizations across the nation to democratize the legislation writing process.
Through a series of surveys, political education, and People’s Movement Assemblies (PMAs), PCSF worked with those directly impacted by policing and incarceration to collectively draft a bill to replace the 1994 Crime Bill.
Watch this explainer video:
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