Mission Statement
Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower individuals impacted by the legal system to build collective power for dismantling systemic oppression and harmful policies. We strive to humanize marginalized communities, prevent criminalization, reduce recidivism and promote second chances and successful reintegration through advocacy, education and supportive programming.
About
Out for Justice, Inc. (OFJ) is a grassroots organization that received our official nonprofit status in 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded by a group of formerly incarcerated individuals who were ready and willing to work but repeatedly denied employment due to their criminal record. With the support of justice-impacted individuals, their friends, and their family members, OFJ strives to bring about policy reform that ends employment barriers and perpetual punishment that adversely affects citizens impacted by the criminal legal system.
We believe that individuals impacted by the criminal legal system should be at the forefront of policy reform efforts that directly affect us, our families, and communities. Targeting unjust, counterproductive policies reduces the collateral consequences associated with a criminal record, provides a fiscally responsible method for reducing recidivism, and increases the health and safety of our communities.
BUILDING POWER FOR CHANGE
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1) ENGAGE formerly incarcerated individuals, families and friends through grassroots outreach and community events;
2) EDUCATE our member base and communities on the policies and practices impacting our communities and navigating the legislative process for reform;
3) EMPOWER those impacted by the criminal justice system to utilize their voices and experiences to enact tangible change.
Our Three E's
Out for Justice, Inc. accomplishes our mission through the three E’s:
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ENGAGE formerly incarcerated individuals, families and friends through grassroots outreach and community events.
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EDUCATE​ our member base and communities on the policies and practices impacting our communities and navigating the legislative process for reform.
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EMPOWER​ those impacted by the criminal legal system to utilize their voices and experiences to enact tangible change.
What We Do
Out for Justice (OFJ) is a grassroots advocacy organization committed to creating lasting change by educating and empowering individuals directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
We believe that knowledge is power, and when our communities are equipped with the right tools, they become unstoppable forces for justice.
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Our mission is rooted in the idea that education and action go hand in hand. That’s why we offer a range of trainings focused on advocacy, knowing your rights, grassroots base building, leadership development, and civic engagement. These programs are designed to help our members grow through the ladder of engagement and step confidently into leadership roles that will shape policy and build stronger, more equitable communities for generations to come.
We are the "policy arm" for the reentry community.
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AMPLIFYING
the perspectives of individuals impacted by the legal system
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OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES
for individual personal and professional development through training, hiring and other activities
Although Out for Justice is not a direct service organization, we acknowledge that it often takes time for policy reform and legislation to manifest into tangible changes for returning citizens. Because of this, we provide our own programs and resources to ensure our members’ successful reintegration into society.
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ADVOCATING
for policies that respond to these perspectives
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BUILDING INDIVIDUAL & COLLECTIVE POWER
so that individuals and communities can advocate for their needs and pursue their goals
