News & Policy Updates

Explore the latest updates from ARC

Our Thoughts On Last Night

November 6, 2024|

The outcome of last night’s election has revived rhetoric and policies that seek to strip away rights from women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and many marginalized groups, including incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. This agenda threatens the very fabric of our democracy, aiming to dismantle essential democratic values and the rights that protect us all. We believe in a society that treats everyone with fairness and equality and we must stand together now more than ever to defend those rights for our community and our loved ones. The passage of Prop 36 is a devastating blow to public safety in California, as it[...]

Sincerely with Sam Lewis Episode 3: Your Voice Your Vote

November 4, 2024|

In this episode of Sincerely with Sam Lewis, Sam explores voting rights for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals with two impactful guests: Nicole Lewis from the Marshall Project and Jared Villery, ARC's Expungement Fellow. Nicole shares insights from her research surveying incarcerated people across the U.S. about their attitudes on voting and how they stay engaged with politics despite the obstacles they face Jared Villery shares his experience voting for the first time, highlighting how meaningful it is to use his voice to support Proposition 6 in California. This episode underscores the importance of voting rights for those affected by the justice[...]

Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s Prop 6 Efforts Featured in Huffington Post

October 29, 2024|

The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) is in the spotlight as Huffington Post highlights its efforts to pass Proposition 6, which seeks to end forced labor in California prisons. The article features personal stories from ARC’s Chief Strategy Consultant, Esteban Nuñez, and Expungement Fellow, Jared Villery “You run the risk of either your health or your chances for your freedom. That’s the choice you make on a daily basis,” shared Villery, describing his experience working in prison despite a knee injury. Nuñez added, “Removing involuntary servitude really does allow folks to prioritize rehabilitation, which, in turn, will enhance public safety.” Read more here: Huffington[...]

Welcome Our Newest Board Member Shaka Senghour

October 29, 2024|

ARC is pleased to welcome Shaka Senghour back to our ARC Family (not that he ever truly left!). Shaka is a highly recognized community and business leader, a fierce social justice advocate, and the NYT Best Selling author of “Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death and Redemption in an American Prison.” He is also a longtime friend of ARC, having served as our Executive Director from April 2018 to June 2019. We couldn’t be more excited to have Shaka’s wealth of experience and expertise to help guide ARC into 2025 and beyond.

Read Nicholas Tirado’s Op-Ed on Prop 6 in Teen Vogue!

October 28, 2024|

ARC’s viral sensation, Nicholas Tirado, wrote an inspiring op-ed in Teen Vogue, detailing how forced prison labor held him back and how Prop 6 could remove slavery from California’s Constitution, creating more rehabilitative opportunities for incarcerated people. He shares his journey of overcoming incarceration and how he has become a content creator, amplifying the voices of formerly incarcerated individuals. Nicholas writes, “Now California has a historic opportunity to end this cruel and racist practice. Proposition 6 will give voters the power to end forced labor inside state prisons and county jails and finally close this dark chapter in our state’s history.” Read[...]

ARC’s Sam Lewis Urges Voters to Reject Prop 36 and Support Prop 6 During Sacramento Bee Panel

October 18, 2024|

Sacramento, CA — In a virtual panel discussion hosted by The Sacramento Bee, Sam Lewis, Executive Director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), urged California voters to reject Proposition 36, condemning it for its false promises and its potential to cut treatment and prevention programs while further entrenching mass incarceration and the war on drugs. During the debate, Lewis challenged Yolo District Attorney Jeff Reisig on the cost and motives behind Prop 36, the misleading narrative surrounding retail theft, and Proposition 47, which has saved California nearly $1 billion while creating access to drug treatment and crime prevention programs. The panel also addressed[...]

Sincerely with Sam Lewis: “Prop 6: End Modern Day Slavery!”

October 10, 2024|

In this second episode of this season of  Sincerely with Sam Lewis , Sam delves into Proposition 6, exploring the link between slavery and the exception clauses in both the California and U.S. Constitutions. The episode highlights how Proposition 6 aims to end slavery and create rehabilitative opportunities for incarcerated individuals in California. Sam was joined by a group of dynamic guests: Esteban Nuñez, ARC's Chief Strategist and Lobbyist leading the Yes on 6 campaign Celina Chapin, Chief Advocacy Officer from Worth Rises Thabile Makue, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer at Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition Prop 6 ambassadors: Sam Brown, Hung Nguyen,[...]

Check out ARC’s 2024 Voter Guide

October 8, 2024|

With the 2024 election fast approaching, the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) is proud to release its 2024 Voter Guide. This election is pivotal for our country, with a new president on the ballot. In California, key criminal justice measures could either transform our system for the better or return us to an era of mass incarceration. As a reminder: YES on Prop 6 and NO on Prop 36. Beyond criminal justice, this ballot addresses critical issues like wages, education, housing, and more. This year also marks a historic milestone: formerly incarcerated individuals on parole have the right to vote in a general election[...]

ARC Staff Member Jared Villery Advocates for Yes on Proposition 6

September 24, 2024|

ARC staff member Jared Villery was recently profiled on Spectrum News, where he shared powerful insights on the dehumanizing effects of forced labor within the prison system and its detrimental impact on rehabilitation. Jared has been advocating for Proposition 6, which is on the ballot this November, to end forced labor inside prisons, opening up more rehabilitative opportunities for individuals and allowing them to focus on education and personal growth. Jared, who served 21 years in prison, emphasized that mandatory work assignments hindered his educational and personal development. “I would have likely had my associate’s degrees three or four years sooner. I[...]

Labor, Civil Rights, and Elected Leaders Unite in Support of Prop 6 to End Forced Labor in California Prisons

September 17, 2024|

Los Angeles, CA –Yesterday, a powerful rally was held in support of Proposition 6, bringing together a diverse group of elected representatives, labor leaders, and formerly incarcerated individuals. The event underscored the critical need to end forced labor in California's prisons and highlighted why this issue resonates with all Californians. Dominique Davis, an ARC member, shared a poignant testimony: "Fearful of write-ups and disciplinary actions that would extend my time, I accepted the assignment although it did not fit my rehabilitation needs." This statement captured the profound impact of forced labor on the lives of those within the prison system, emphasizing the[...]

ABC 7 Features ARC’s Hope and Redemption Team (HART) Graduation at Los Angeles County Prison

September 9, 2024|

The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) is excited to share that ABC 7 recently featured the graduation ceremony of participants from our  Hope and Redemption Team (HART) program at Los Angeles County Prison (LAC) in Lancaster, CA. This coverage highlights the powerful impact of ARC’s transformative work within California’s prisons, celebrating the accomplishments of individuals who have completed the 12-week HART program. The HART program, a 12-week initiative, equips incarcerated men and women with the tools necessary for personal growth, responsibility, and successful reintegration into society. Operating in nearly every prison across the state, the program has shown remarkable results, with participants 30% more[...]

Anti-Recidivism Coalition Announces the Relaunch of “Sincerely, with Sam Lewis” Podcast

September 5, 2024|

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) is excited to announce the relaunch of “Sincerely, with Sam Lewis,” the podcast hosted by ARC’s Executive Director, Sam Lewis. The first episode of the new season will air live on Wednesday, September 11, at 11 AM, across all ARC social platforms, including YouTube, X, and Instagram. In the first episode of the new season, Sam will delve into why voters should reject Prop 36, a dangerous ballot measure that threatens to undo the progress made by Prop 47. Prop 36 poses a major setback to safety and treatment, cutting funding from essential crime[...]

ARC’s Sponsored Legislation to Ensure Dignity and Care for Pregnant People in Prison Heads to Governor!

September 3, 2024|

California Assembly Bill 2740, authored by Assemblymember Waldron, has successfully passed the state legislature and is now awaiting approval from Governor Newsom. AB 2740 provides comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care for pregnant individuals in prison. The bill also directs prison officials to connect pregnant individuals with social workers within a week and ensures expedited visitation for overnight stays with newborns. Tyrique Shipp, a Policy Fellow with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, highlighted the importance of the bill, stating, “A prison cell is no place for somebody who is pregnant or somebody after pregnancy—it’s not safe, it’s not clean. Our goal is to ensure we[...]

SAM LEWIS APPEARS ON ABC 7 SAN FRANCISCO TO DISCUSS OPPOSITION TO PROP 36

August 27, 2024|

Sam Lewis, Executive Director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), appeared on ABC 7 San Francisco to discuss the importance of voting "No" on Proposition 36. Prop 36, which is up for a vote in November, aims to increase sentences for certain drug and theft crimes. During his appearance, Lewis emphasized the dangers associated with Prop 36, particularly its potential to reverse decades of progress in criminal justice reform and lead to more people experiencing homelessness and poverty being given harsher sentences for minor offenses. "Instead, we're trying to find faster ways to lock people up and go back to mass incarceration," Lewis[...]

Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s Ride Home Program Featured in NBCU Academy’s Latest Storytelling Series!

August 22, 2024|

Los Angeles, CA — August 21, 2024 — NBCU Academy's new feature highlights the Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s (ARC) innovative Ride Home program and its impact on the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals transitioning back into society. ARC's Ride Home program offers more than just transportation for those recently released from California prisons and jails. The program addresses a critical gap between prison and the community by providing a ride, a first meal, a new outfit, a cellphone, and toiletries—key essentials to help people begin their reentry journey on the right foot. “You’re going to get the support, you’re going to get the resources,[...]

ARC Statement on recent racist remarks by LA City Councilmembers

October 12, 2022|

ARC Statement on recent racist remarks by LA City Councilmembers from Executive Director Sam Lewis: ARC stands against the recent hateful remarks made by LA City Council members. Racism, anti-blackness, anti-Indigeneity, homophobia, and all forms of discrimination do not have a place in our city.   Mass incarceration and other forms of oppression are deeply intertwined, where people of color are still overrepresented at every level of the justice system,including our prisons and juvenile facilities.   ARC is a community where Black, Brown, and all people unite to heal and support each other. ARC hopes this will push our community members to[...]

VICTORY! Gov. Newsom Signs 2022 Reforms Into Law.

October 1, 2022|

We’re thrilled to announce that California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed our 2022 CA policy priorities into law!  “We applaud Governor Newsom for signing a suite of bills that recognizes the dignity and futures of Californians who have experienced incarceration,” said Sam Lewis, Executive Director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC). ”Ending mass incarceration includes the idea that one should not be held back due to a prior conviction, allowing people to strive towards greatness during reentry." AB 2417 (Ting): Youth Bill of Rights  Youth in the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) currently have a Youth Bill of Rights, which explains their rights and protections. But[...]

Governor Newsom Signs Budget, including HART Team Funding

July 13, 2022|

Yesterday, Governor Newsom signed into law a budget which includes significant funding for rehabilitative programming inside CA prisons, reentry services for returning citizens, support for survivors & victims of crimes, & age-appropriate care for system-involved youth. Notably, the state will fully fund our Hope & Redemption Team (HART), in which ARC Life Coaches who served life sentences go back inside to provide parole board preparation, rehabilitative programming, & reentry support to those still in confinement. The funding will allow HART to operate in 31 prisons. Also included in this budget are the following investments in our incarcerated & free communities. Provides $27[...]

Statement on Roe v Wade

July 8, 2022|

We are enraged at the recent Supreme Court decision (Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization) to overturn Roe v. Wade. We recognize this as an attack on human rights. We know incarcerated women are and have historically been impacted by reproductive oppression, including forced sterilization in California prisons this century. All people in prison do not have full control of their bodies. This decision is one that limits women’s and pregnant people’s bodily autonomy and control over their own lives. It strikes fear, uncertainty, and despair in the hearts and lives of many women throughout this country, including in our community. Further,[...]

Statement on ACA 3

July 1, 2022|

We are deeply disappointed that ACA 3 failed to pass the California State Senate in time to make the November 2022 ballot. Read our statement below:

ARC Selected by Mackenzie Scott

March 23, 2022|

We are honored to announce that we are a beneficiary of MacKenzie Scott’s generosity. We applaud her groundbreaking approach to philanthropy and we’re grateful that she has made justice reform a pillar of her giving. This is incredible news for us and our partners.

Sam Lewis testifies against Prop 47 Rollbacks

March 8, 2022|

We defeated a rollback of Prop 47. ARC’s Sam Lewis  gave testimony against AB 1599, the dangers of tough-on-crime legislation, and how felony records have negatively impacted our communities because of Prop 47, we have reduced the prison population while expunging records across CA.  Prop 47 savings have supported our communities with drug treatment, mental health, victims' services, and many other vital resources.

NFL Inspire Change

February 8, 2022|

Yesterday ARC, NFL’s Inspire Change, and Place4Grace worked together to provide 21 kids with incarcerated fathers a day they won’t soon forget! 21 kids got the chance to tour the NFL Network Studios, be inspired by NFL talent like MJ Acosta-Ruiz, Willie Mcginest, Steve Smith Colleen Wolfe , and Jim Trotter, and were surprised with a special gift from their dads. With the help of CA Corrections, these dads were able to record messages of love, hope, and encouragement for their kids to see. Then, after some coaching from NFL’s on-air talent, the kids went into NFL Studios and recorded their own[...]

NBA Grant

December 7, 2021|

Today, the NBA Foundation has announced 38 new grants totaling $11 million to help create employment opportunities, further career advancement and drive greater economic empowerment for Black youth. Learn more: nbafoundation.com “We are thrilled to be a NBA Foundation grantee alongside such diverse and impactful community organizations. This grant will allow us to expand our current programming providing comprehensive support networks and opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Black youth.” -Sam Lewis, Executive Director of ARC

ARC/NBA visit Indiana Prison

October 13, 2021|

An inspiring day played out earlier this month in IDOC Putnam Correctional Facility with the Indiana Pacers, Represent Justice, Plus One Society, Last Mile, ARC, and our incarcerated community members. Members of the Pacers and our incarcerated community members were able to play an uplifting basketball game, which gave everyone a sense of brotherhood. Many of our incarcerated community members shared their story in order to enlighten the broader community, uplift their voices, and to build community. We are so happy to be a part of this narrative change!

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Impact Story

Rose Brown

In my journey inside, nothing could really prepare me for what was to come. Everyone’s journey is different & I’ve learned these basic things in my re-entry and transition:Be patient (Especially with yourself), don’t compare yourself to others (Your path is yours alone), and continue climbing the mountain (Obstacles will come, just keep climbing). Being in the trenches of re-entry & working with an organization that focuses on re-entry made me realize what my purpose really is-to give back. Surviving Board, paroling, discharging from parole…I’ve climbed that mountain. My focus today is to make a positive difference to the community I’ve harmed and the inside community I’ve left behind.

J’Mel Carter

There were so many things that contributed to me making the poor choice to live a criminal and gang lifestyle. I don’t mention these facts to justify my despicable actions. With the help of good men and women and through education and hard work, I was able to change and transform the person I was into the person I was meant to be.

Pamela Thompson

When I was sentenced to 33 years to life under the third strike law, I thought my life was over and lost hope. 17 years into  sentence, I got tired of feeling hopeless and decided to start attending self-help groups. Soon enough, I was the one leading them. After serving 24 years I was resentenced and released under 1170 (d)(1). I am now enjoying my freedom by giving back to my community through the work with ARC and different local organizations. As a life coach, I help ARC Members by lending my lived experiences to help guide and mentor them as they navigate their own reentry journey.

Rodney Bryant

Understanding all that CA offered me a chance to start fresh; however, I soon realized that even though the landscape changed, those old childhood issues still persisted. In 1990 I found myself making impulsive & irrational decisions whenever stressed. That year, I was sentenced to serve an indeterminate term of 15 years-to-Life. I spent more than 28 years of my life in correctional facilities; however, with hard work, persistence, & divine intervention my life was transformed. I spent a considerable amount of time on self-improvement, earning a High School Diploma, various vocational trades, and self-help certifications. Wanting to help make a difference, I became a Peer Literacy Tutor, Recreational Coach, and Youth Mentor, as I continued to seek self-help through self-improvement.

Angel Zubiate

It had been a rocky experience each time that an employer would ask “why are you being tracked like an animal?” Or the confused public eye that would question the same thing. My inability to swim in a pool or beach with family, friends, and loved ones because the monitor would glitch causing for my parole officer to panic that a registered gang member was on the loose. Now that I am completely free to travel and swim, work where I choose, wear shorts in the summer with out feeling judged, I could tell you that today I am as blessed as can be.

Jose Santana

US Forestry Service Fireman

I’m doing fire work now because it has given me self confidence and self worth that I feel I used to lack. Nowadays I hold my head up high and take pride in everything I do because what I do has value that I truly appreciate. I’m no longer hurting the community, I’m giving back to it. I’m constantly humbled when I see my friends, family and strangers and they thank me for my service. I get a bit embarrassed by it to be honest.