Justice Works translates its mission into action through motivating and training members of the community known as community organizers to pursue our joint effort of halting injustice in the criminal justice system. Here you will find an extensive archive of information available to community organizers so as to prepare them to effectively make change in our society.
Using the JW! Set Up To Fail Play
Getting Ready For Your Set Up To Fail Event
The Day Of Your Set Up To Fail Play
Your First Meeting After Your Event
What is an Organizer?
Organizers work as part of social justice movements to make improvements in society. There are three main categories of work: becoming an expert in their issue, public education, and mobilizing.
JW! Information
Community organizers actively represent Justice Works! and its issues. The links below offer information on Justice Works as an organization; more information can be found in the "About Us" section of the website.
Forces for Good
Background Knowledge
To be effective organizers it is important to have a good understanding of social justice movements, best practices for organizational management, analysis clarifying the need for our work and specifics on organizer skills and techniques.
Real Cost of Prison Timeline
Criminal Justice System
Public Education
Community organizers work to educate their community on the issues plaguing the criminal justice system today. The resources below offer strategies for communicating this message, getting people interested in the issue, and inspiring change in the community.
Public Participation Toolbox
Freeway Bannering
Planning and Coordination
Media - Crafting the Message
Utilizing the media is essential for community organizers. The links below act as a guide to working with the media, including: getting the media interested in your issue, effectively communicating that issue, and using the media as a helpful tool in the effort to make a positive change.
Media Advocacy Handbook by the Legal Aid Society
When representing an organization effectively communicating your message is the key step to success. These links serve as a guide to interviewing and preparing for publically discussing Justice Works’ issues.
Op-Ed, Letter to the Editor
Letter writing and written communications of Justice Works' message are essential to the progress of our issues. Community organizers work in many mediums and the links below will serve as a guide to writing letters to the Editor and Op-ed pieces.
Writing an Op-Ed Piece
ACLU Writing a Letter to the Editor
5 Tips for a Persuasive Letter to the Editor
Press Releases
Working with the press is both difficult and rewarding. The links serve to guide community organizers through talking to the press and effectively expressing the message of Justice Works!
Mobilization
After doing public education on your issue, organizers must mobilize supporters to create the needed public outcry.
How to Talk so Legislators will Listen
Technology
Utilizing technology is both expedient and necessary when working with Justice Works and organizing the community. Below are links to basic technology guides to help organizers use technology to their best advantage.