Building support for restorative, equitable approaches
Our criminal legal system isn’t just. To effectively promote community safety, advocates need to frame strategically. Framing is a key part of ending mass incarceration, stopping the over-policing of Black communities and other communities of color, abolishing cash bail, and more.
What the Research Tells Us
Emphasize that changing our current system can improve wellbeing for everyone.
Center people who are immediately affected by structural racism and current problems with our system, but show how everyone can benefit from systems that truly promote wellbeing.
Put the responsibility on structural factors.
Leave no space for people to place blame for disparate outcomes on the impacted group.
Always include a solution and your vision for the future.
It’s difficult for people to get on board with your message if they don’t have a clear sense of what alternatives to our current system are possible.
Resources / Justice Reform
Framing Community Safety: Guidance for Effective Communication
Framing Community Safety is a guide for nonprofits, community-based organizations, public agencies, and others who want to communicate more effectively with the public about community-led efforts to prevent violence and promote safety and healing.
March 24, 2023