🟧 Criminal Justice Reform & Mass Incarceration
A ranked guide to groups reforming policing, sentencing, and prisons while protecting rights and public safety.
From over-policing to overcrowded prisons, the U.S. justice system often struggles to balance safety with fairness. These organizations work for reforms that protect communities, uphold constitutional rights, and ensure humane treatment — from arrest to trial to incarceration and release.
On their websites, you’ll find ways to plug in — from membership and campaign sign-ups to policy action alerts and organizing tools.
Looking for more ways to make a difference?
This resource is part of my continuing series of issue advocacy guides at Plainly, Garbl. You’ll find 60 more—including voting rights, executive overreach, environmental protection, worker rights, peace and diplomacy, education, and disaster relief—at Advocacy Groups by Issue. Check back occasionally for new issues and updated guides.
Uses research, policy advocacy, and public education to reduce incarceration and address racial disparities in sentencing, with state-level reports.
Partners with government and advocates to end mass incarceration, ensure dignity behind bars, and improve public safety.
Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)
Provides legal defense to people illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in prison, and fights racial and economic injustice nationwide.
Combines research, policy advocacy, and litigation to reform criminal law, end mass incarceration, and strengthen democracy.
ACLU—Criminal Law Reform Project
Litigates to challenge unconstitutional policing, sentencing, and prison conditions, with the ACLU of Washington actively advocating for state reforms.
FAMM (Families Against Mandatory Minimums)
Advocates for fair and proportionate sentencing laws, compassionate release, and prison reform through bipartisan efforts.
Uses research-based policy solutions to end police violence, increase accountability, and build public trust.
Produces data and analysis to expose the harms of mass incarceration.
National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls
Works to end the incarceration of women and girls and promote community-based alternatives.
Alliance for Safety and Justice
Supports crime survivors, promotes trauma recovery, and advances rehabilitation-focused criminal justice policies.
Top Related Issues
Prison & Sentencing Reform: Rolling back mandatory minimums and excessive terms to promote justice and proportionality.
Policing & Law Enforcement Accountability: Ensuring policing is constitutional, equitable, and community-minded.
Bail Reform: Eliminating pretrial detention based on inability to pay.
Racial Justice in Criminal Law: Eliminating systemic bias in arrests, trials, and sentencing.
Prison Conditions: Upholding human and constitutional rights behind bars.
Juvenile Justice Reform: Focusing on rehabilitation instead of punishment for youth.
Reentry & Reintegration: Supporting access to housing, jobs, and education for returning citizens.
Crime Victims’ Rights: Offering trauma-informed support and legal protections for survivors.
Alternatives to Incarceration: Expanding restorative justice and treatment-based diversion.
Public Safety & Community Investment: Shifting from punishment to prevention through investment in communities.
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