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$10,000 will support critical needs to advance our efforts to end life without parole for children. For example, it could sponsor the travel for approximately ten family members of people serving juvenile life without parole to our National Convening in Washington, DC. They are key stakeholders and important voices in our effort to end life without parole for children. $10,000 also covers nearly the entire cost of our Jesuit Volunteer who serves as full-time staff for one year, and is the main point person for directly-impacted communities.
$5,000 supports overworked defense attorneys who are in need of advocacy expertise and relevant research while representing youth. The CFSY creates and shares resources and forums for attorneys representing young people who are accused of violent crime—a particularly vital role after the Miller decision. We provide technical assistance, connect attorneys to local advocates, and, where possible, find representation for people serving juvenile life without parole.
$2,500 allows the state coordinators who lead statewide campaigns to connect through conference calls and webinar series that enhance their skills and strategies. There are more than a dozen state campaigns across the country working to end the practice of sentencing youth to life without parole through a variety of methods including strategic litigation, coalition-building and public education efforts. Regular conference calls and webinar series allow state coordinators to be the best possible advocates for youth convicted of serious crimes.
$1,000 enables the CFSY to amplify the voices of people who are directly impacted by life without parole sentences for youth: victims of violent crime, people serving life without parole, and their family members. Through our Advocacy Resource Bank, newsletter, op-eds, social media sites, letters to the editor, and videos, we are able to highlight these voices and connect compelling stories to facts and data.