King County Defender Collective
As a collective of King County public defenders, we fight every day against injustices, including systemic racism, that infect our justice system. We see those inequities up close, through the experiences of our clients. Right now, our country is reckoning with the sins of its past. We as public defenders support this movement and walk in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
To that end, we have set up this fundraiser. Each month, we will select a different charitable organization devoted to serving the Black community and our clients. Please join us in our efforts by giving what you can.
This month, we are raising funds for Community Passageways: https://www.communitypassageways.org/
Community Passageways describes its mission as follows:
Community Passageways is a Seattle-based nonprofit with a vision for zero youth incarceration. CP was created by CEO Dominique Davis in response to a perceived increase in violent crimes affecting youth in South Seattle. As an organization, we collaborate with families, schools, the court system, correctional center staff, religious institutions, policy makers, and community members to support adolescent youth of color. Our unique evidence-based, community-centered model provides an alternative to the current criminal justice system. Our work connects youth to mentors and programs focused on personal healing, identity development, and leadership building.
To eliminate juvenile detention while reducing the quantity and disproportionality of youth arrests and filings, we use a community-based intervention model to support youth at every stage in the justice process—from prevention to detention. This is designed to replace the school-to-prison pipeline with a school-to-life success pipeline. Instead of suspensions and expulsions, we strive for restorative and culturally-relevant programming. Instead of police, prosecutors, and judges, we operate with mentors, counselors, and circle keepers. Instead of frustration and denial, we build purpose and opportunity. Instead of jails, we will have homes, schools, jobs, and a community that stands with our youth.
