A BETTER WAY FOUNDATION ABWF INC

Please join me in supporting the remarkable work and leadership of A Better Way Foundation (ABWF).

A leader in the movement for justice, ABWF works to end the New Jim Crow and mass incarceration, enact health-based drug policies, achieve racial and gender equity, and more. The good work of ABWF stands as a testament to what's possible with effective organizing and smart, strategic leadership.

ABWF's membership is multi-racial, cross-class, and geographically diverse. The Executive Director, Lorenzo Jones is a veteran organizer from Chicago, an accomplished strategist, and a mentor to many people in the movement (including me). LaResse Harvey is Director of Strategic Relations and, among other responsibilities, is currently leading the organization's effort connect the dots between healthcare reform and ending the drug war and mass incarceration.

I believe deeply in the work of ABWF. I've learned from ABWF's example and have benefited tremendously from Lorenzo's counsel, guidance and friendship. These folks are the real deal. Help me support them so they can continue their good work in 2014 and beyond.

Whether you can give $5 or $500, help me support this unique organization. Thank you!


More about ABWF
If you want to understand what it looks like to organize effectively and responsibly to end the drug war and mass incarceration, then look no further. With very limited resources, ABWF is responsible for some of the most remarkable drug policy and criminal justice reform victories in the country, including:

-- making CT among the first states to end racially-biased sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine, while also securing over $25 million for treatment for peoplewith cocaine addictions;

-- passing legislation requiring Racial and Ethnic Impact Statements on select criminal justice and drug policy proposals

-- stopping the "three-strikes" legislation;

-- passing Ban the Box legislation at both the state and municipal levels (even overriding a veto by the Governor!);

-- passing overdose prevention legislation, including naloxone access and a 911 Good Samaritan law;

-- enacting protections against prison rape;

-- passing marijuana decriminalization and medical marijuana;

-- reforming drug-free school zones;

-- building coalitions to save community libraries

-- creating and launching summer youth activity programs, like football leagues and fishing trips.

-- and producing original research, like this recently released this report about the impact of the schools to prison pipeline in CT.

ABWF staff and volunteers -- many of who are people formerly incarcerated -- are making stronger, healthier communities. ABWF doesn't spend their time telling folks how great they are. Instead, they do the work, building a movement for justice and winning reforms at the state and city levels, providing an example of how we can build an effective national movement for justice.