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Learn about the difference we made in 2024:

2024 Impact Report 

Towards a more just criminal legal system


The mission of Advancing Real Change, Inc. is to create a more just world by advancing empathy, dignity, and equity within and beyond the criminal legal system. Your support makes our work possible.

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What We Do

Our criminal legal system too often reduces individuals accused of crimes to their worst actions. Their redeeming qualities, the community that loves them, and the experiences that brought them into contact with the legal system are ignored, frequently resulting in extreme and inhumane sentences. Advancing Real Change, Inc., works towards a more just and humane criminal legal system by unearthing the life histories of people facing extreme sentences so that true, accurate, and detailed information about their lives can be shared with the judges, juries, and prosecutors who decide their fates.

Our Impact

Advancing Real Change, Inc., is transforming the lives of individuals and making a long-term impact on the criminal legal system.

94%

of our clients receive shorter and more humane sentences

3,500

criminal defense team members have accessed our training and resources

68%

of our cases have been in high-needs jurisdictions in the past 5 years

Upcoming Events

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International Forum for Mitigation Practitioners

Join Advancing Real Change, Inc. as we host quarterly collaborative one-hour Zoom calls for mitigation specialists around the world on…

  • February 13
  • 9:00 am EST
  • Dr. Elizabeth Vartkessian and Maitreyi Misra

Ask a Mitigation Specialist

Ask a Mitigation Specialist – February 19

Ask a Mitigation Specialist, a resource program that allows defenders to meet directly and privately with a mitigation specialist for…

  • February 19
  • 3:00 pm EST
  • Indrani Belaratnam & Beth Cahill

Ask a Mitigation Specialist

Ask a Mitigation Specialist – March 19

Ask a Mitigation Specialist, a resource program that allows defenders to meet directly and privately with a mitigation specialist for…

  • March 19
  • 3:00 pm EDT
  • Heather Barrow & Michelle Gaudet

Report

2024 Impact Report

It is only with a true understanding of the individuals accused of crimes that judges, juries, prosecutors, and other decision-makers…

  • Published August 10, 2023
  • “I learned so much about myself, this work, my group mates…I feel so much less alone”

     

    Writing Stories for Change participant, 2024
  • “I feel supported and inspired by the network of amazing folks and feel empowered to advocate for work that matches the ABA guidelines.”

    Jacksonville conference participant 2024

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    Your support allows us to serve our clients, provide free training and education to defense teams across the country, and offer online resources.

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