The Imagine Justice Project is a collaborative Pierce County effort to strengthen youth development and advance equitable, community-centered justice systems.
WHY IMAGINE JUSTICE
Young people often come into contact with the criminal justice system as a result of normal adolescent behavior, such as taking risks and pushing boundaries. Due to institutional racism and implicit bias, this happens more often for Black and Brown youth through the over-policing of communities of color, racial profiling and disproportionate minority sentencing. The isolation and stigma surrounding criminal justice system involvement create additional barriers preventing youth and young adults from achieving their full potential. Protective factors, such as participation in positive youth development programs and connection to caring adults, can create safe and supportive environments for youth that prevent and reduce contact with the criminal justice system.
ORGANIZATIONS:
Join the Youth-Serving Agencies Network
The YSAN is works to increase coordination and collaboration among agencies that serve court-involved youth in Pierce County in order to maximize benefit to youth and community. We meet every other month for 90-minutes. Our focus in on building relationships, leveraging resources, and learning from each other.
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Become an AmeriCorps Host Site
Host one or more full-time members of the Imagine Justice AmeriCorps team. These national service volunteers provide direct service to youth and young adults in youth-serving nonprofit organizations across Pierce County. AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance, benefits, an education award, and personal and professional coaching. We focus on recruiting AmeriCorps members who have lived experience or identities that relate to youth involved in the justice system.
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INDIVIDUALS:
Spend 11-months serving full-time with a positive youth development program in Pierce County. Receive a living allowance, education award, benefits, and personal and professional coaching. Individuals who have lived experience or identities that relate to youth involved in the justice system as strongly encouraged to apply.
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