Civil Survival

Our Game Changer line-up for August is here!

Game Changer meetings bring together community voices, guest speakers, and critical resources to uplift and empower our justice-impacted community and their families. Join us every Monday at 6:30pm for connection, empowerment, and mutual support.
Learn more at: civilsurvival.org/gamechangers

🚨BALLOTS ARRIVE THIS WEEK, IT'S TIME TO USE YOUR VOICE!🚨

Here in Washington state, you can vote even if you have a past felony conviction or while on community supervision. Since January 1, 2022, the Voting Rights Restoration Act has automatically restored the voting rights of individuals with felony convictions upon release from prison, welcoming more than 20,000 community members back into our democracy.

But even four years later, too many people still don't know their rights. Let's change that. Help us spread the word, get registered, and make sure every voice is heard this election! Learn more at: freethevotewa.org

Summer is better together! 🌞

Join Civil Survival for an afternoon filled with delicious food, community, and conversation. Bring a friend or your family and come enjoy a meal while connecting with some of the people that make our community so special.

Whether you're new to Civil Survival or have been in community with us for years, everyone is welcome! Registration is highly encouraged. Register at: bit.ly/CSPicnic26

See you there!

For many people, legal financial obligations (LFOs) continue to create barriers long after a criminal case has ended. The good news is that you may be able to reduce or eliminate some, or even all, of what you owe.

To help you navigate the process, we have created two FREE self-help resources designed to guide you through every step: our LFO Self-Help Guide and LFO Self-Help Video Series.

Take the next step toward financial relief by exploring the resources today! Learn more here: civilsurvival.org/guides/reducing-legal-financial-obligations

Employment opens doors to housing, financial stability, and opportunity.

That's why we're excited to share that Washington's updated Fair Chance Act protections are NOW in effect, strengthening fair hiring protections and helping ensure applicants are evaluated on their qualifications before their criminal history is considered.

Whether you’re a job seeker, employer, attorney, service provider, or community advocate, understanding these changes matters.

Read our full press release here: civilsurvival.org/press-release-washingtons-updated-fair-chance-act-opens-doors-to-employment-and-economic-stability/

Explore our new Fair Chance Act resource page: civilsurvival.org/fairchance

Want to use your skills to expand access to justice and support people navigating life after incarceration? Civil Survival is looking for a Legal Assistant to assist formerly incarcerated individuals across Washington State who face legal barriers to successful reentry into the community.

We strongly encourage applications from people directly impacted by the criminal legal system and from historically underrepresented communities.

Join our dedicated team by applying today! Learn more here: civilsurvival.org/jobs

Applications are NOW OPEN for our next Unlocking Legislative Advocacy (ULA) Fellowship cohort!

Through this 6 month fellowship, participants will learn how laws are made, organize for change, and work alongside a powerful community of grassroots advocates. We need more directly-impacted voices shaping policy, and this fellowship is designed to make that happen! Apply by June 19th.

Learn more and apply here: civilsurvival.org/fellowship

Join our team! Civil Survival organizes system-impacted people, provides legal representation, and advocates for policy reform to restore opportunity to communities harmed by the criminal legal system. We're currently looking for a passionate individual to help support our work as our Legal Assistant!

People with lived experience in the criminal legal system are encouraged to apply. Learn more here: civilsurvival.org/jobs

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Fair Chance in Employment Act training this week! We are grateful for the strong turnout and community commitment to expanding fair access to employment across Washington.

Special thank you to our amazing presenters, our very own Cody Nagle and Kelly Olson, for sharing their knowledge and breaking down these important new protections.

For those who missed it, please be on the lookout for future opportunities!

Civil Survival is now accepting applications for our third Unlocking Legislative Advocacy (ULA) cohort! Over 6 months, participants will learn how laws are made, organize for change, and work alongside a powerful community of grassroots advocates. Apply by June 19th!

Learn more and apply here: civilsurvival.org/fellowship