Grassroots Leadership Blog

VICTORY! Austin becomes the first city in the South to pass a Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance!

March 28, 2016 by Holly Kirby

Last Thursday night, organizing efforts by a powerful group of formerly incarcerated people and their allies made history by making Austin the first Fair Chance Hiring City in the South! Austin City Council voted 8-2 to pass a Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance — an anti-discrimination policy that moves the background check to the end of the hiring process for most private employers, allowing candidates to be considered based on their merits first, without the stigma of a conviction history. Read more about VICTORY! Austin becomes the first city in the South to pass a Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance!

ACTION ALERT: 3 things you can do to support Fair Chance Hiring in Austin this week!

March 22, 2016 by Holly Kirby

This Thursday, Austin City Council will debate and vote on a Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance that will allow individuals with a conviction history to fairly compete for jobs, without the stigma of a criminal record. 

We need your help to send a strong message to councilmembers that you support a Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance that seeks to restore civil rights and combat institutional racism in our city! Here are 3 things you can do this week to join the fight: Read more about ACTION ALERT: 3 things you can do to support Fair Chance Hiring in Austin this week!

New Grassroots Leadership report reveals private prison corporations profiting from warehousing individuals with mental health issues

March 9, 2016 by Bob Libal

A new report released today by Grassroots Leadership details the strategic expansion by private prison corporations to fill profit gaps from efforts to reduce mass incarceration through an emerging Treatment Industrial Complex. Read more about New Grassroots Leadership report reveals private prison corporations profiting from warehousing individuals with mental health issues

Welcome Rebecca Sanchez!

February 23, 2016 by Holly Kirby

Grassroots Leadership is pleased to welcome Rebecca Sanchez as our new Administration and Development Associate! Rebecca first came to Grassroots Leadership as a volunteer to help coordinate our 35th Anniversary campaign and celebration, made her way into our hearts, and now joins our full time staff.  Read more about Welcome Rebecca Sanchez!

What you need to know about Fair Chance Hiring in Austin!

February 22, 2016 by Holly Kirby

In the coming weeks, Austin City Council will be debating a Fair Chance Hiring (FCH) ordinance aimed at eliminating employment discrimination against individuals in Austin with a criminal record. This would be a huge step toward creating a more equitable Austin, strengthening our communities, and dismantling institutional racism in our city.

What exactly is Fair Chance Hiring? Read more about What you need to know about Fair Chance Hiring in Austin!

#Hutto27 update: Maribel is free from immigrant detention, but the fight isn't over

February 17, 2016 by Bethany N. Carson

This photo was taken right after Maribel's bond hearing, where the judge flippantly commented, "Well, [Honduras] is a dangerous place" in response to her attorney explaining her case for asylum. In the end, he granted Maribel a $8,500 bond.

Click here to find out how to continue the fight to #FreeTheMadresLuchadoras

On Friday, fourteen people arrived to fill the small courtroom at the San Antonio immigration court and surprised staff with matching t-shirts to support Maribel Zelaya at the bond hearing she had finally been granted after more than a year in detention. Read more about #Hutto27 update: Maribel is free from immigrant detention, but the fight isn't over

Grassroots Leadership and allies submit comments to the FCC on video visitation

January 21, 2016 by Kymberlie Quong Charles

This week Grassroots Leadership and many of our partners and allies submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission in hopes of improving the way video "visits" are currently being offered and sold at county jails and state prisons around the country.  Our comments can be viewed here. Read more about Grassroots Leadership and allies submit comments to the FCC on video visitation

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