Issues We
Care About
Defining our primary focus areas to disrupt the cycle of incarceration and drive meaningful systemic change within our legal systems.
The challenges faced by returning citizens are not just personal hurdles; they are systemic failures that demand collective action. Understanding these issues is the first step toward building a society rooted in justice, equity, and genuine transformation.
WHAT WE'RE FIGHTING FOR
Housing is a Human Right
Changing the Narrative
At the Returning Citizens Union, we believe housing is a basic human right. Stable, supportive, and dignified housing is essential for successful reentry and for breaking the cycles of incarceration and marginalization. Our housing initiative is about more than shelter—it’s about justice, community, and the right to belong.
Too often, formerly incarcerated people are defined by their past instead of their potential. Through community partnerships and healing-centered spaces—like the Returning Citizens Support Group—we’re creating space for returning citizens to be heard, seen, and respected. Changing the narrative means challenging stigma, uplifting real stories, and making space for dignity, truth, and transformation.
Education, not incarceration
We believe every young person deserves access to opportunity, not a prison cell. Dismantling the school to prison pipeline means investing in education, mentorship, and community—not punishment. We're committed to advocating for policies and programs that keep students in classrooms and out of the criminal legal system.
Healthcare and Healing
Returning Citizens have the right to comprehensive healthcare, including: physical health services, mental health care, trauma-informed support, substance use treatment. Incarceration takes a deep psychological toll—and too often, people behind the wall are denied the care they need. At the RCU, we believe mental health care is essential, not optional. We advocate for access to quality, trauma-informed support for people inside and those coming home—because healing is a vital part of justice.
Treatment of Incarcerated individuals
We believe that every person—regardless of where they are—is entitled to basic human rights and humane treatment. The inhumane conditions and abuse faced by too many incarcerated individuals are not just moral failures—they are systemic violence. At the Returning Citizens Union, we advocate for accountability, transparency, and justice behind the walls, because how a society treats its incarcerated people says everything about its values.
Civic Participation
Returning Citizens have the right to full civic engagement, including voting, organizing, sitting on juries, advocacy, and participation in public decision-making processes.
Family Reunification
Fair Employment
Returning Citizens have the right to rebuild and maintain relationships with their families, including fair access to custody, visitation, and family services.
Returning Citizens have the right to equitable access to employment opportunities, free from discrimination based solely on past convictions. This includes:
-
Fair chance hiring practices
-
Access to livable wages
-
Workplace protections and advancement opportunities
Freedom from Discrimination
Returning Citizens have the right to be free from discrimination in all areas of life, including employment, housing, education, and public services.
Legal Protection and Due Process
Economic Opportunity
Returning Citizens have the right to build wealth and economic stability through entrepreneurship, access to capital, financial services, and fair credit opportunities.
Returning Citizens have the right to fair treatment under the law, including protection from unjust supervision practices, excessive fees, and discriminatory enforcement.
Restorative Justice and Healing
Representation and Voice
Returning Citizens have the right to participate in restorative justice practices that promote accountability, healing, and reconciliation within communities.
Returning Citizens have the right to be represented in policies, programs, and institutions that impact their lives. Nothing about us without us.
RCU Initiatives In Action
We actively fight for meaningful change
Pictured: Connecting families lobby day, Trenton Nj