Advocacy Day
Due to covid-19 social distancing and face coverings will be required.
If you or someone you love has been involved in the criminal justice system, you know how challenging it can be to start over in the best of circumstances. While some may be hesitant to help those with felony convictions, it is crucial to understand that nearly everyone who is incarcerated will be released.
If no one is willing to help these men and women gain meaningful employment, access substance abuse and mental health services, or obtain financial coaching, the likelihood of re-offending is high. For our community to succeed in achieving its goal of increased public safety, it must take steps to ensure that these individuals are able to become successful and contributing members of society.
PACE, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and provides a variety of services to help previously incarcerated individuals and their families to lead productive and responsible lives in their community. This includes job readiness coaching, employment placements, substance abuse assessments, mental health coaching, high school equivalency classes, and more, all at no cost. While we have these programs in place to help this population, we still have a lot to accomplish.
That’s why we’re hosting our annual Advocacy Day on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 10 AM-1 PM. Purchase your t-shirt below and show up in it to help us represent and educate the public on the benefits of why re-entry is important. The day will feature a gathering at the Indiana Statehouse, client testimonials about the effectiveness of community re-entry programming, and local leaders who will speak about how integrated care, a strong community, a sense of purpose, and leadership contributes to community stabilization through reduced crime and increased productiveness. Our co-host will be State Representative Robin Shackleford.
No one wants to be forever judged by their worst day. We believe in second chances and hope you do, too. Together we can strengthen our community by assisting individuals and families impacted by incarceration rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient. Join us.
Parking Options: Parking for this event is on-your-own.
Volunteer to be a Greeter:
In this role, you will help all individuals involved in this event find their way through the Indianapolis streets to the statehouse. Because parking is on-your-own, we need several advocates on several intersections downtown to help our guests navigate the city landscape.
Volunteer to be an Advocate:
In this role, you will engage with legislators and speak about the importance of recovery and re-entry both verbally and in writing. With your help, lawmakers will learn about the challenges affecting people who have been affected by addiction and incarceration, and will have greater knowledge of how to support this vulnerable population.
Volunteer to be a Runner:
Prior to the event day we will have gathered letters, postcards, and notes advocating for legislation that supports individuals impacted by incarceration and recovery. All event volunteers will also have the opportunity to add words in writing on the day of. Runners will help us to deliver these remarks to the offices of lawmakers working in the statehouse. This is a crucial part of the day that makes a big difference with little effort.
Volunteer to help with Refreshments:
Help us keep our refreshment tables stocked and ready to give away to people who are interested in learning more about our cause. To stay save during the pandemic, all items will be prepackaged and takeaway style. In addition to keeping the tables stocked, we need your help making sure we keep our area clean of spills and trash.