Grassroots Leadership Inc

“A copy of the form 990 is provided to the board members via e-mail for review before it is filed.”

“Compliance with the policy is reviewed at the annual board of directors meeting.”

“The organization's executive director's compensation is reviewed and approved by the board.”

“Management increases are proposed by the executive director and approved by the board.”

“The orgnization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request and online at www.grassrootsleadership.org.”

“Transforming the narrative of criminalization: an abolitionist approach. Ending the reliance on the private prison industry decarceration: advocating for policies that reduce the prison population, such as bail reform and funding alternative approaches like diversion programs. Re-imagining public safety: challenging the idea that prisons are the primary solution to crime and promoting community-based approaches that prioritize prevention, rehabilitation, and restorative justice. Non-punitive measures restorative justice: focusing on repairing the harm caused by crime through dialogue, mediation, and community service rather than punishment. Alternative dispute resolution: encouraging the use of mediation and arbitration to resolve conflicts peacefully and avoid the criminal justice system. Harm reduction: implementing strategies to reduce the negative consequences of substance abuse and other harmful behaviors, such as needle exchange programs and safe consumption sites. Community safety community-based initiatives: supporting local programs that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. Violence prevention: promoting strategies to reduce violence, such as conflict resolution training, after-school programs, and community policing. Mental health and substance abuse services: ensuring access to mental health and substance abuse treatment to address underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior. By adopting an abolitionist approach and focusing on non-punitive measures, grassroots leadership org can help to shift the narrative of criminalization from one of punishment and retribution to one of healing, restoration, and community safety.”

“Criminal justice programs - the criminal justice programs work to end for- profit private prisons and jails and end criminalization of communities of color while building a base of impacted people and allies for change. Campaigns under this program include a campaign to reduce incarceration in texas and close prison and jail facilities and a campaign to end the criminalization of actions driving mass incarceration. Texas advocates for justice (taj) is a project of directly impacted people striving to end the criminalization of our communities, break down the barriers of reentry from jail and prison in texas, and demolish the legacy of racism in the criminal justice system. Taj unites formerly incarcerated individuals, their families, people of all faiths, and allies to build safe and resilient communities through organizing, leadership training, and connections to community resources. Additionally, participatory defense is a community organizing model for people facing charges, their families, and communities to impact the outcome of cases and transform the landscape of power in the court system. Statistically, we measure the participatory defense program on the number of cases we can take on and the total amount of time saved for our clients. We have more than doubled the case count again this year, with a total of 79 cases completed in 2023 (compared to 27 cases in 2022) and 10 more active cases carried into 2024 by the participatory defense organizers in austin and houston. Their tireless work in 2023 saved a total of 1425 years, 10 months, and 16 days for individuals not to be held in cages.”