We Believe In Second Chances!
FRRC Is Excited About Second Chance Month 2023
By FRRC Staff Member, Chasman Barnes
It’s Second Chance Month 2023!
The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) is excited about it too!
April is Second Chance Month nationally.
Second Chance Month is a nationwide effort by communities, organizations, churches, and individuals to bring awareness to the barriers many returning citizens face from a felony conviction. People-moving efforts like campaigns, job fairs, legislative initiatives, and local rallies all seek to raise social consciousness about second chances and open opportunities for people with convictions to become productive citizens in all of society.
U.S. President Joe Biden recently proclaimed April 2023 as Second Chance Month. In a statement from the White House Briefing Room, the president said,
I believe in redemption — but for hundreds of thousands of Americans released from State and Federal prisons each year, or the nearly 80 million who have an arrest or conviction record, it is not always easy to come by. A criminal record can prevent them from landing a steady job, a safe place to live, quality health care, or the chance to go to back school. It can keep them from ever getting a loan to buy a home, start a business, or build a future. It can bar them from voting. As a result, three-quarters of formerly incarcerated people remain unemployed a year after their release — and joblessness is a top predictor of recidivism. We are not giving people a real second chance.
We at FRRC couldn’t agree more!
We believe in second chances and that past mistakes should not define a person’s future. We’re the FRRC: the tried and true membership organization run by returning citizens dedicated to ending the disenfranchisement and discrimination against people with convictions and creating a more comprehensive and humane reentry system to enhance successful reentry, reduce recidivism, and increase public safety.
FRRC is at the forefront of Second Chance Month in Florida.
Thursday, April 20th, FRRC is partnering with Better Together on National Second Chance Day. Job Resource Expos are happening across the state, including in locations in Miami, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Belleview, and St. Petersburg. Job coaching, on-the-spot interviews, and more will happen at these life-lifting events.
Visit the Better Together website to find an expo near you and register for the event: https://bettertogetherus.org/es/events/nwdsc/.
When you register, the expo will connect you with a career coach to assist you with your resume and other interview preparation.
FRRC remains fighting for equity and opportunity for returning citizens regarding jobs and entrepreneurship.
Continuing his comments from the White House Briefing Room, President Biden went on to say,
Our justice system should instead be based on the simple premise that once someone completes their sentence, they should have the chance to earn a living, build a life, and participate in our democracy as fellow citizens. Instead of giving people $25 and a bus ticket when they are released, we have to help them address their underlying needs as they re-enter society. It will keep families whole, build stronger and safer communities, grow our economy, and reduce recidivism long term.
Whether you are a job-seeker, employer, or resource provider, join FRRC and Better Together on April 20th and help give or get a second chance.
About the author:
Chasman is a Policy Professional, Advocate for Returning Citizens in Criminal and Social Justice Reform, TEDx Speaker, and sought-after Communicator.
