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Writer's pictureEdovo Content Team

6 ways to champion education and justice reform

Updated: 2 days ago

At Edovo, we recognize believe education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of incarceration and transforming lives. But we can’t do it alone—your voice and actions can make a real difference. Whether you want to raise awareness, contribute your skills, or help drive policy change, here are ways you can take meaningful action.

1. Raise Awareness

The first step in making a difference is spreading the word. Many people don’t realize the scale of the challenges of mass incarceration or the critical role education plays in rehabilitation.

  • Share Our Message: Follow us on social media and share our posts to highlight the importance of prison education and reform.

  • Start Conversations: Use your platform—whether at work, in your community, or online—to talk about the need for change in the justice system.

  • Host Events: Organize discussions or events on criminal justice reform. Whether virtual or in-person, these gatherings can spark conversations and inspire others to act.

By raising awareness, you’re amplifying the conversation and encouraging others to take action.

2. Collaborate with Local Organizations

Advocates can partner with local community groups, businesses, or nonprofits to amplify the impact of Edovo’s work. By building a local coalition of supporters, advocates can help increase awareness and resources for correctional education programs.

  • Build Partnerships: Connect Edovo with local reentry organizations, educational institutions, or second-chance employers who may benefit from or contribute to the mission.

  • Community Outreach: Engage community leaders to create programs that support incarcerated individuals’ reintegration, whether through mentorship, employment, or education.

2. Volunteer your Time

Make a direct impact by offering your time and skills at local jails or prisons. Many correctional facilities have needs that go beyond funding, and advocates can contribute by supporting both the incarcerated population and the facility staff.

  • Teach a Class or Workshop: Offer to lead an educational class or workshop, helping incarcerated individuals build essential life or vocational skills. Whether it’s teaching basic literacy, art, or job preparation, you can provide valuable support to learners. 

  • Improve Facility Spaces: Many facilities welcome help with improving their environments. Volunteering to repaint family visiting rooms, build or clean community spaces of officers quarters, or create more welcoming environments for visitation can uplift the spirits of both incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. 

  • Support Staff and Families: Prisons and jails often need extra support in areas such as meal preparation, resource distribution, or event organization. Call your local facility to see if they need help with providing meals during staff appreciation days, setting up family visitation events, or organizing donation drives for essential supplies.

3. Speak to Elected Officials

Engaging with policymakers can have a powerful impact. Advocates can help shape the future of criminal justice reform by raising the importance of correctional education and reentry support with their local or state representatives.

  • Write or Call Representatives: Advocates can encourage elected officials to support initiatives that fund prison education and reentry programs, or to sponsor new legislation that prioritizes rehabilitation.

  • Attend Town Halls: Participating in local government meetings or town halls can provide an opportunity to voice support for justice reform and education initiatives.

4.  Share Success Stories

Real stories of transformation through education can be powerful tools for advocacy. Encouraging others to share success stories from Edovo’s platform can build momentum for supporting incarcerated learners.

  • Storytelling for Change: Advocates can highlight the positive impact Edovo has had on incarcerated individuals by sharing their stories in blogs, social media posts, or at community events.

  • Create a Network: Advocates can bring together formerly incarcerated individuals who have benefited from Edovo to create a community of voices calling for greater educational access behind bars.

5. Mentorship and Reentry Support

Advocates can go a step further by getting directly involved with reentry programs or offering mentorship to formerly incarcerated individuals.

  • Mentorship Opportunities: Advocates can connect with local reentry organizations or support services to mentor those who are reintegrating into society.

  • Employment Connections: If an advocate works for a second-chance employer, they can actively help place formerly incarcerated individuals into job opportunities, directly contributing to successful reentry.

6. Organize Fundraising Events or Consider a Donation

Advocates can take initiative by organizing local fundraisers to help Edovo expand its reach or donate directly. Whether through charity events, virtual fundraisers, or even local business partnerships, advocates can directly help fund educational programs for incarcerated individuals.

  • Host a Fundraiser: From a virtual trivia night to a charity walk, advocates can raise awareness and funds for Edovo’s mission.

  • Collaborate with Local Businesses: Partner with businesses for sponsorship opportunities or donation drives to support correctional education.

  • Individual Donation: If you’re looking for a simple way to contribute, a small donation can go a long way. Just $12 a year helps support education for an incarcerated individual, giving them the tools they need for personal growth and a successful reentry.

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