“The Newark Poverty Think Tank convinced their city council to 'Ban the Box' for public employers. That means applications would no longer have a checkoff box asking if applicants have ever been convicted of a felony. Employers may ask about criminal history and run background checks later in the hiring process. But it allows people to get initial consideration without being ruled out because of a criminal history. Ban the Box movements are growing in cities around the country. To learn how to start a campaign in your community, visit Bantheboxcampaign.org.
“Hire a returning member of your community. If you are in a hiring position, consider offering an opportunity to someone with a record. Register at Jailtojob.com or Jobsthathirefelons.org. There may be organizations that offer job training and support in your community. They will help you make a good match.
“Don’t be a NIMBY. Finding places for housing or services for people returning from prison is extremely difficult because neighborhood (remember NIMBY — not in my backyard) opposition is common. If a facility is proposed in your neighborhood, be a leader and steer the conversation away from fear and stereotypes. Organize neighborhood discussion groups. Read books like this and others together to deepen understanding.
“Stop the school-to-prison pipeline. Too many young people enter the prison system through arrests at school. But some communities have changed this by rethinking discipline. Police, parents, and schools can work together to make sure that schools are safe, productive environments without arresting large numbers of students.”
