Executive Summary
Our third full year in operation, 2024, was a momentous one for IJ Action. It was a year of pivotal battles in the legislature and on the ballot and changes to internal operations and infrastructure. This year was also the first full year that IJ Action began publicly framing our work across four major categories: Civic Engagement, Power Building, Elections, and Policy Advocacy. Defining our work across these four core areas has led to more seamless and simplified communication of IJ Action’s strengths and accomplishments to current and prospective funders and allied organizations.
IJ Action also hosted our two annual events. Our summer Juneteenth Celebration was held once again at Clear Skies Ranch in Reseda, California, hosted by one of our closest reentry partners. The event brought together over 50 formerly incarcerated community members, political candidates, sister organizations, and allies in both celebration and a recommitment to ending the vestiges of slavery. In December, we hosted the 2nd Annual Community Impact Awards in Downtown Los Angeles, which serves as both a fundraiser and an evening to rejoice and honor incredible advocates who are carrying forward IJ Action’s mission.
Conclusion
Despite some bruising losses in the 2024 General Election, IJ Action is poised as ever to continue the fight for real public safety and an end to mass incarceration. We are excited to partner with our endorsed candidates who won their seats and are ready to lead the charge on criminal justice reform. As we look to implement the structure of Member Ambassadors and give them greater responsibility and incentives for participation, we look forward to seeing how this new structure can also help with new member recruitment. Furthermore, with procurement of the Mobilize platform, IJ Action is positioned to streamline membership outreach and communications, which will expand our power and reach across California, and give our incarcerated community members a solid base from which to refine their advocacy skills and engagement.