Adam Kane, program director at Initiate Justice, captivated San Francisco officials with a powerful presentation on the organization’s mission to end incarceration through civic engagement. Speaking at a recent government meeting, Kane emphasized the importance of empowering those impacted by the justice system, particularly focusing on voting rights for incarcerated individuals.

Initiate Justice, founded in 2016, aims to educate and mobilize people both inside and outside of prison. Kane, who himself served time, shared his journey of transformation and the organization's innovative "inside-out" approach to advocacy. This method involves educating incarcerated individuals about the legislative process and encouraging them to participate in civic activities, including voting.

Kane highlighted the success of Proposition 17, passed in 2020, which restored voting rights to individuals on parole or probation. He stressed that everyone, regardless of their incarceration status, should have a voice in democracy. “If I’m good enough to pay taxes, I should be good enough to vote,” he asserted, underscoring the need for systemic change.

The organization boasts over 45,000 members currently incarcerated and actively engages in lobbying efforts to influence legislation that affects their lives. Kane noted that Initiate Justice has successfully influenced the creation of 15 laws aimed at supporting reintegration into society.

As the meeting concluded, Kane's call to action resonated: fostering civic engagement among formerly incarcerated individuals is crucial for building inclusive communities. His insights not only shed light on the challenges faced by those impacted by the justice system but also offered a hopeful vision for a more equitable future.