JustUs Ideas Week Feature Events

The Human Cost of Connection: Building a Just and Equitable Communication and Technology System in America’s Jails and Prisons
Jun
9

The Human Cost of Connection: Building a Just and Equitable Communication and Technology System in America’s Jails and Prisons

Access to communication is a fundamental human right, yet for many incarcerated individuals, staying connected to loved ones and having access to education and skills teaching technology comes at an overwhelming financial and emotional cost. Join us for this impactful town hall where we will explore the urgent need to build a just and equitable communication and technology system in America’s jails and prisons.

Through powerful testimonies, expert insights, and community dialogue, we will examine how current policies and privatized communication services create barriers that disproportionately affect incarcerated individuals and their families.

 
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Reclaiming Our Voices: A Forum on Democracy, Civic Engagement, and Political Representation for Justice Impacted Individuals
Jun
10

Reclaiming Our Voices: A Forum on Democracy, Civic Engagement, and Political Representation for Justice Impacted Individuals

This forum is designed to center the voices and experiences of justice-impacted individuals in the ongoing conversation about democracy and civic engagement, and political representation. By addressing the systemic barriers that limit political participation and exploring pathways to empowerment, this forum seeks to inspire actionable change. Through panel discussions, personal testimonies, and interactive dialogue, participants will engage with key topics such as voting rights, democracy, and the power of collective advocacy.

 
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 JustUs Ideas Demo Day: Breaking Barriers for Justice-Impacted Entrepreneurs
Jun
11

JustUs Ideas Demo Day: Breaking Barriers for Justice-Impacted Entrepreneurs

  • Philadelphia Community College Athletics Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

JustUs Ideas Demo Day is a transformative platform dedicated to creating opportunities for marginalized and justice-impacted entrepreneurs and founders. This event offers a unique chance for these innovative visionaries to showcase their businesses in front of unlikely investors and thought-to-be-unattainable business leaders.

Through dynamic pitches and engaging presentations, participants will highlight their ventures, share their personal journeys, and demonstrate the resilience and creativity that drive their entrepreneurial spirit. This event not only challenges preconceived notions but also bridges the gap between untapped talent and influential investors.

Join us for an inspiring day of innovation, networking, and groundbreaking ideas as we reimagine what entrepreneurship looks like when barriers are removed, and opportunities are truly equitable.

 
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Black Men; Safety & Justice: A Breakfast Conversation (Invite Only)
Jun
12

Black Men; Safety & Justice: A Breakfast Conversation (Invite Only)

Join us for an intimate and powerful breakfast conversation centering Black men and the critical issues of safety, and justice. As part of JustUs Ideas Week, this gathering will bring together community leaders from across the country, justice-impacted individuals, policymakers, and advocates for a candid discussion on reimagining safety, addressing systemic injustices, and building pathways to justice that truly serve Black communities.

Through storytelling, shared experiences, and solution-driven dialogue, this breakfast will create space for honest conversations about the challenges Black men face—whether through the criminal legal system, community violence, or barriers to opportunity. Together, we will explore strategies for advocacy, community-led safety initiatives, and policy reforms that uplift and protect Black men while strengthening our collective power. Come for the conversation, stay for the connections, and leave with inspiration and actionable insights to drive change.

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Bard Prison Initiative Debate: Fair and Just Wages for Incarcerated Workers
Jun
12

Bard Prison Initiative Debate: Fair and Just Wages for Incarcerated Workers

  • Community College of Philadelphia Athletics Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Incarcerated individuals across the United States often perform essential labor while earning wages far below the minimum standard. This debate will tackle one of the most pressing issues in criminal justice reform: Should incarcerated workers receive fair and just wages that reflect the value of their labor?

Participants will explore the complex intersections of economics, ethics, and rehabilitation, discussing key questions such as: What constitutes fair compensation for incarcerated workers? How does underpayment perpetuate cycles of poverty and recidivism? Should prisons be allowed to profit from inmate labor? How would fair wages impact the prison economy and taxpayer funding? What role do policymakers, advocacy groups, and the public play in reforming these policies?

This lively and thought-provoking debate will feature voices from directly impacted debaters. Audience members will have the opportunity to engage with the panel, contributing questions and perspectives to this critical conversation. Join us as we examine the principles of justice, fairness, and economic dignity for those behind bars, pushing the conversation toward meaningful policy change.

 
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