About Us
On Feb. 22, 2010, at 10 a.m. in the State Capitol Rotunda, hundreds of ex-offenders, their families and supporters of justice reform will come together to highlight the importance of second chances. This effort is being lead by a consortium of nonprofit leaders and justice system advocates. This consortium is asking for support in raising statewide and national attention that will increase awareness regarding the barriers facing individuals with criminal records. These barriers affect the social, civic and economic stability of families and communities.
who we are
The Minnesota Second Chance Coalition (SCC) is an unincorporated coalition of diverse community-based organizations and individuals advocating for fair and responsible laws, policies, and practices that allow those who have committed crimes to redeem themselves, fully support themselves and their families, and contribute to their communities to their full potential.
what we do
Coalition members are involved in some or all of the following activities: Second Chance Day on the Hill (planning, organizing, and coordination of all event activities); policy research and public education; lobbying, advocacy, and community organizing; and ongoing communications to member agencies, policymakers, and the public via website, listserv, and social media. Coalition members are frequently called upon to speak at events, educate policymakers, and provide information and commentary to local and national media outlets.
Since its recent inception, the Minnesota Second Chance Coalition and its member organizations have effected significant policy change while increasing awareness and visibility of second chance issues on a local and national level. Some highlights include:
- Groundbreaking Policy Change – Minnesota is now the first state to require all public employers to wait until someone has been selected for a job interview before inquiring about criminal records (“Ban the Box” bill). Minnesota employers can feel more comfortable hiring persons with certain types of criminal records due to the limitation (and clarification) of liability concerns in the recently passed Safe Hiring Act. The Higher Education Notice Act provides postsecondary students in Minnesota with notification and an increased awareness of the possible impact of criminal records on future employment.
- Strength in Numbers – The 2009 Second Chance Day on the Hill mobilized hundreds of concerned individuals and was one of the largest events at the Capitol this year. By focusing organizing efforts on affected individuals, the Coalition gives voice to and positively engages community members throughout the state to both determine and advocate for smart policy reform. Having rapidly grown to 36 organizations and dozens of active individuals, the Coalition has become a powerful model in bringing organizations willing to pool their time, talent, and resources together while driving mission-based change.
why you should donate
All coalition activities are funded by donations from individuals and member organizations including significant contributions of in-kind staff time, materials, and other support. Donations to the Second Chance Coalition are managed by its 501c3 fiscal agent, 180 Degrees, and help to cover Second Chance Day on the Hill expense (space rental, t-shirts, buttons, postcards, pamphlets, etc.), educational literature and mailings to state legislators, transportation for community member participation, and website costs.
The Coalition’s expansive work is done on an extremely modest budget: in 2009, we anticipate spending a total of approximately $5000; in 2010, a projected $10,000 is needed to continue to build upon the momentum gained this year, expand outreach efforts throughout Minnesota, and keep pace with rising costs. Thank you for your support of the Minnesota Second Chance Coalition.
To learn more about the Coalition and its members, visit our website at www.mnsecondchancecoalition.org; follow us on Facebook by joining the “MN Second Chance Coalition” group (and/or donate via our FB Cause page:
www.causes.com/mnsecondchancecoalition).
The Second Chance Day on the Hill Minnesota is sponsored and supported by a partnership of nonprofits and companies that believe ex-offenders have paid their debt to society and need a chance to enter the workforce to support thenselves and their family members.
→ Read the Second Chance principles
Speakers at the 2010 Day on the Hill will include people with criminal records, public officials, community leaders, and impacted youth.
→ Read the 2010 speaker bios
Click here to download the 2010 Second Chance Day flyer!
You can join us and get involved by hiring ex-offenders, joining us at Second Chance events and advocating for legislation that makes work accessible to people who have made and paid for a mistake.
what people are saying
"Once an offender, always an offender. What I have done in the past is not who I am, I made some choices when I was involved with drugs and alcohol that I am not proud of, but I am not a bad person." – Navia, ex-offender.
"This group has created a kind of collaboration where individuals work effectively out of their own organization, on behalf of a broader movement and purpose" – Michael Bischoff, Clarity Facilitation
"[The SCC is] forwarding a more sane and rational criminal justice agenda in Minnesota. My hat's off to each of you, in recognition of the powerful changes for which you constantly advocate and bring about through hard work and tireless dedication." – Dennis Avery, Department of Corrections.