Youth Justice + Public Safety Workshop with the Independent Rikers Commission

Who are we? A More Just NYC is a non-profit committed to creating a safer New York City through the closure of the jails on Rikers Island, and related criminal justice reforms and community investments. A More Just NYC serves as the staff for the Independent Rikers Commission, which was appointed to develop a plan for New York City to permanently close the jail complex on Rikers Island. Dilapidated, dangerous, and stunningly expensive, the Rikers jails harm public safety, staff, and incarcerated people. The Commission works with community, criminal justice system, and government stakeholders to develop and implement our Blueprint to Close Rikers, which will improve public safety, reform the justice system, close the jails, and ultimately transform Rikers Island into a hub for environmental infrastructure (Renewable Rikers).

What would your audience learn from our presentation: For over a decade, the Independent Rikers Commission has taken the lead to ensure that Rikers closes safely as soon as possible – and is replaced by a safer, more effective system – by conducting in-depth research, developing and disseminating policies, engaging with community and system stakeholders, testifying at hearings, speaking in the media, and more. This presentation will engage community members on the issues around Rikers, public safety, and the plan to close it. It will also touch on our recent report regarding the experiences and treatment of youth at Rikers, and include use of short videos. At the end, we will give an overview on ways community members can take action. We are able to adapt the presentation depending on the audience and time available. 

We do not charge to conduct these presentations, though thanks to the generosity of the Pinkerton Foundation, we do pay our Youth Justice Ambassadors to facilitate these presentations. 

If you are interested in hosting us to present this workshop, please fill out the form below.