Four strategic priorities power our fight for human dignity

End the criminalization of people of color, immigrants, and people experiencing poverty

Everyone deserves equitable treatment by the criminal justice system. Yet throughout its history, the United States has criminalized marginalized people. This unjust targeting of people of color, immigrants, and people experiencing poverty continues today. Vera is working to end unjust criminalization, which traps people in the criminal justice and immigration systems and denies them the opportunity to thrive.

Reduce the use of jails, prisons, and detention centers

Liberty is a fundamental right that should be preserved in all but the most serious cases. Yet the United States incarcerates more people than nearly any other country, with almost two million people behind bars and thousands more in immigration detention. Many are incarcerated because they can’t afford bail, putting their jobs, families, education, and housing at risk. Others are serving excessively punitive sentences based on misguided “tough-on-crime” policies that fail to promote safety. Vera is working to reduce incarceration and protect liberty by eliminating money bail, supporting a new generation of prosecutors committed to racial equity in charging and sentencing, stopping the unnecessary use of jails, and ending cruelly long sentences.

Center dignity and minimize the harms to people impacted by the criminal justice and immigration systems

Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. But too often, the criminal justice and immigration systems inflict devastating long-term personal, social, and economic harms on communities across America. Lack of access to education in prison, excessive fines and fees, the widespread use of money bail, and other punitive practices traumatize people who are incarcerated and leave them ill-equipped to succeed when they return home. Vera is committed to drastically reducing incarceration while safeguarding the dignity of people currently behind bars.

Support safe and thriving communities with comprehensive strategies that ensure accountability and prioritize well-being

Thriving communities are built on strong foundations: quality health care, schools, housing, treatment programs, and social services. By investing in these resources, we can create safer, more supportive environments for everyone. Vera works alongside communities to develop solutions that reflect their perspectives and meet their needs. By centering the voices of those directly impacted by the criminal justice system, we invest in solutions that promote safety, accountability, and justice, ensuring all communities have the resources they need to thrive.