In 2019, our Founders joined SMART JUSTICE, an affiliate of the ACLU of Connecticut, after receiving a compelling email invitation. This opportunity has provided them experience as dedicated advocates , actively lobbying legislators in Connecticut for meaningful change. With the warm support of the ACLU of Connecticut (Smart Justice), They learned the ropes of legislative lobbying and gained essential skills to become advocates for the community. Inspired by our lobbying efforts, we fully embraced the chance to champion crucial legislation, making impactful changes along the way. Over the past five years, our Founders had dedicated to volunteering during the legislative sessions, demonstrating resilience and creativity, even in the face of the pandemic. Our lobbying activities encompassed various strategies, from direct communication with legislators to organizing grassroots campaigns and mobilizing public opinion. By building strong relationships with policymakers, we provided valuable information and persuasive arguments to facilitate informed decision-making. Thanks to the remarkable efforts of Smart Justice and the ACLU, we celebrated the passage of Senate Bill 880, a groundbreaking achievement that pioneers the collection and evaluation of prosecutor data to combat racial bias. This marks the start of an exciting new era of transparency and accountability in prosecutorial decision-making. In 2021, Smart Justice proudly collaborated with legislators across party lines for the passage of Senate Bill 1019, the Clean Slate Bill. This groundbreaking law will remove nonviolent crimes from public records, opening doors to new employment and housing opportunities for individuals with a history of incarceration. In 2022, Smart Justice partnered with Stop Solitary CT to support Act 22-18, a transformative measure that sets clear limits on solitary confinement in state correctional facilities and introduces vital guidelines for the use of isolated confinement. This represents a significant step toward improving the treatment of incarcerated individuals. Donald Rivers Founder and Chief Research Officer Change-Policy www.change-policy.com