Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) started fighting unjust sentencing and prison policies when Julie Stewart started the organization in 1991. A personal experience of a family member prompted Ms. Stewart to question mandatory law practices not only in the state of Washington but throughout the whole United States of America. Based in Washington D.C., the organization is dedicated to nonpartisanship and advocates for racial, cultural, and political diversity.
Through FAMMily stories, the leaders within the organization are able to share information, hope, community, and knowledge to the people who are in need of it. Stories from incarcerated people and their families are shared through their webpage. FAMM declares that their greatest asset has been being able to tell these stories of their members and sharing the impacts of unfair sentencing.
FAMM’s work has been mobilizing families throughout the country to look at the state of the current criminal justice system, and whether it is fair and effective. This type of work includes second chances (after sentencing), sentencing reforms, and prison conditions & oversight. Their key accomplishments include the enactment of federal legislation such as the 1994 Drug Sentencing Safety Valve and the Fair Sentencing Act. The organization also served as founding member of the 2014 Clemency Project, which was one of the biggest pro bono mobilizations in history.
If you want to get involved, make sure you visit their main website and sign up for their emails to stay informed about the latest criminal justice reform news.
References
FAMM - Families for Justice Reform, 2024
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