Led by and for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Founded in 2015, Civil Survival organizes people in the state of Washington who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system to build connections, increase political participation, and overcome barriers to reentry.
Our Values
Equity
We confront the barriers to liberation—institutional, interpersonal, and internalized—created by systems of oppression. Civil Survival acknowledges and addresses the ways in which our intersectional identities impact our experiences of mass incarceration, the legal system, and the political process. We commit ourselves to understanding and uprooting white supremacy, misogyny, ableism, and institutional racism.
Community
We are strongest when we build authentic relationships, grounded in our shared humanity and worth. Civil Survival creates spaces that connect, value, and uplift the voices of those harmed by the criminal legal system. Together, we can advocate for change and create a society where all people can thrive.
Lived Experience
Our strength is in our stories, the variety of our life experiences and our identities. Centering the lived experiences of those affected by the criminal legal system allows us to craft solutions rooted in the realities of those closest to the challenges we seek to solve.
Humanity
We believe each person is inherently worthy and deserving of a life unburdened by their past experiences with the criminal legal system. Civil Survival is committed to creating a space where all people are shown compassion and respect and are valued for their inherent dignity and potential.
What Makes Us Unique
Our uniqueness lies in our foundation. Civil Survival is led by individuals who have personally navigated the criminal legal system. As an organization, Civil Survival is committed to centering the voices of those most impacted by incarceration. At every level of the organization, from leadership to our dedicated team, most have lived through the system’s challenges. This depth of personal experience informs every aspect of our work, allowing us to pioneer innovative approaches to serve our community.
What We Offer
Game Changer Meetings
Join us every Monday night to learn how to get involved in the legislative process, practice how to testify for bills, and get connected with impacted individuals + families.
Legal Assistance + Resources
Meet with an attorney for free at an upcoming attorney office hours appointment. Get assistance without an attorney by reviewing self help options and resources here.
Job + Internship Opportunities
Visit our job board where we post job and internship opportunities from community partners who are second chance employers. These employers give ALL individuals a fair shot.
Get Involved with Game Changers
Every Monday, we gather system-impacted people to build community, support each other, learn more about resources in the community, and how to impact system change through legislative advocacy.
Upcoming Events
- Ask A LawyerMay 21 at 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
- Blake Community Resource Day – Pierce County!June 5 at 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Ask A LawyerJune 6 at 9:00 am – 10:30 am
2024 Impact Highlights
- $43 million in juvenile legal debt eliminated through SB 5974
- 1450+ cases taken on by our attorneys
- $1.33 million in criminal legal debt eliminated for our clients
- 27,000+ people reached through formerly incarcerated voter outreach campaigns
