Here at The Laura Flanders Show we have a comprehensive John Jay Justice Fellowship fellowship program where participants work hands-on, gaining knowledge about our independent movement media operation producing our TV, radio and podcast productions. Throughout the program our entire staff spends time with each fellow, sharing expertise and knowledge from editing to scripting to promotions and technical skills. We mentor our fellows and guide them in producing their own media pieces. You are about to hear one of those stories produced by our Justice Capital Initiative fellow Camelia Achury, a student at John Jay College.

Description:  The United States has incarcerated more than two million prisoners nationwide over the past decade. Survivors of violent crimes, like assault and domestic violence, suffer due to a lack of treatment and compensation which typically results in paying the price for the prison’s failure to deliver safety. For the past decade, the Common Justice Organization has been committed to telling the truth about violence. In New York City, they operate the first alternative-to-incarceration and victim-service program in the United States that focuses on violent felonies in adult courts. They aim to transform the justice system through partnerships, advocacy, and elevating the experience and power of those who are most impacted. 

In this audio exclusive, John Jay College Justice Capital Initiative fellow Camelia Achury is joined by Emma Taverner, an intern working with the Common Justice Organization. Taverner has been advocating and recruiting advocates for victim compensation in hopes of passing bills to hold people accountable for harming others, break continuous cycles of violence, and secure safety, healing, and overall justice for survivors and their communities. 

“Whenever you get a chance to be in that space where you're asked to say something, say something, because someone is definitely listening. We all have great ideas that shouldn't be shut down. It builds something with you.” – Emma Taverner

Guest:  Emma Taverner- Intern, Common Justice

At The Laura Flanders Show, we're dedicated to providing a platform for diverse voices in the field of social justice. This report, a collaboration between The Laura Flanders Show fellowship program and CUNY John Jay College, reflects our commitment. The opinions presented are solely those of the guest contributor and do not necessarily reflect or represent The Laura Flanders Show's views or those of CUNY John Jay College.