Arizona Criminal Legal System Reform
Praxis Initiative advances independent prison oversight, criminal legal system reform, skills training for returning citizens, and arts programming inside Arizona prisons.
100% system-impacted. Arizona-rooted. Policy-driven.
"People closest to the problem are closest to the solution but furthest from power and resources."
— Glenn E. Martin
Praxis Initiative exists because the people closest to incarceration, reentry, prosecution, sentencing, and prison conditions understand the failures of the system in ways no report can fully capture. We turn that experience into policy, public education, coalition power, and practical reform.
"The time is always right to do what is right."
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Our Programs
We helped lead the campaign to create Arizona's Office of Correctional Oversight. Now we ensure it is funded, independent, and effective.
Learn MoreSentencing reform, reentry, probation and parole reform, drug policy, and broader legislative advocacy across the criminal legal system.
Learn MoreDigital literacy, civic advocacy, and AI training to build opportunity, workforce readiness, and civic engagement.
Learn MoreMusic, movement, creativity, and disciplined practice help people build identity, connection, emotional regulation, and purpose.
Learn MorePriority Campaign
For years, families, incarcerated people, correctional staff, advocates, attorneys, and lawmakers have raised alarms about conditions inside Arizona prisons. Praxis Initiative helped lead the campaign that created Arizona's Office of Correctional Oversight. Now the work is making sure it is funded, implemented, independent, and effective.
Support Oversight$1.5M
to establish and operate the Office of Correctional Oversight in its first year
$1.8B
Arizona spends approximately this annually on corrections
$1 : $1,200
For every $1,200 spent on corrections, $1 would support independent oversight
Why Praxis
Praxis is led by people directly impacted by incarceration, reentry, overdose, family separation, and criminal legal system harm.
We work across political lines, bringing together lawmakers, advocates, families, attorneys, and directly impacted people.
The organization combines lived experience with policy advocacy, legal analysis, coalition organizing, public education, and legislative strategy.
PROGRAM AREAS
Leadership
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Served 15 years in Arizona state and contracted prisons, then became a paralegal, campaign strategist, coalition leader, and one of the primary architects of Arizona's independent prison oversight law.
Full Bio
Community Health & Harm Reduction
Leads community health, overdose prevention, and drug policy reform, centering the dignity and wellness of system-impacted people while bridging frontline public health work to statewide policy.
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Policy Director & Legislative Strategy
Spent eight years inside the Perryville women's prison complex and now leads statutory analysis, sentencing reform, and capital mitigation strategy — including the campaign for SB 1507.
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Corrections Operations & Facility Oversight
Brings more than two decades of frontline correctional experience, translating facility protocols, staffing realities, and institutional standards into independent external oversight.
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Community Organizing & Family Advocacy
Coordinates community organizing and family engagement, supporting families navigating ADCRR bureaucracy and empowering impacted people to advocate directly before lawmakers.
Full BioExecutive Assistant & Development Coordinator
Directly and indirectly impacted several times throughout her life, she survived a series of challenges that required significant change to build a typical life today. She brings lived experience and firsthand knowledge to the fight.
Full BioYour support helps Praxis Initiative train returning citizens, advance independent oversight, produce public education, support families, advocate for policy change, and build a stronger movement for transparency and accountability.
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