Here at Civil Survival, we believe in second chances. Together, we are building a Washington where directly impacted people are empowered to lead and co-create real solutions based on lived experience.
Every day, Civil Survival works alongside people impacted by the criminal legal system to remove barriers, restore opportunity, and create pathways home.
From legal advocacy and policy reform to reentry support and civic engagement, our work is rooted in one belief: people are more than their worst mistake.
Here’s what we’ve accomplished—together.
Policy and Advocacy Updates
Despite a challenging legislative session marked by budget shortfalls and tight timelines, we continued fighting for policies that protect and uplift directly impacted communities.
This year we helped:
- Pass legislation raising the indigency threshold for incarcerated people
- Advance major improvements to the Community Reinvestment Program
- Secure ongoing funding for the Reentry Legal Aid Program
- Push back against harmful legislation targeting impacted communities
- Our advocacy extends far beyond Olympia. At our Transform Justice Advocacy Day, more than 100 community members, advocates, and young people joined us at the Capitol to speak directly with lawmakers and advocate for change.
Through our Game Changers program, voter education efforts, and statewide partnerships, we engaged communities in critical conversations around:
- Voting rights
- Fair access to employment
- Reentry support
- Civic participation
- Looking Ahead
We are expanding our statewide organizing efforts, launching a new Unlocking Legislative Advocacy cohort, and bringing Game Changer meetings back to community through both virtual and in-person gatherings.
Directly impacted people deserve a seat at every table where decisions are being made.
Legal Advocacy Updates
In just the first quarter of 2026, Civil Survival’s legal team delivered life-changing support to hundreds of Washingtonians.
Beyond direct representation, Civil Survival partnered with the ACLU and King County Department of Public Defense to challenge harmful bail practices impacting people charged with low-level, non-violent offenses.
This quarter, we also launched our self-help LFO video series and downloadable legal guides, making legal resources more accessible for people navigating the system on their own.
Access to justice changes lives.
Reentry Support Updates
Civil Survival’s Reentry Resource Program continues connecting community members to critical support and services after incarceration.
This quarter alone, we connected 8 legal clients to individualized reentry support.
Our customized release plans help clients coordinate with providers, including the Department of Corrections Reentry, reducing confusion and helping people navigate housing, employment, healthcare, and more.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to come home and rebuild.
Everything changed for David when he was just 20 years old. During a difficult chapter in his life, he entered the criminal legal system and spent 18 years incarcerated.
While incarcerated, David earned his bachelor’s degree through the Prison Scholar Fund and became a mentor and leader for others inside.
Today, David has built a successful career and serves as a Board Member for Civil Survival. He credits Civil Survival not only with helping restore rights, but with helping restore possibility.
“Civil Survival isn’t just providing legal services. They’re breaking down barriers, building community, and pushing for policy change that actually helps people succeed.”
For David, regaining the right to vote was transformational.
“Voting means I can advocate for my family, my community, and the issues that affect us.”
David’s story is proof of what becomes possible when people are given access to education, opportunity, mentorship, and support.
What’s Up Next!
Here’s what’s coming up for us this summer:
- We are excited to return to Coyote Ridge for a resource fair and community education event in the coming weeks.
- The Fair Chance Employment Act goes into effect on July 1st, ensuring applicants are evaluated based on their qualifications before their record is reviewed.
- We will welcome our third cohort for our Unlocking Legislative Advocacy Fellowship this August!