Civil Survival was founded on the work of tireless justice-impacted advocates in WA to build collective power, to change narratives, and to advance policy that support our justice-impacted community. We are one organization in an ecosystem of Game Changers in Washington and beyond that are pushing to heal our systems, our communities, our families, and ourselves.
Our justice-impacted community is a force, but the wealth of talent often goes untapped by employers. Fear-based policies and stigmas often prevent people from entering the workforce upon release from incarceration. In addition to high unemployment, returning citizens often receive less pay, and are forced into low-skilled jobs to build their work histories, despite years of employment while incarcerated.
Join Civil Survival as we explore second chances, first opportunities, and more for Second Chance Month through our Game Changer meetings, public policy, and our special storytelling campaign through the month of April.
Celebrate Second Chance Month at our Game Changer Meetings
Established in 2017, Second Chance Month is observed every April to support justice-impacted people as they work toward rebuilding their lives. It raises awareness and promotes policies that foster successful reintegration into society. In recognition of Second Chance Month, Civil Survival’s Game Changer meetings will be bringing community organizations to present on second chance hiring!
- April 7th: We will be kicking off Second Chance month with a presentation from the Employment Security Department (ESD). You will hear from formerly incarcerated leaders at ESD about how to navigate barriers to employment, and the work that ESD is doing to encourage employers to hire people with adverse background checks.
- April 21st: We will have a presentation from Pioneer Human Services, a reentry support organization that specializes in hiring returning citizens in aerospace manufacturing and food services with offices across the state. Their wraparound service model also ensures that those they serve are supported with treatment, housing and training.
- April 28th: We will hear from formerly-incarcerated business owners about starting their own businesses. Entrepreneurship has become a foundational option for many people upon reintegration into the community. Join us to learn how these business owners have used their drive and talent to build their own businesses and inspire your own entrepreneurial journey.
2025 Employment Legislation
Civil Survival has long been a supporter of justice-impacted workers in prison and in our communities. From helping to raise the minimum wage for incarcerated workers to reforming Legal Financial Obligations, our work has made huge strides in making sure justice-impacted workers are able to find financial security.
Below are some employment bills that are still active in the legislature. We cannot thank our community enough for leading the charge and bringing these bills forward.
- HB 1747 – A Civil Survival led bill, the 2025 Fair Chance Employment Act would update Washington State’s Fair Chance Act by allowing an applicant background check after a conditional offer of employment, and require a legitimate business reason for denying a qualified applicant – creating consistency and expanding opportunities for applicants and employers alike.
- HB 1185 – Adds two voting members from underrepresented populations who have direct lived experience and who are not currently incarcerated in total confinement to the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee.
- HB 1233 – This bill prohibits DOC from issuing infractions or taking punitive, disciplinary, or retaliatory actions against a person who chooses not to participate in work programs. It also makes participation in work programs at the Department of Corrections (DOC) voluntary, except when a court orders community restitution.
What’s Ahead for Game Changers
As we wind down the 2025 Legislative Session, we look forward to what the rest of the year will bring. Our Monday night Game Changer meetings have an exciting Spring and Summer line-up planned that focuses on reentry resources. Each month we will focus on different foundational aspects of reintegration, including:
- April – Employment
- May – Mental Health
- June – Nutrition and Wellness
- July – AI, Tech Tools, and Online Security
- August – Financial Literacy
Game Changer meetings are every Monday from 6:30-8pm.
Community Resources
In celebration of Second Chance Month, JSTOR, a digital library that brings free and low cost scholarship to communities including our incarcerated community, is releasing 16 blog posts related to second chances throughout April from students behind bars.