Thursday, August 1, 2024

Yesterday, our staff was made aware of an article published by KUOW that deeply saddened us. While we had initially hoped that these issues would be addressed privately, we disagree with much of what was reported. However, the ongoing harm to our staff and the potential impact on marginalized communities have compelled us to speak out.  

As the staff at Civil Survival, we remain unwavering in our commitment to our mission: to organize system-impacted individuals, provide legal representation, and advocate for policy reform that restores opportunities for communities impacted by the criminal legal system. This mission is not just a professional duty for us, rather, it is profoundly personal. Eighty percent of our staff have been incarcerated, arrested, or have a close family member who has been incarcerated. We are deeply invested in the work that Civil Survival does, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our work is done with care and integrity.  

Over the past year, Tarra Simmons has harmed our staff and undermined our work in the community. For example, after receiving race equity feedback, Tarra threatened the jobs of Civil Survival staff and threatened to cut funding for the organization. We raised these issues with our leadership and board, and they took them seriously. They conducted investigations and made organizational changes so we could operate in a safe working environment. Despite this, throughout the last year, Tarra has exercised her influence as a State Legislator to exclude formerly incarcerated staff members from advocacy spaces.  

Despite these challenges, Civil Survival remains focused on our mission. We continue to partner with the community and with them we have achieved these recent successes: 

  • Provided legal representation in 1,095 cases, eliminating approximately $3 million in criminal legal debt that our clients could not afford to pay; 
  • In collaboration with 13 community-based organizations, organized a legislative advocacy day in Olympia that brought together over 100 impacted community members; and 
  • As part of the Free the Vote Coalition, held 3 Voting Rights Mural events across Washington to spread the word about voting restoration upon release and access to voting in jails  

As long-past convictions continue to harm our community, Civil Survival remains committed to the work of ensuring an equitable future for all those impacted by the criminal legal system.  

In partnership,  

Civil Survival Staff