Advocacy

2020 is fast approaching, especially in the eyes of those involved in the upcoming census. Here in Brooklyn, this means organizing and informing Brooklynites about the importance of the census in order to achieve an accurate count in two years.

In a surprise announcement this week the Mayor indicated that the projected 10-year timeline to closer Rikers Island may be shortened as he and newly appointed City Council Speaker Corey Johnson announced a public review process of four alternate detention facility sites near local courthouses. 

As I approach my two year anniversary as Vice President of Programs here at Brooklyn Community Foundation, I’ve had the opportunity to not only lead our programmatic work, but also reflect on what is the true power and potential of Brooklyn Community Foundation. 

While grantmaking seems like the obvious answer, as I consider all the tools in our toolbox, the use of advocacy emerges as one of the most important levers that we have as we strive to make Brooklyn fair and just. 

Today, together with criminal justice advocates across New York State, we are celebrating a landmark reform victory: the State Legislature has passed legislation to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 18-years-old. 

All across New York City, criminal justice advocates and organizers are celebrating one of the biggest victories in recent memory: the Mayor’s announcement of a plan to close Rikers Island by 2027.