ABWF's membership is multi-racial, cross-class, and geographically diverse. The Executive Director,  Lorenzo Jones  is a veteran organizer from Chicago, an accomplished strategist, and a mentor to many people in the movement (including me).  LaResse Harvey  is Director of Strategic Relations and, among other responsibilities, is currently leading the organization's effort connect the dots between healthcare reform and ending the drug war and mass incarceration.

I believe deeply in the work of ABWF. I've learned from ABWF's example and have benefited tremendously from Lorenzo's counsel, guidance and friendship. These folks are the real deal. Help me support them so they can continue their good work in 2014 and beyond.

More about ABWF
If you want to understand what it looks like to organize effectively and responsibly to end the drug war and mass incarceration, then look no further. With very limited resources, ABWF is responsible for some of the most remarkable drug policy and criminal justice reform victories in the country, including:

-- making CT among the first states to  end racially-biased sentencing disparities  between crack and powder cocaine, while also securing over  $25 million for treatment  for peoplewith cocaine addictions;

-- passing legislation requiring  Racial and Ethnic Impact Statements  on select criminal justice and drug policy proposals

-- stopping the " three-strikes " legislation;

-- passing  Ban the Box  legislation at both the state and municipal levels (even overriding a veto by the Governor!);

-- passing  overdose prevention legislation , including naloxone access and a 911 Good Samaritan law;

-- enacting  protections against prison rape ;

-- passing  marijuana decriminalization and medical marijuana;

--  reforming   drug-free school zones ;

-- building coalitions to  save community libraries

-- creating and launching  summer youth activity programs , like football leagues and fishing trips.

-- and producing  original research,  like this recently released this  report  about the impact of the  schools to prison pipeline  in CT.

ABWF staff and volunteers -- many of who are people formerly incarcerated -- are making stronger, healthier communities. ABWF doesn't spend their time telling folks how great they are. Instead, they do the work, building a movement for justice and winning reforms at the state and city levels, providing an example of how we can build an effective national movement for justice.