Alabama Appleseed's Transformative Approach to Criminal Justice Reform

In August 2019, Carla Crowder, executive director of the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, took on the case of Alvin Kennard, who had spent 36 years in prison for stealing $50.75 from a bakery in 1983. His life sentence, imposed under Alabama's "three strikes" law, highlighted the severe consequences of nonviolent crimes. This case marked a pivotal moment for Alabama Appleseed, transitioning from a small nonprofit focused on policy research to one that actively engaged in direct legal representation. The organization has since concentrated on freeing older inmates serving harsh sentences for nonviolent crimes, effectively pairing personal narratives with policy advocacy to influence lawmakers and garner support.

Alabama Nonprofit Finds Unlikely Allies in Criminal Justice ReformHow unlikely allies helped one nonprofit get results in deep red Alabama

Alabama Appleseed's success is attributed to its ability to build coalitions with unlikely allies, including conservative lawmakers, faith leaders, and national funders. This strategy has allowed the organization to navigate the challenges of advocating for criminal justice reform in a state with a Republican supermajority. The group has expanded from a four-person operation with an annual budget of under $400,000 to a 10-person organization with a budget of $1.4 million, supported by significant funding from entities like the National Football League (NFL), Arnold Ventures, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Alabama Nonprofit Finds Unlikely Allies in Criminal Justice Reform

In late 2019, Alabama Appleseed received a $100,000 grant from the NFL's Inspire Change program, which has directed over $460 million to various nonprofits since its inception. This funding enabled the organization to hire additional legal staff and expand its reentry services. Despite facing resistance, Alabama Appleseed has come close to passing significant legislation, such as the Second Chance Act, which would allow judges to review certain life-without-parole sentences. These efforts reflect a pragmatic approach to reform, emphasizing collaboration with diverse stakeholders to drive change.

Alabama Nonprofit Finds Unlikely Allies in Criminal Justice Reform

While Alabama Appleseed has made strides in criminal justice reform, challenges remain. Critics argue that the organization must balance storytelling with the provision of adequate legal services, as many individuals still lack access to necessary support. Additionally, the organization has learned that sometimes, the most effective advocates for reform are not its members but rather community leaders or conservative lawmakers who can resonate more with certain audiences.

How unlikely allies helped one nonprofit get results in deep red Alabama

Looking ahead, Alabama Appleseed aims to expand its reentry support services and revisit second-chance legislation in the Alabama legislature. The organization is also collaborating with Appleseed centers in Oklahoma and Missouri to assist women serving long sentences due to abusive relationships. Crowder emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and focus in a landscape filled with obstacles, stating, “There are too many people talking about what’s wrong, what’s broken, what’s unjust.”

How unlikely allies helped one nonprofit get results in deep red Alabama

• “What they’re saying “Alabama Appleseed is doing hard work in a hard system in a state where not everyone is pumped up about rehabilitation.” — Rachel Estes, Director of Outreach, Canterbury United Methodist Church

Alabama Nonprofit Finds Unlikely Allies in Criminal Justice Reform

• “It doesn't much matter what the number is when the number is literally one individual's freedom.” — Clare Graff, Vice President of Social Responsibility, NFL

Alabama Nonprofit Finds Unlikely Allies in Criminal Justice Reform

Alabama Appleseed's innovative model of combining direct legal work with policy advocacy serves as a blueprint for other nonprofits aiming to influence large public systems, demonstrating that even in a deeply conservative state, meaningful change is possible.

Alabama Nonprofit Finds Unlikely Allies in Criminal Justice Reform