LIBERATION

DEFEND

Participatory Defense brings families, advocates, and communities together to support people navigating the legal system through education, advocacy, accountability, and collective action.

PARTICIPATORY
DEFENSE?

WHAT IS

Participatory Defense is a community-driven model that empowers directly impacted individuals and their loved ones to actively participate in the legal process. Rather than facing incarceration, court proceedings, or reentry alone, families become informed advocates who work alongside attorneys, community members, and support networks.

At 13th Liberation Village, we believe justice is strongest when communities are equipped with knowledge, support, and the power to advocate for one another.

A woman in a black shirt giving a presentation to a group of people seated in a circle. The background has a black banner with white text reading "FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, FREEDOM" and a white heart symbol. A whiteboard lists principles of participatory defense, including sharing information, building trust, making decisions together, supporting each other, and fighting for freedom.

healing

circles

A diverse group of six people seated in a semi-circle in a classroom or meeting room, engaged in discussion. The man in the foreground is gesturing with his hand, holding a notebook, while others listen and take notes, with posters on the wall behind them.

trauma-informed healing

Healing begins with being heard. Our circles provide safe spaces where participants can process trauma, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional well-being.

community support

A woman speaking to a group of people gathered outdoors, with some holding bottled water and supplies on a table.

No one heals alone. Participants build meaningful relationships with peers who understand the challenges of incarceration, reentry, and family separation.

Two individuals posing indoors, one wearing a black puffer jacket with a hood, the other wearing a black and tan zip-up hoodie, a yellow baseball cap, and glasses, pointing at the camera.

restorative growth

Healing Circles create opportunities for reflection, accountability, resilience, and personal transformation—laying the foundation for lasting change.

Woman standing outdoors in a city park during sunset, wearing a black T-shirt with the quote 'Growing through it building what's next' and an illustration of a plant and roots, overlooking city skyscrapers.

returning

home

Too many people leave incarceration carrying barriers that extend far beyond their sentence.

13th Liberation Village provides practical support through case management, workforce development, legal advocacy, and connections to community resources so individuals and families can move forward with stability, dignity, and hope.

A group of young people seated and one standing in a room with plain walls and ceiling lights, appearing attentive or engaged in an event.

COMMUNITY

RESTORES.

SYSTEMS ISOLATE.

  • Reduce incarceration and improve legal outcomes through community-powered advocacy and comprehensive reentry support.

    Services include:

    • Family legal education

    • Court advocacy

    • Mitigation packet development

    • Case management

    • Workforce development

    • Job placement assistance

    • Basic needs support

    • Trauma-informed counseling

    • Healing Circles

  • Support individuals seeking second chances through federal and state clemency assistance and post-conviction advocacy.

    Support includes:

    • Federal clemency assistance

    • State clemency support

    • Supervised release termination

    • Post-conviction guidance

    • Advocacy throughout the application process

  • Restore civic participation by helping individuals reclaim their voice and fully engage in their communities.

    Services include:

    • Voting rights education

    • Civic engagement

    • Community leadership

    • Rights restoration guidance

    • Voter registration assistance

  • Create lasting systemic change through legislative advocacy, coalition building, and community organizing.

    Focus areas include:

    • Criminal justice reform

    • Public policy education

    • Grassroots advocacy

    • Legislative engagement

    • Community mobilization

  • Help individuals remove barriers that prevent access to employment, housing, and opportunity.

    Support includes:

    • Eligibility review

    • Record sealing guidance

    • Expungement assistance

    • Court navigation

    • Resource referrals description

Work With Us

Your vote is your voice. For formerly incarcerated Virginians, voting is an opportunity to help shape the policies, leaders, and communities that impact reentry, public safety, employment, housing, and justice. Every election is a chance to ensure that your experiences are represented and that your voice is part of building a stronger, more inclusive Virginia. Don't let your past silence your future if you're eligible, make a plan to vote this November.  

RESTORE THE VOTE

Learn more

Families Empowered

*

Rights Restored

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Communities Strengthened

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Families Empowered * Rights Restored * Communities Strengthened *

YOU DOn’T

have to

navigate this

alone.

Whether you’re seeking support, advocating for a loved one, interested in volunteering, or looking to partner with us, we’re here to help.

Reach out today to connect with someone who understands your journey.