New Leaf Illinois Launches to Clear Cannabis Convictions in Illinois
JT and Wyn-Win Communications partner with Illinois Equal Justice Foundation to develop a statewide public education campaign to reach Illinoisans eligible for cannabis expungement
As Illinois took the historic step to legalize recreational cannabis in 2020, equal justice provisions were built into the new law to ensure help for Illinoisans who qualify to have their previous cannabis arrests or convictions expunged.
According to the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council, it’s estimated that there are roughly 700,000 people in Illinois who could be eligible for cannabis expungement. Because a criminal record can make it harder to get hired, pursue higher education, apply for public assistance, rent housing and more, it is important that people get the help they need to clear their records.
With funding from the State, the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation (IEJF) launched a network of 20 nonprofit legal aid organizations offering free services in every part of the state.
To raise awareness of support available to help navigate the expungement process from downstate to Chicagoland and everywhere in between, IEJF retained JT and Wyn-Win Communications to develop a statewide public education campaign, that launched in November 2020.
The nature of the public affairs work that we do at JT oftentimes allows us to champion social justice causes through the power of communication, and New Leaf Illinois is no exception.
If you look at the data, Black and Brown people and economically disadvantaged communities were disproportionately penalized by past criminalization of cannabis. The expungement process is one step toward repairing the harm caused by the decades-long war on drugs, and righting a wrong for thousands of people who were previously arrested or prosecuted for something now legal.
We’re proud to play a part in this vitally important program called New Leaf Illinois. Our work includes brand identity development, video production, media relations, stakeholder outreach, social media and digital advertising.
Through our continued work with New Leaf, we’re dedicated to getting these services and this life-changing opportunity in front of the people who need them most.
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