EXPO EX-incarcerated People Organizing
Empowering Change: EXPO of Wisconsin's Mission to End Mass Incarceration"
UNLOCK The Vote: EXPO of Wisconsin's Fight for Voting Rights Uplifting Voices: EXPO of Wisconsin's Advocacy for System-Impacted Individuals
The Faces Behind EXPO of Wisconsin's Mission
We believe in the HUMAN DIGNITY of formerly and currently incarcerated people, and recognize they come from, and are PART OF OUR COMMUNITIES. At EXPO
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We believe men and women with conviction and arrest records should be viewed as valued HUMAN BEINGS, members of FAMILIES, and assets to COMMUNITIES.
expowisconsin.org
Empowering Change: EXPO of Wisconsin's Mis- sion to End Mass Incarcera- tion"
E XPO, also known as EX-incarcerated People Organizing, stands at the forefront of the fight against mass incarceration in Wisconsin. Established with a vision to eliminate structural discrim- ination against formerly incarcerated individuals and reintegrate them fully into our communities, we have been instrumental in advocating for transformative change within the state's penal system. The inception dates back to 2014 when individuals who had experienced incarceration firsthand came together from various corners of Wisconsin to envision the creation of a statewide organi- zation that would amplify their voices and advocate for systemic reforms. Rooted in peer support and collective organizing, we are led by formerly imprisoned women and men who are dedicated to challenging the injustices prevalent in Wisconsin's penal system. These resilient members not only provide mutual support but also spearhead initiatives aimed at reshaping the narrative around incar- ceration and advocating for meaningful change.
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17 Applegate Court , Suite 100, Madison, WI 53713
expo of wisconsin Call: 608-467-2495
At the core of our mission is a commitment to leveraging the lived experiences of those directly im- pacted by the justice system to drive tangible transformation across all facets of society that contrib- ute to mass incarceration and over-supervision. By harnessing their collective truths and advocating for policy changes, we endeavors to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate system that prioritizes the well-being of families and the safety of communities. Recognizing that these individuals are integral members of our communities, we champion the prin- ciples of human dignity, respect, and inclusion for all, irrespective of their criminal histories. By reframing the narrative around individuals with conviction and arrest records as valuable assets to society—integral to the fabric of families and communities—we aim to foster understanding, empa- thy, and support for those seeking reintegration post-incarceration.
Looking towards the future, we envision a society free from the shackles of mass incarceration, un- derpinned by a criminal legal system that upholds fairness, equity, and justice for all individuals.
Through sustained advocacy efforts, community engagement, and policy initiatives, we strive to dismantle oppressive structures, challenge discriminatory practices, and pave the way for a more inclusive and rehabilitative approach to justice in Wisconsin. As we continue our crucial work in driving systemic change and advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals impacted by incarceration, the organization remains a beacon of hope, empowerment, and resilience for communities across Wisconsin. By amplifying the voices of those directly affected by the justice system, EXPO exemplifies the power of collective action, sol- idarity, and advocacy in effecting positive change and building a more just and compassionate society for all.
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The Faces Behind EXPO of Wisconsin's Mission
J erome Dillard, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of EXPO, brings a wealth of expe- rience and dedication to his role. His profound understanding of the challenges faced by sys- tem-impacted individuals stems from his person- al encounters with incarceration, which he views as a systemic issue draining hope from communi- ties. Through his leadership at EXPO, Jerome aims to advocate for transformative change within the justice system, seeking to dismantle structural dis- crimination and ensure that individuals reenter- ing society are treated with dignity and provided the necessary resources for successful reintegra- tion. Jerome's impactful work involves a multifaceted approach that includes mentoring system-im- pacted individuals directly and engaging in policy reform efforts with key stakeholders. By amplify- ing the voices and narratives of those affected by the justice system, Jerome strives to foster under- standing, empathy, and meaningful change within Wisconsin's legal framework. His ability to cul- tivate relationships based on trust and account- ability has enabled him to collaborate effectively with various organizations and agencies, shaping policies that support reentry and rehabilitation initiatives.
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17 Applegate Court , Suite 100, Madison, WI 53713
expo of wisconsin Call: 608-467-2495
Dennis Franklin, serving as the Interim Associate Di- rector, channels his passion for helping others and his legal expertise towards supporting individuals seek- ing redemption post-incarceration. Drawing from his personal journey through the justice system, Dennis firmly believes in the inherent worth and potential for growth in every individual. Pursuing a degree in Human Services, Dennis is committed to empowering individuals to recognize their value and advocating for a more equitable and just carceral system. With a background in legal advocacy and a deep understanding of criminal law, Dennis has played a pivotal role in challenging legislation that adversely impacts system-impacted individuals. His successful legal efforts, such as challenging state statutes and ad- vocating for fair sentencing practices, exemplify his commitment to promoting justice and equality with- in the legal realm. Dennis's dedication to sharing his knowledge and experiences underscores his role as a valuable resource for individuals navigating the com- plex legal landscape.
Marianne Oleson, transitioning from Executive Assistant to Operations Director, brings a unique perspective to her work at EXPO. As a directly impacted individual, Marianne's firsthand experiences with the flaws present within the penal system drive her passion for advocating for systemic change. Leveraging her academic background in Social and Crimi- nal Justice, Marianne combines her business development skills with a deep-seated commitment to dismantling mass incarceration and fostering restorative justice practices in Wisconsin. Marianne's dedication to continuous learning and under- standing positions her as a dynamic force within EXPO, where she actively engages with system-impacted individuals to provide support, guidance, and hope. Her vision of a jus- tice system grounded in equality, transparency, and dignity fuels her advocacy efforts, reflecting a steadfast commitment to upholding the humanity and rights of all individuals im- pacted by incarceration. Through her work, Marianne em- bodies the spirit of empowerment, compassion, and resil- ience that defines EXPO's mission to create a more just and inclusive society for all.
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UNLOCK The Vote: EXPO of Wisconsin's Fight for Voting Rights The Midwest Climate
W isconsin’s neighboring states have all passed policy changes to allow felons (people with a felony conviction) more access to voting. For ex- ample, Minnesota and Michigan have eliminated felony disenfranchisement and restored people with a felony conviction their voting rights once released from prison, regardless of their status on parole, probation, or extended supervision. There- fore, the state of Wisconsin should want to move towards aligning with our neighboring state’s pol- icies. In that case, the state must Unlock The Vote and allow the estimated 51,018 Wisconsinites currently disenfranchised to vote once released and restore their civil rights. The report below will detail Wisconsin’s neighboring states’ actions used to Unlock The Vote and the change in language in these different states’ statutes or constitutions. Minnesota Originally, Minnesota’s state constitution in Arti- cle VII: Elective Franchise stated that anyone con- victed of a felony or treason was ineligible to vote unless restored to civil rights. This section of the state’s constitution was challenged in Minnesota’s Supreme Court in the case of Schroeder v. Min-
nesota Secretary of State. The court rejected legal arguments that Article VII was uncon- stitutional and upheld Minnesota’s ineligibility criteria. The state’s legislature pushed to pass House Bill 28, which restored voting rights for people with felony convictions once released. Working together, the Governor and the Min- nesota legislature made robust legislation that restored voting rights for more than 55,000 Minnesotians. Michigan As of 1975, Michigan has allowed people with a felony conviction the right to vote once re- leased from prison and has only deemed cit- izens ineligible to vote if serving time in jail or prison. Within the Michigan State Con- stitution, it states in Article II Elections that persons excluded from voting include anyone committed to a jail or penal institution. Mich- igan is one of 25 states that have restored the right to vote for people with felony convic- tions, which allows them to exercise their full civil rights.
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17 Applegate Court , Suite 100, Madison, WI 53713
expo of wisconsin Call: 608-467-2495
Iowa Iowa was the last state in the country that had lifetime felony disenfranchisement. As of August 5th, 2020, people with a felony conviction have had voting rights restored after the completion of their sentence, including time on probation, pa- role, and extended supervision. The change in the law comes after Governor Kim Reynolds signed Executive Order 7, which restored voting rights for people with felony convictions and eliminated Iowa’s “Last in Nation Status.” Executive Order 7 still enforces lifetime felony disenfranchisement on anyone with a felony con- viction that violates Chapter 707 of Iowa’s code which is considered Homicide and related crimes, and forces these individuals to apply for restoration of their
voting rights. Political shifts like the ones observed in Iowa high- light the growing movement to restore felons’ voting rights even in the historically harshest states.
Illinois The Illinois constitution states under Arti- cle III Suffrage and Elections that a per- son convicted of a felony has their voting rights restored once released from prison. Additionally, Illinois
has passed House Bill 2541, which requires correctional and Juvenile Justice facilities to provide non- partisan peer-led civics programs on voting rights, voter registra- tion, and elections. Bills like HB 2541 promote civic engagement and help people returning home from prison feel a part of their communities.
Enabling Democracy: The Case for Restoring Voting Rights
T he restoration of voting rights to individuals with criminal histories is a matter of profound sig- nificance, not only for the individuals themselves but also for the fabric of democracy and justice in our society. Voting serves as a powerful tool that connects individuals to their communities, fosters a sense of belonging, and can play a pivotal role in reducing recidivism rates. Studies indicate that restoring voting rights has a direct impact on lowering repeat offense rates, contributing to a more rehabilitative and inclusive justice system. Research underscores the critical link between voting rights restoration and racial equity, highlight- ing the disproportionate disenfranchisement faced by African Americans due to felony convictions. In Wisconsin, the disenfranchisement of one out of every nine African Americans compared to one out of every 50 Wisconsin voters underscores the urgent need for policy reforms that promote fairness and equality. By addressing systemic barriers to voting, including extended periods of dis- enfranchisement for African Americans on parole in Wisconsin, restoring voting rights emerges as a crucial step towards advancing racial justice and equitable representation within our electoral system. Advocacy efforts aimed at expanding voter eligibility have gained traction in states across the country, with twenty-three states implementing measures to restore voting rights to individuals with previous criminal histories. By leveraging tailored arguments, evidence-based research, court rulings, and
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17 Applegate Court , Suite 100, Madison, WI 53713
expo of wisconsin Call: 608-467-2495
coalition-building strategies, advocates have suc- cessfully overturned felony disenfranchisement laws in several states. These advocacy approaches serve as valuable tools for EXPO of Wisconsin and its allies as they work towards overturning felony disenfranchisement and promoting equitable vot- ing practices in the state. In Wisconsin, past efforts to restore voting rights have seen collaboration among advocacy organi- zations, legislators, and community stakeholders. The proposed Wisconsin Democracy Restoration Act in 2009 aimed to restore voting rights to peo- ple on probation and parole, highlighting the im- portance of inclusive electoral practices. More re- cently, the introduction of "The Unlock the Vote" Act in 2019 marked a significant step towards reengaging disenfranchised voters and advocat- ing for voting rights restoration to individuals on probation and parole through the Unlock the Vote Campaign. The legislative initiatives led by Rep. Jodi Emerson and Senator Lena Taylor in 2022 further under- score the commitment of Wisconsin lawmakers to protect individuals' right to vote and ensure fair representation for all citizens. With an estimated 65,000 residents under some form of communi- ty corrections in Wisconsin unable to vote, the
Unlock the Vote bill Package represents a critical opportunity to uphold demo- cratic principles, promote civic engage- ment, and support the reintegration of system-impacted individuals into society. As we strive towards a more inclusive, just, and representative democracy, the restoration of voting rights emerges as a vital step in recognizing the dignity, agen- cy, and inherent worth of all individuals, irrespective of their past experiences with the justice system. By advocating for pol- icy reforms that foster equal access to the ballot box, EXPO of Wisconsin and its allies are championing a vision of democ- racy that embraces diversity, empowers marginalized voices, and upholds the core principles of fairness, justice, and equality for all citizens.
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Increase Access in Safe, Dignified and Supportive Housing EXPO of Wisconsin
A ccording to the WI Department of Corrections (6/2/2023), there are currently 21,194 people in their care, and 95% of these individuals will eventually return to their communities. In that same report, 51,018 individuals are under state supervision and are already in our communities. A list of collateral consequences comes with involvement with the criminal legal system. At the top of that list is reduced access to safe, dignified, and supportive housing. To have better outcomes, healthier, safer communities, and break the generational cycle of incarcer- ation, we must consider changing our approach. Supporting individuals while they re-enter society and helping them with their basic needs sets these individuals up for tremendous success and can reduce their likelihood of re-entering the criminal legal system. One of the most fundamental needs that can be addressed is the need for all people to have access to a safe place to live. In 2018, the Prison Policy Initiative highlighted that formerly incarcerated people are ten times more likely to be homeless. Sending individuals back into their communities unhoused can create more obstacles for them and result in returning to an unsupportive or unsafe environment that does not promote the person’s ability to thrive. The Community Housing instability affects both formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. For instance, the Prison Policy Institute states that 80% of women in jail and 58% of women in prison are mothers. According to the Department of Corrections, 47.5% of incarcerated Wisconsin women are released with housing instability. A significant portion of these women are mothers. Incarcerated mothers are disproportionately affected by unreliable housing, and the limited access to safe and supportive housing will directly impact their children. The National Institute on Justice Journal found that chil- dren of incarcerated individuals are 6.5 times more likely to end up incarcerated themselves. The first step to breaking the generational impact of incarceration is to provide services that address the ba- sic needs of formerly incarcerated people re-entering their communities, such as providing reliable housing for themselves and their children.
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17 Applegate Court , Suite 100, Madison, WI 53713
expo of wisconsin Call: 608-467-2495
How do we establish ourselves, move forward, reunite with our children, and healthily participate in our communities? How do we “prove” ourselves to society when we can not even secure a safe place to call home? Many want to be accepted into their communities with an opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. Human beings are motivated by their needs. We, as a marginalized population, are not different from anyone else. We should not be defined or held back by our greatest regret. Everyone deserves a place they can call home. The Cost In Wisconsin, we spend between $36,000 and $42,000 per person per year on incarceration. That is over $3000 per month to house people in prison. What if a portion of those funds could be invested in creating safe, dignified, supportive housing? In Wisconsin, a modest apartment costs anywhere between $700-$1500 per month. The monetary savings alone is at least $1500 per month. These sav- ings do not include the fact that housing offers an opportunity to stabilize people and families, their tax contributions, and the overall contributions people are making to public safety and healthier communities. We are asking that Wisconsin invest in people and public safety by diverting a portion of the mon- ey we spend on both incarcerating people and on probation, parole, or extended supervision and allocate these funds to create safe environments for people to call home when returning to their communities. In July 2019, the Post Crescent wrote that Wisconsin revocations for rule violations, not new crimes, are the number 1 cause of incarceration, accounting for 40% of new admissions. The cost to Wisconsin taxpayers is 147.5 million dollars. We can not help but recognize a correlation between housing instability and incarceration. We can create safer, healthier communities for all of us by creating new avenues for investments into safe, dignified and supportive housing.
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Uplifting Voices: EXPO of Wisconsin's Advocacy for System-Impacted Individuals
S upporting our cause at EXPO of Wisconsin entails shedding light on the often unseen and pervasive impacts of incarceration on individu- als, families, and communities. Beyond the bars and walls of correctional facilities lie a web of consequences that reverberate through every aspect of life, from earnings and employment to physical and mental health, housing, education, and family well-being. Our advocacy efforts within local and state government aim to am- plify the voices of system-impacted individuals, providing them with a platform to speak out against the systemic injustices and institutional harm perpetuated by the carceral system. In a society where misconceptions and misin- formation often cloud public perception, the re- alities of life post-incarceration remain obscured to many. People untouched by the criminal jus- tice system may be unaware of the profound and far-reaching effects that incarceration can have on individuals and their communities. We strive to bridge this gap in understanding by advocat- ing for policy reforms, raising awareness, and amplifying the voices of those who have expe-
rienced the detrimental impacts of incarceration firsthand.
Through our grassroots organizing, we create a space for system-impacted individuals to share their stories, advocate for change, and challenge the status quo. By engaging in advocacy work at both the local and state levels, we aim to disman- tle the systemic barriers that perpetuate cycles of incarceration and disenfranchisement. Our commitment to providing opportunities, sup- port, and empowerment to those affected by the criminal justice system underscores our belief in the transformative power of lived experiences and community-driven advocacy. As one of our dedicated organizers aptly de- scribes, our work serves as a beacon of truth and awareness in a landscape where ignorance and silence prevail. By shining a light on the hidden realities of incarceration and its aftermath, we strive to illuminate the systemic injustices and inequalities that often go unrecognized or unad- dressed. Through advocacy, education, and com-
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17 Applegate Court , Suite 100, Madison, WI 53713
expo of wisconsin Call: 608-467-2495
munity engagement, we endeavor to challenge existing narratives, confront institutional harm, and advocate for policies that promote equity, justice, and dignity for all individuals impacted by the carceral system. The power of advocacy lies in its ability to uplift marginalized voices, challenge oppressive systems, and drive meaningful change within society. Our advocacy work is rooted in the belief that every individual has the right to be heard, valued, and supported in their journey towards healing and reintegration. By creating platforms for system-impacted individuals to share their truths, advo- cate for their rights, and demand accountability from decision-makers, we strive to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate society for all. Through collective action, solidarity, and community collaboration, we continue to advance its mission of advocating for systemic change, amplifying marginalized voices, and challenging the pervasive injustices of the carceral system. Our commitment to creating awareness, fostering em- powerment, and promoting truth-telling underscores our dedication to building a more inclusive and empathetic society—one that recognizes the humanity, resilience, and worth of every individ- ual impacted by incarceration. Join us in supporting our cause, amplifying unheard voices, and advocating for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
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Locked Up on The Outside: Excessive Supervision
O ver 43 states have time limits on how long a person with a felony conviction can be put on parole, probation, or extended supervision, in- cluding some of Wisconsin’s neighboring states. Wisconsin has no restrictions on how long a person can be placed on supervision once re- leased from prison. The lack of regulation has led to excessive supervision sentences, resulting in many Wisconsinites being under supervision for longer than they served in penal institutions. The Department of Corrections Division of Community Corrections released its 2022 year- ly report showing that 51,018 Wisconsinites are under supervision. 51,018 Wisconsin residents are being disenfranchised and are constantly fearful of returning to prison due to violations of their conditions of release. The prison policy initiative found that “when people on supervi- sion are incarcerated, it’s usually for breaking a rule, not committing a new crime. EXPO’s initiative Locked Up on The Outside aims to bring awareness to the harmful effects of excessive supervision and push forward legisla- tion that will limit the amount of time someone with a felony conviction can be on supervision. The report below will detail our neighboring state’s laws that restrict supervision terms and highlights legislation Wisconsin can model. Minnesota The Minnesota state legislature will review House File 1607 during the 2023-2024 regular session. The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission in 2020 changed the maximum time a person could serve on probation to five
years except in cases of homicide and criminal sexual conduct. HF1607 will codify the actions of the Sentencing Guidelines Commission. It will also make these changes retroactive and allow Minnesota residents subjected to excessive proba- tion terms to be relieved of their sentences. Ac- cording to Rep. Jamie Long, who has sponsored HF1607, the average Minnesota probation term is longer than the average prison term, and these excessive terms can make it hard to keep a job, restrict civil rights, and are ineffective since most probation revocations happen in the first three years after being released. A five-year maximum will allow people to regain voting rights, hold steady employment, and be more effective at tar- geting revocation. Iowa Under Iowa’s code Chapter 907.7 Length of Pro- bation, probation should not exceed five years for felony offenses and two years for misdemeanor offenses. The term of parole in Iowa must equal the period of imprisonment but can not extend beyond this time. Therefore someone can spend less time on supervision than their time in pris- on. Iowa is one of Wisconsin’s peer states and has passed monumental criminal justice reform in re- cent years, which can be modeled in Wisconsin. Minnesota legislators, including Rep. Jamie Long, cited Iowa’s probation term limits in the proposal of HF1607. Illinois Illinois has restrictions on the amount of time a person with a felony conviction can serve on probation, depending on the class of the felony.
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17 Applegate Court , Suite 100, Madison, WI 53713
expo of wisconsin Call: 608-467-2495
Class one and two felonies have a four-year probation cap, but some class one felonies are not eligible for probation, such as residential burglary. Any person with a class three and four felony conviction can not be subjected to more than two and half years of probation. In 2021, the Illinois legislature passed the SAFE-T Act, which improved conditions for people on mandatory supervised release (Pa- role) by reducing the amount of time some- one must serve based on the offense class. Michigan Michigan’s Code of Criminal Procedure states that a person with a felony conviction can not have a probation period that exceeds three years. Once someone has served the minimum portion of their sentence, they can become eligible for parole. Once the Michi- gan Parole Board approves them, these indi- viduals typically spend one to four years on parole. Michigan courts can extend probation terms for one additional year no more than two times if the court feels a rehabilitation goal has not been met. In a report by Recidi- viz, the reduction from a five-year maximum probation sentence to three years could save the state 29.6 million dollars in avoided pro- bation costs over the next five years. Recidiv- iz also found that in 2018 24% of Michigan’s new prison commitments were due to proba- tion violations. Healthier, Safer, and Smarter for Wisconsin The Wisconsin ACLU Smart Justice report states that crimeless revocations, which are technical violations such as accepting em- ployment without prior approval, borrowing money, or missing an appointment, account for 37% of all Wisconsin Prisons admissions as of 2017. These prison admissions cost the state roughly $147.5 million. Wisconsin staff- ing shortages
disproportionately impact The Wisconsin Depart- ment of Corrections employees; supervision caps will allow this system to be less burdened by tech- nical violations, directly impacting DOC staff, and enable staff to perform their duties more effective- ly. The system will be less overwhelming and less stressful, improving DOC staff’s and their family’s health and well-being as well as those they serve. Reducing the time a person with a felony convic- tion spends on parole, probation, and extended supervision will allow individuals to no longer be at risk of being re-incarcerated for technical vio- lations and reduce the hidden costs of this prac- tice, which breaks familial systemic involvement. People incarcerated on these violations can not be taxed, are very costly to the state, and miss out on necessary time with their families and communi- ties. It will also save the state millions of dollars on prison costs which can be reallocated to oth- er sectors to improve Wisconsin neighborhoods, such as education, substance abuse treatment, and supportive services for DOC staff. These limits on supervision will also allow formerly incarcerated individuals to re-enter the communities, regain their civil rights, and maintain their households by being able to have steady employment and housing without fear of their progress being un- dermined by revocation investigations.
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Empowering HOPE to Achieve Change
EXPO of Wisconsin: Full Dignity & Rights Restoration for Formerly Incarcerated People
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