TENNESSEE
ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE THAT RESTORES
If you share our vision for a justice system that restores those impacted by crime and incarceration, please join our growing network of advocates. Together we can inspire the Church, change the culture, and advance justice reform.
SHARE YOUR STORYWith more than 45 years of experience helping restore men and women behind bars, Prison Fellowship advocates for federal and state criminal justice reforms that recognize the value and potential of every person. We promote reforms that help transform those responsible for crime, validate victims, and create safer communities through proportional punishment, constructive corrections culture, and second chances
In the 2023 legislative session, Prison Fellowship will work for fines and fees reforms that set individuals with a criminal record up for stability and earned success. We will continue to educate lawmakers about the critical role access to parole and earned time credits play in facilitating safe prisons, reducing reoffending, and equipping men and women behind bars for good citizenship.
WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
TELL YOUR STORY
Have you or a loved one had involvement in the justice system? One testimony at a time, we can advance justice that restores.
ADVOCATE
We’re seeking Justice Advocates to build relationships with their state legislators, organize events, and promote justice reform.
LEARN MORE
Read about why Tennessee lawmakers should protect public safety and maintain incentives for rehabilitation in sentencing.
YOUR STATE STATISTICS
24,764 Adults in Prison
829 Minors in Juvenile Facilities
62,198 Adults on Probation
12,841 Adults on Parole
$27,196.15 Cost of Incarceration per Adult Prisoner
$310,903.35 Cost of Incarceration per Juvenile
Governor: Republican
Senate: Republican
House: Republican
In Session: Jan 10– May 4
PRISON FELLOWSHIP IN TENNESSEE
In 2021, Prison Fellowship contributed to Gov. Lee’s successful reform package aimed at bolstering alternatives to incarceration and expanding support for men and women reentering society after incarceration. In addition, lawmakers have recently passed legislation to require transparency in sentencing, improve juvenile justice practices, and to reform harsh sentences for certain drug offenses.
SIGN THE JUSTICE DECLARATION!
Grounded in biblical values and signed by more than 100 Christian leaders, the Justice Declaration calls the Church to deploy its unique and unparalleled capacity to respond to crime and over-incarceration.
SIGN THE DECLARATIONIN THE NEWS
What Is Second Chance Month?
Check out how America has come together over the past two years to support those …Read More »Prison Fellowship’s Statement on Senate Judiciary Committee Hearings Regarding the Conditions for Prisoners in the Federal Bureau of Prisons
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Prison Fellowship®, the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, …Read More »
RAISE YOUR VOICE
We encourage Christians who are experienced in advocacy, looking to learn more, or interested in increasing their involvement to apply to the Justice Ambassador program. Justice Ambassadors’ voices can be effective tools to inspire the Church, change the culture, and advance justice that restores. Become a Justice Ambassador with Prison Fellowship today.
FEDERAL JUSTICE REFORM OPPORTUNITIES
Prison Fellowship has been active on Capitol Hill for decades, lobbying the Administration and Congress to support groundbreaking reforms to make communities safer, respect victims, and transform lives. No matter what state you call home, you can be part of our federal justice reform campaigns!
ENSURING PROPORTIONAL PUNISHMENT
The FIRST STEP Act was passed to reduce disproportional drug offenses and allow earn time credits to be awarded for program participation. Contact lawmakers to request they fully implement the law and maximize its potential!
ADVANCING CONSTRUCTIVE PRISON CULTURE
Studies have revealed that participation in education programs during incarceration has resulted in a 43% lower recidivism rate. Encourage lawmakers to restore Pell Grant access behind bars to offer hope and higher education to incarcerated men and women.
UNLOCKING
SECOND CHANCES
The Fair Chance Act allows formerly incarcerated individuals to show their talents, skills, & commitment to personal growth as they compete in labor markets. Ask lawmakers to support second chances through this thoughtful approach to criminal justice.
*Statistics generated from reports by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (Mortality in Local Jails and State Prisons 2000-2011; Probation and Parole in the United States (2013);Prisoners in 2013, Vera Institute of Justice (The Price of Prisons), 2010 Census, Office of Juvenile Justice and Deliquency Provention 2011 and various department of corrections' websites.