Policy, Advocacy & Reform
The Policy, Advocacy & Reform Team at Brooklyn Defenders works to eliminate and reduce the harmful impacts of the criminal legal, family regulation and immigration systems. Through our participation in local, state and national coalitions, strategic engagement in the media and community education, we work to amplify the voices of public defenders and impacted people and communities.
Grounded in the direct experience of our clients and staff in these systems, we educate community members, legislators and stakeholders, and engage in legislative initiatives and strategic litigation to combat legal harms in Brooklyn and across New York State.
Units & Projects
Civil Rights and Law Reform Team
Our Civil Rights and Law Reform team uses strategic litigation to challenge systemic injustice and pursue reform.
Communications Team
The Communications Team works to amplify the voices of public defenders and the people we represent. We engage strategically with local and national press to call attention to the injustices we witness every day and to influence change.
Legislative Policy Team
The Policy, Advocacy & Reform team pursues change through legislative changes at the city, state and federal levels.
Policy, Advocacy & Reform Staff
BDS’ policy, advocacy and law reform teams consist of Policy Attorneys, Policy Specialists, Policy Social Workers, Communications Specialists, Civil Rights and Law Reform Attorneys, and Advocates representing all practices within BDS.
Issues
30%
of the people BDS serves reside in two neighborhoods, Brownsville and East New York.
Brownsville and East New York residents make up only
6%
of the total Brooklyn population.
People of color make up over
95%
of the residents in these neighborhoods.