Denver Justice Project

At the Denver Justice Project (DJP), we are committed to dismantling systems of oppression and transforming the criminal legal system through advocacy, education, and community power. As the expansion of the police state continues to threaten our freedoms, DJP stands at the frontlines defending the rights and dignity of historically marginalized and criminalized communities.

Our work is rooted in two program areas:

Community Advocacy (People-Centered)

People have their own power and visions for change. People power is the foundation of community advocacy. Our community advocacy work leverages (1) Know Your Rights and safe bystander education to prevent crisis and prepare community for high-risk situations, (2) support system-impacted individuals and their loved ones as they navigate complex legal landscapes, and (3) community organizing through narrative control and impact storytelling. We provide direct, trauma-informed support to those impacted by the carceral state and help people move from crisis to empowerment—building safety through care, not control.

Policy Advocacy (Systems-Focused)

DJP fights to shift power and reallocate resources toward accountability and community safety. Our policy work includes (1) advocating for policy that increases oversight, introduces alternatives, and reallocates resources to community care, (2) hosting public forums and candidate events to increase community engagement and expand awareness, and (3) mobilizing community voices in conversations about state-sanctioned violence.

We work towards systemic transformation by building relationships with public officials, government agencies, oversight bodies, and community coalitions to advocate for policies that reduce the harmful impact of the carceral state and expand community-centered approaches to public safety.