Bail Out the Bail Outs

Last week, Georgia passed legislation that severely curtails the ability of charitable organizations to provide funds for cash bail outs. 

As an example, "the program that [US senator Raphael] Warnock’s church runs, an annual Mother’s Day bailout, will now be illegal...because charitable organizations will no longer be allowed to bail out more than three people a year".

Pretrial detainees make up more than 70% of the U.S. jail population—that number would be a lot higher without community and charitable bail out funds.

Your action: 

• Do some research into the community bail out funds in your state. In WA, we have the Northwest Community Bail Fund.

• Set up one-time or recurring donations

• Check for the organization's volunteer opportunities, which might include court watch dates, tabling at events, clerical support, etc.

• If your state has upcoming legislation to limit cash bail funds, get involved in advocacy or protest efforts.

February 2024 Back to Blog Home

Invite me to your book club, study group, faith community, or workplace for action-oriented, personalized facilitation that humanizes the conversation about oppression.