Collective power is one of the most significant ways for empowering advocates and influencing legislation. As the 2023 legislative cycle ends, AOUON members are applying this tactic at the California Capitol to hold our representatives accountable!
On August 15th, LSPC and coalition members held a press conference and lobby day for SB 474 (Becker), a bill that would reduce canteen markups. To express how detrimental canteen markups were, organizers delivered FISH kits—a meager assortment of basic needs incarcerated people receive on their first day—to representative's offices.
On August 30th, AOUON held a lobby day for all of our co-sponsored bills! This was a public opportunity for AOUON members to join our Policy Fellows and convey to influential legislators why our bills must pass!
Finally, we joined the Underground Scholars on September 7th for a Day of Action for AB 280 (Holden), or the Mandela Act. This Act would require every jail, prison, and detention center to develop formal and public procedures for solitary confinement. These procedures would reduce the use of solitary confinement for a maximum of 15 days at one time and 45 days in six months.
In every action, we come together with community members, organizers, and activists. Along with visiting Sacramento, there were dozens of public comments and coalition meetings to determine next steps. The movement continues! | 
