What Compels?
Decarceration is a war of ideas.
Bad ideas have turned the US into the top incarcerator in the world... Dumb ideas have led us to believe that people with addictions are criminals…
A meeting of the many octopi minds | Created by Jay W. Austin & DALL•E
…that legal weed shops belong in neighborhoods hit hard by overpolicing of that same drug, but are not allowed to hire people with drug convictions.
…that police officers need to be armed to the teeth with military grade weapons that they only seem to use when they’re serving a no-knock warrant or corralling demonstrators protesting police brutality and overreach.
These are only ideas, and you can help change them.
More compelling ideas lead to grassroots movements, to policy, and to a freer society.
So, what compels? Here is a short and incomplete list of ways to create compelling messages about decarceration:
Avoid numbers, especially large ones.
When talking with more conservative folks, focus on the issue of control.
When speaking with more liberal folks, spend time on unfairness.
Instead of screaming as loudly as you can to as many people as you can, try whispering quietly to a few people who will spread your message on your behalf.
Invite people to be part of a solution, not to be the savior.
Buena suerte.
Aye, I’m Jay. You’re on my personal site where I post things I make about interrupting mass incarceration, protecting migration, environmental justice & sustainability, language, communications, storytelling, creativity, and tech.
Learn about my ventures here, check out my non-profit initiative here, or explore my consultant services here.