Quest 4 Democracy 2024

Our policy team was excited to attend the 2024 Quest 4 Democracy (Q4D) on April 29 in Sacramento. Led by formerly incarcerated individuals and their loved ones, Q4D brings together hundreds of youth, families, advocates, and justice-impacted leaders from across California. The event educates participants and policymakers while advancing a shared legislative reform platform. Since 2013, Q4D has grown into a state-wide convening with legislators, advocates, and organizers coming together to build community and direct their people power.

Q4D began with a land acknowledgement that set the intention for an intergenerational day of community advocacy and mutual support. There was also a powerful multi-cultural blessing recognizing the leadership of Dorsey Nunn, who has led Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC) since 2011. Dorsey also founded All of Us or None (AOUON) in 2003, which is now LSPC’s policy advocacy organizing arm. Together LSPC and AOUON have organized Q4D for the past 11 years. As Dorsey transitions from his leadership position, LSPC has continued investing in formerly incarcerated expertise through their now Executive Director Paul Briley. Paul was also one of the hosts of Q4D this year. 

The rest of the morning was a mix of keynote speaker, legislators, and community-based organizers followed by performances of music and spoken word. On display throughout the day was an exhibit of individuals murdered by California police officers from 2017 – 2022. Elders were given special priority throughout Q4D, from being fed first to being driven in golf carts alongside attendees as they marched to the capitol. Intergenerational strength and unity was felt throughout the day.

After lunch, participants met with state policymakers to discuss bills from Q4D’s 2024 Policy Platform. This platform focused on bills supporting three anchor Q4D categories: Abolish Bondage Collectively, Family Unity, and Economic Justice. A few of the bills from these categories are below. 

• ACA 8 Wilson, The End Slavery Act in California
• AB2959 (Ortega) the Incarcerated Family Support and Nutrition Act
• AB 2065 (Kalra) Criminal justice records: offender data — CJCJ is a proud co-sponsor of this bill
• SB 1254 Thriving Transitions-CalFresh Pre Enrollment (Becker)
• (Budget Proposal) (Becker) Transportation- Clothing Support for Returning Citizens
• SB1057 (Menjivar) the Juvenile justice coordination council — CJCJ is a proud co-sponsor of this bill
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CJCJ is proud to be a longstanding partner organization of Q4D. Their goals align with our mission to reduce society’s reliance on incarceration as a solution to social problems. Plus, Q4D mobilizes people power. This benefits everyone. We will continue supporting their 2024 platform and the changes they seek for our collective futures. See below for photos and videos from this year’s event. Thank you to the many Q4D organizers, partners, and attendees. You brought a shared commitment to justice for formerly incarcerated individuals, their families, and our collective futures. See you all next year!

For more information on CJCJ related policy events and reporting, you can check out our newsletters and our Policy & Research page. You can also always email questions to us at cjcjmedia@​cjcj.​org