We Stand AZ
We Stand AZ empowers justice-impacted individuals to lead systemic change through advocacy, storytelling, and civic engagement. Founded and led by formerly incarcerated people, we build pathways of dignity, healing, and leadership--transforming lived experience into public power and policy reform across Arizona.
Support justice-impacted leaders building power in Arizona.
Donate NowOur Vision
We Stand AZ envisions a justice system transformed by the leadership of those most impacted by it. At its core, the organization believes that lived experience is not just valuable--it's essential to driving systemic change. Our vision is to build a statewide (and eventually national) model where formerly incarcerated individuals are empowered to lead advocacy efforts, shape policy, and mentor others through reentry and civic engagement.
Core Values
Lived Experience as Leadership
The voices and perspectives of justice-impacted individuals are not supplementary--they are central to driving change.
Dignity Over Punishment
We reject punishment-focused systems in favor of approaches rooted in healing, accountability, and human dignity.
Storytelling as Power
Personal narratives transform public perception, build solidarity, and create the conditions for policy change.
Community-Driven Solutions
Lasting change comes through collective organizing, coalition building, and community leadership.
Accountability & Transparency
We operate with full transparency and hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve.
Our Programs
Storytelling Workshops
Share your narrative and amplify your voice through guided storytelling workshops and media training.
Advocacy Training
Learn legislative advocacy, policy analysis, and community organizing strategies for systemic change.
Mentorship Program
Connect with experienced justice-impacted leaders and receive guidance on your reentry and civic engagement journey.
Our Work in Action
Voices of Change
We Stand AZ gave me the confidence to share my story in a way that creates change. Through their mentorship program, I learned that my lived experience is not just a burden—it's a strength and a tool for transformation.
Marcus Johnson
Program Graduate & Advocacy Leader
The storytelling workshops changed how I see myself. I went from feeling ashamed of my past to being proud of my journey and using it to advocate for others still in the system.
Rebecca Torres
Formerly Incarcerated, Community Organizer
Kara and the team at We Stand AZ have created something truly transformative. They center the voices of people most impacted by the justice system and don't treat us as beneficiaries—we're leaders.
David Williams
Criminal Justice Reform Advocate
This organization is doing the work that others talk about. They're building pathways of dignity and showing that policy change is possible when we lead from lived experience.
Dr. Patricia Allen
Prison Reform Researcher
We Stand AZ empowered me to testify before lawmakers about my reentry experience. That moment changed everything—I realized my voice matters in shaping the policies that affect my life.
James Martinez
Program Graduate & Policy Advocate
Join Our Movement
Be part of a community transforming justice through lived experience and collective leadership.