EX-Prisoners Organizing (EXPO)

EXPO works to end mass incarceration, eliminate all forms of structural discrimination against formerly incarcerated people, and restore formerly incarcerated people to full participation in the life of our communities. EXPO is working to transform Wisconsin’s unjust punishment system. EXPO provides a vehicle through which people with conviction and arrest histories can combine our voices, knowledge, and power to be effective advocates for serious reform of our broken justice system. What do we believe?

We believe that those most affected by issues must be involved in decisions about and responses to the issues. We believe that those closest to the problems are closest to the solutions. EXPO’s motto is, “you have the right to NOT remain silent.” We believe in the human dignity of currently and formerly incarcerated people and recognize that they come from and are part of our communities. We believe that men and women with conviction and arrest records should be viewed as human beings, members of families, and assets to communities.

What do we do?

EXPO is working to transform Wisconsin’s unjust punishment system. EXPO provides a vehicle through which people with conviction and arrest histories can combine our voices, knowledge, and power to be effective advocates for serious reform of our broken justice system. EXPO leaders drive WISDOM’s ROC (Restoring Our Communities) Wisconsin Campaign to end mass incarceration. This statewide campaign focuses on mobilizing communities that have been adversely affected by mass incarceration and restoring the civil and human rights of people with records. This campaign also mobilizes the broader community. EXPO provides leadership training to previously imprisoned people who want to become part of the movement for change. Activities of EXPO leaders include giving presentations at local organizations, meeting with elected officials, testifying at public hearings, writing opinion pieces, appearing on radio and television shows, and participating in ROC Wisconsin actions and policy workgroups.