Our Work

The Hub works to ensure all people have access to resources and tools to advocate for systems change and accountability in law enforcement.  The Avalan Institute worked with Open Society Foundations, The Executives’ Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, local organizers, and other partners to help build and launch the Hub. The Institute currently serves as a strategic prather to the Hub to support growth of the Hub as well as oversee and guide the direction of research taken on by the organization. 

One of our latest projects includes helping manage the research and production of 21st Century Policing: The Rise and Reach of Surveillance Technology. This report analyzes how the proliferation of surveillance technology and its use by law enforcement impacts  marginalized communities, as well as who benefits financially from such technology.  The report further provides examples of victories and lessons learned for the purposes of advocacy. 
communityresourcehub.org

The Executives’ Alliance (EA)  is a network of national, regional and community foundations working towards a world where boys and men of color enjoy full inclusion in all the economic, educational, leadership, and wellness opportunities that America has to offer. 

The Avalan Institute provides strategic guidance, partnership building support, and expertise on criminal justice issues to the EA.
funders4bmoc.org

People for the American Way (PFAW) is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. They encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. 

The Avalan Institute is working with PFAW to produce an elaborate report the provides analysis, best practices, and policy options to help end police violence and create greater police accountability to elected officials across the country. The report is due for release in the fall/winter of 2021. 

pfaw.org

Small as a Giant is a project fusing photography exhibition with community forums held across California to expose the inhumanity and ineffectiveness of juvenile incarceration – particularly focusing on long-term sentences for youth. The project aims to galvanize people to participate in local and state efforts to reform the juvenile justice system. The exhibit features large scale photographs and life stories of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as other multi-media components.  

The Avalan Institute led all aspects of research as related to juvenile incarceration and reform, including the creation of a historical timeline that details the evolution of the juvenile justice system in California and nationally. Additionally, we supported project management and oversight for the project as it moved through California in 2019 and 2020. 

smallasagiant.com