NASAMS Previous Statements

NASAMS on Juneteenth

Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, holds profound significance in the ongoing struggle for social justice and equity. It marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This pivotal moment is not only a celebration of freedom but also a call to action for advocacy and resilience within our communities.
 
That same spirit of resilience is evident in the NASAMS (National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates and Mitigation Specialists) membership and in our pillars, emphasizing the importance of community, training, and advocacy—key elements crucial for uplifting voices and addressing systemic inequalities that persist. NASAMS is the first and only national organization dedicated solely to the educational and professional development of sentencing advocates and mitigation specialists. Our Executive Committee leads the charge to further our collective purpose, focusing on these three core pillars.
 
We strive to foster a supportive network where sentencing advocates and mitigation specialists can find camaraderie, encouragement, professional development, and like-minded individuals who believe in the principles of human dignity. While times are changing, NASAMS' mission and vision remain steadfast. We continue to focus on these critical pillars, ensuring that our community thrives and evolves. In times of uncertainty, we strive to embody the principles of solidarity and hope, illuminating our path as we navigate the challenges ahead.
 
The NASAMS organization and its membership have weathered the storms and enjoyed the sunny days for over three decades, supporting and pushing for defense-based advocacy when little was known about the profession or the depths of the work. We were here then, and we are here now, standing with you and providing the support to continue the good fight, and along the way, providing community, training, and advocacy to our members in their professional journeys. Together, we can create a community that not only withstands adversity but also thrives in hope and solidarity. As we honor the legacy of Juneteenth, let us commit to building resilient communities that honor the past while courageously facing the future, advocating for social justice and a more equitable system for all.

NASAMS Statement on Current Racial Violence

We will not be silent. NASAMS stands against racism. We see now more than ever that allies need to work toward and promote anti-racism. NASAMS was founded almost 30 years ago to provide support and training to our members. We believed then, as we do now; that the work we do is at the heart of representing our clients. Our mission, core values and work uplift the unheard stories of Black American communities, and we ensure the experiences of those victimized by historic oppression will never be forgotten. Our social workers, lawyers and mitigation specialists all share a common history of advocacy and are duty bound to advance our understanding of the impact factors such as tyranny, systematic oppression and police brutality have on our communities of color.

As mitigation specialists, social workers, investigators, psychologists, psychiatrists and more; we tell the stories every day of Black men, women, children, and families. We knock on their doors and call their phones. We are allowed to spend time in their homes and with their families listening to their experiences and journeys. We learn about the worst days of their lives and their better days as well. We then share their stories with the world. We know better than anyone what they face and what we face in fighting against oppression. NASAMS will not sit idly by while racism is front and center. We will not sit idly by while Black citizens are murdered by those charged with protecting them.

We will speak out against systemic racism, overt racism, and implicit biases that harm the African American community. Black Americans — including George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and uncountable others, cannot die in vain on our watch. Their deaths must be consistent reminders that we have a duty to stand up, speak up, and to lift up the voices of our clients and their communities. We want you to stand beside us and pledge to be a part of the solution; not just for the people we serve, but for the people we work with, and the people we live beside in our communities. We will take a stand for racial justice alongside NLADA and work to produce expertise that helps transcend the scourge of racism. The members of NASAMS stand in solidarity with the supporters of George Floyd, Black Lives Matter, and communities around the world engaged in the struggle for justice and racial equality. We will continue to lead meaningful discussions, trainings and opportunities to address the issues impacting Black and brown people in America. We will not be silent! We will say their names!