Our VISTA members interviewed each other over the past month to learn about why they care about criminal justice and how they approach service. Today we’re featuring Wan Qi from New Orleans’s interview with Tyler from Connecticut. Read on to learn how Tyler approaches capacity building justice work and watch this space for more interviews.
By: Amanda Paison, AmeriCorps VISTA
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender has stepped up to fight for their clients’ releases in light of COVID-19. The fight for health and safety does not end when clients are released however; clients of the public defender need support to ensure that they can safely socially distance and meet basic needs. Read on to see how the Maryland Office of the Public Defender is utilizing VISTA to ramp up pre-trial supports.
Amanda, our VISTA member in Santa Barbara, California, has used her strong writing background to build a COVID-19 response. Read on to see how Santa Barbara is using VISTA to address the crisis.
Through the pandemic, VISTA members across the country continue to serve and build capacity for their communities. Today, we’re featuring the work of Wan Qi, Coulter, and the Orleans Public Defenders (OPD) in addressing the needs of some of our most vulnerable neighbors - those who are incarcerated or recently released from incarceration. Continue reading to see how OPD is trying to reduce the jail population and flatten the curve.
Grace, our VISTA member at the Office of Appellate Defender in NYC and VISTA member of the year, shares why she is dedicated to public service.
Grace in the office
We are grateful for our VISTA members and the unique perspectives and strengths they bring to the public defense world. For National AmeriCorps Week, to honor our outstanding members, we asked for nominations for Best VISTA Member and Best VISTA Project. After reviewing the incredible nominations, we have our winners!
A’Narris, our VISTA member in Detroit, shares how her passion for public health and her city combined with her three years as a Correction’s Officer to bring her to VISTA.
Tyler, our VISTA member in Connecticut, shares how his experience with organizing in college brought him to NLADA and VISTA.
Tyler with books to mail out to local jails
Wan Qi, our VISTA member in New Orleans, shares below how her passion for social justice and life experiences led her to serving with the Orleans Public Defenders.
Wan Qi and Coulter, her fellow New Orleans VISTA member
