Learning Resources We Love
At Dismas House of Indiana, we are committed to continuous learning — not just from research and lived experience, but also from trusted partners who are advancing justice, dignity, and systemic change across the country.
The organizations below offer critical journalism, research, education, and advocacy that inform our work and help shape the broader conversations around reentry, restorative justice, and criminal legal reform.
We are proud to learn from and share these voices as part of our ongoing growth.
Vera Institute of Justice
The Vera Institute of Justice works to end the overcriminalization and mass incarceration of people of color, immigrants, and people experiencing poverty. Through research, policy change, and partnerships with communities, Vera advances systemic reforms that create a more just and equitable society.
The Marshall Project
The Marshall Project is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Through investigative journalism and storytelling, they seek to sustain a national sense of urgency about systemic injustice, driving public dialogue and reform.
Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice
The Zehr Institute advances the understanding and practice of restorative justice through education, research, and dialogue. Founded by Howard Zehr, often called the “grandfather of restorative justice,” the Institute promotes practices that repair harm and strengthen communities.
National Association of Community and Restorative Justice
NACRJ promotes effective justice practices rooted in equity, sustainability, and community healing. They offer education, networking, and support to individuals and organizations working to advance restorative and community-centered responses to harm and conflict.
Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)
Founded by Bryan Stevenson, the Equal Justice Initiative is dedicated to ending mass incarceration, challenging racial and economic injustice, and protecting basic human rights. EJI works through legal advocacy, public education, and cultural memory projects to foster justice and equality.
JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA)
JustLeadershipUSA is a national advocacy organization led by directly impacted individuals. Focused on decarceration, JLUSA trains, elevates, and empowers formerly incarcerated leaders to drive systemic change in the criminal legal system.
Prison Journalism Project (PJP)
The Prison Journalism Project amplifies the voices of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated writers, providing training in journalism and publishing their stories. PJP’s work brings critical, firsthand perspectives to public conversations about incarceration and reentry.
The Sentencing Project
The Sentencing Project works to end mass incarceration and racial disparities in the criminal legal system through research, policy advocacy, and public education. Their work promotes more equitable and effective approaches to crime and punishment.