JIIVE Voting: The Political Awakening for Justice-Impacted Individuals
Justice Is Power. Vote Effectively.
Justice Impacted Individuals have travelled an arduous road toward recognition since the beginning of J.I.I.V.E. I am profoundly proud of the role this organization plays in the political awakening of our community. Let’s join hands to drive this crucial movement, committed to making JIIVE Voting the central force for equity and systemic change.
I am Lovell Oates, Executive Director at J.I.I.V.E. Our conviction is unwavering: Justice Impacted Individuals must reclaim their voices and demand full equity. This non-partisan movement dismantles systemic barriers that exclude millions from civic life.
JIIVE Civic Empowerment: The Foundational Imperative
The creation of J.I.I.V.E. stemmed from a crucial realization: disenfranchisement acts as a continuous civil penalty. Even post-incarceration, severe collateral consequences strip Justice Impacted Individuals (JIIs) of political and economic strength. Our mission is to convert this systemic oversight into powerful JIIVE civic empowerment.
We mobilize the necessary voters to guarantee that core community needs—housing, employment, and dignity—are finally integrated into public policy. Our vision commits to securing accessible voting rights and fostering a strong food sovereignty movement.
Our Strategic Pillars: JIIVE Advocacy in Action
Our work is focused on two interconnected areas of JIIVE advocacy and action. We do not stop at the ballot box; we connect civic participation to lived quality of life.
Freedom from Discrimination:
We relentlessly fight to make JIIs a Protected Class. Discrimination in housing, employment, and business opportunities is unacceptable. We believe that full equity is impossible until this status is legally recognized.
Advancing Community Justice:
We use data and on-the-ground experience to support local leaders, including justice-impacted candidates like Maurice L. Ward, to push policy from the inside.
Advocacy Support:
We use data and on-the-ground experience to support local leaders, including justice-impacted candidates like Maurice L. Ward, to push policy from the inside.
Freedom from Discrimination
our powerful campaign advocating for mandatory gardening programs in all Minnesota correctional facilities. This is not charity; it is required by Minnesota Statute 241.241, which JIIVE intends to see fully enforced by the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
The Just-US Gardens Initiative:
The “Grow to Give / Give to Grow” community extension takes the horticultural and arboricultural skills learned inside and applies them outside. We provide Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares to underserved JII community members, fostering job skills and enhancing community resilience.
Join Us to Redefine What Justice Means for All
Your support fuels our JIIVE advocacy support at every level, from organizing voter registration drives to holding government monopolies like MINNCOR accountable for unfair practices. As a leader and jiive co-chair in this movement, I can attest to the urgency of this moment. Help us amplify the voice of a community that has been marginalized for too long.
Connect with Lovell Oates
Co-Founder, Rebuild Nations
Justice Reform Advocate | Paralegal Justice Advocate | Criminal Justice Reform Speaker
Serving justice-impacted communities nationwide
Available For
Speaking Engagements
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