Second Chance Month, observed in the United States during April since 2017, is a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, and unlock second-chance opportunities for people who have completed their sentences to become contributing citizens.
In the United States, one in three American adults has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, housing, and other things necessary for a productive life.
Even after they have completed their sentences and have been released from prison, these men and women face more than 48,000 documented legal restrictions[citation needed] in addition to widespread social stigma.
This is sometimes called the “second prison.” Prison Fellowship founded Second Chance Month in 2017 to raise awareness and improve perceptions of people with a criminal record, encourage second-chance opportunities, and drive momentum for policy change throughout the country.
Throughout April, Prison Fellowship mobilized individuals, businesses, organizations, legislators, and other supporters to sign petitions, post to social media, attend special events, and amplify the call for second-chance opportunities in the United States.
Second Chance 5Ks are community events that bring people together inside and outside of prison to raise awareness of the many collateral consequences of a criminal conviction and catalyze real, significant change in public attitudes and policies.
On April 23, 2017, Prison Fellowship and its Minnesota partners hosted the Second Chance 5K at Concordia University's Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul.
The event featured a press conference, true stories of people searching for their second chance, and a reentry fair with legal, educational, employment, advocacy, and counseling services.
The Capitol Hill event included a discussion moderated by CNN commentator Shermichael Singleton and featuring the film's director, Thomas Lennon, and EDWINS owner, Brandon Chrostowski.
Representatives Mark Walker (R-N.C.) and Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.) introduced a resolution expressing support for April 2019 to be recognized as Second Chance Month.
From the proclamation, the president's quote: "I call on all Americans to commemorate this month with events and activities that raise public awareness about preventing crime and providing those who have completed their sentences an opportunity for an honest second chance."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Prison Fellowship and its partners adapted Second Chance Month 2020 events from in-person to virtual in response to the virus.
Throughout April, social media campaigns, prayer groups, Twitter chats, and other activities centered around Second Chance Month took place around the nation.