NACDL - Changing the Narrative

Changing the Narrative

The work of criminal justice reform goes beyond talking to elected officials about specific policies. Large-scale change requires fundamental shifts in the way that we talk and think about the criminal legal system and those directly impacted by it. These narrative shifts depend on strategic, audience-specific messaging on emotion-laden topics like violence and incarceration. This guide is meant to facilitate more effective conversations about criminal justice issues and help build consensus around potential policy changes.