FreedomForceFlorida.org
We Will Win
THE ACTION PLAN
Fighting the Good Fight
Mission Statement: Freedom Force Florida (FFF) is a nonprofit coalition advocating for meaningful reforms to Florida's criminal justice system through legislative, judicial, and administrative action. We strive to create a system that prioritizes rehabilitation and reintegration, reducing human and financial costs while building safer communities.
Executive Summary: To achieve our mission, FFF pursues the following objectives:
- Establishing chapters in all 67 counties in partnership with local faith-based organizations (FBOs).
- Training members to take leadership roles in advancing criminal justice reform.
- Recruiting a board of advisors comprised of experts, officials, and community leaders.
- Proposing model legislation to amend outdated criminal statutes.
- Reforming Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) policies through the Administrative Procedures Act.
- Collaborating with legal aid groups to address civil rights violations within the FDC.
- Partnering with other reform organizations to amplify impact and align goals.
Operational Overview
Founding Local Chapters
FFF's foundation lies in partnerships with local faith-based organizations, especially in communities disproportionately affected by criminal justice inequities. Our initial focus is Tallahassee, the state capital, which offers proximity to Florida's legislative hub and a significant African-American population. Here, we will engage church leaders to establish our first chapter.
From Tallahassee, we will expand to counties represented by legislators opposing reform efforts. By applying political pressure through protests, rallies, and advocacy campaigns, FFF chapters will ensure reform proposals are heard and supported. We aim to create a united, statewide movement for change.
Start a Chapter
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of the association shall be:
Freedom Force Florida
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of the association is to create a nonprofit coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to advocating for legislative, judicial, and administrative reforms that prioritize the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of criminal offenders. The association seeks to achieve these goals while minimizing both human and financial costs, promoting public safety, and advancing equity within the criminal justice system.
ARTICLE III - PRINCIPAL OFFICE
The principal office and mailing address of the association shall be established by the Executive Director and documented in the association's official records. Changes to the principal office shall be communicated to all members and stakeholders in a timely manner.
ARTICLE IV - PRINCIPAL OFFICER
The title of the association's principal officer shall be Executive Director. The name and address of the initial Executive Director shall be:
Randolph M. Baggett
The Executive Director shall oversee the overall strategic direction of the association and ensure its compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
The email address of the Executive Director shall be:
Director@FreedomForceFlorida.org
ARTICLE V - ADDITIONAL OFFICERS
The Executive Director may appoint additional officers to assist in executing the association's mission. The specific titles and roles of these officers shall be determined based on the needs of the association.
ARTICLE VI - BOARD OF ADVISORS
The Executive Director shall establish a Board of Advisors comprising community leaders, subject-matter experts, and other stakeholders who can provide guidance and support in executing the association's mission. The Board of Advisors shall meet periodically to review progress and propose recommendations.
ARTICLE VII - LOCAL CHAPTERS
The Executive Director shall establish local chapters across Florida's counties to advance the association's mission at the community level. Each chapter shall adhere to the association's bylaws and policies, and their activities shall align with the association's overall strategic goals.
ARTICLE VIII - LOCAL CHAPTER OFFICERS
There shall be four key roles in each local chapter: President, Secretary, Legislative Liaison, and Media Liaison. Members may assume multiple roles based on their qualifications and interests. Liaison officers may collaborate in committees to leverage their collective expertise for effective execution of responsibilities.
The responsibilities of each office are as follows:
President: Leads chapter activities, coordinates with the Executive Director, delegates responsibilities, and oversees special events. Serves as the primary contact for the Executive Director and other chapter presidents.
Secretary: Records and maintains minutes of meetings where association business is discussed and ensures these records are accessible to the Executive Director and chapter leadership.
Legislative Liaison: Advocates for the association's agenda with local lawmakers, fosters relationships with them, and secures their support for key initiatives.
Media Liaison: Manages chapter communications with local news media, reports on special events, and cultivates relationships to encourage favorable coverage.
ARTICLE IX - DONATIONS
The association shall accept monetary donations exclusively through its central office to ensure transparency and accountability. Local chapters may accept in-kind donations of goods and services necessary to advance the association's mission, provided these are reported to the central office for documentation and oversight.
Amending Criminal Statutes
FFF has identified three critical areas for reform: release eligibility, rehabilitation, and transitional support. These issues will be addressed in a phased legislative agenda, beginning with practical, low-cost reforms such as sentencing reform for parole-eligible juvenile offenders and releasing elderly and terminally ill inmates. In support of this legislative agenda, FFF has prepared the following model statutes:
Subsequent phases will focus on expanding work-release opportunities, revising punitive policies, and building comprehensive transitional programs, including halfway houses. These initiatives require collaboration with legislators, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations to ensure lasting impact.
Amending FDC Rules
To complement Phase Two reforms, FFF will advocate for changes to FDC rules to reflect the system’s renewed focus on rehabilitation. Prison rules must serve legitimate penological goals, such as security and rehabilitation, but many existing regulations prioritize outdated notions of punishment and control. FFF’s rule revisions will ensure that all policies align with rehabilitative objectives and foster a positive environment for both staff and offenders.
Key reforms include transforming Reception Centers into Diagnostic Centers that prioritize evaluating offenders' rehabilitative needs. Officers will address offenders with respect, using courtesy titles such as "Mr." or "Ms.," signifying a fundamental shift in prison culture. Facilities will also be renamed to reflect their purpose, such as Rehabilitation Centers for those actively participating in rehabilitative programs and Special Management Units for those requiring more structured environments.
In Rehabilitation Centers, offenders will engage in peer mentorship programs, where progress is supported by mentors and staff. Special Management Units, on the other hand, will focus on intensive psychological therapy for those struggling to conform to rehabilitative processes. Body cameras will be mandatory for officers in these units to ensure accountability and transparency.
Collaborating With Legal Aid Organizations
FFF’s extensive network of offender contacts and the legal expertise of its executive director will enable the identification of civil rights violations within the FDC. Once actionable grievances are identified, FFF will collaborate with legal aid organizations to seek remedies:
- Florida Institutional Legal Services (FILS): Known for forcing the demolition of unsafe facilities, FILS has a proven track record of fighting for humane prison conditions.
- Florida Justice Institute (FJI): Instrumental in securing medical treatment for inmates suffering from hepatitis C through litigation against the FDC.
- Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC): Advocating for systemic change through a federal class-action lawsuit addressing inhumane prison conditions in Florida.
Collaborating With Other Criminal Justice Reform Groups
FFF will partner with other reform organizations, such as Florida Cares Charity Corp, which has played a pivotal role in protecting inmates' rights and organizing advocacy campaigns. Collaboration will amplify FFF’s efforts, creating a unified front for criminal justice reform in Florida.
SUMMARY
Florida’s current criminal justice system perpetuates cycles of victimization and despair, with offenders leaving prison no better equipped for life than when they entered. FFF’s comprehensive action plan will transform the system into one that prioritizes rehabilitation, offering offenders a chance to break free from destructive patterns and build productive, meaningful lives. By fostering hope and reducing recidivism, FFF’s reforms will benefit offenders, families, and society as a whole. Join us in creating a safer, more just Florida.
Make Your Voice Heard:
You Can Save Lives
