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Careers, Internships & Volunteering

Restore Justice was founded in 2015 by a group of seasoned advocates – including former Human Rights Watch staff and public defenders, family members of both victims and people who are incarcerated, and formerly incarcerated people – because we believe every human being deserves dignity, even those who have committed serious crimes. We work toward a day when the criminal legal system in Illinois treats every case as an opportunity to heal individuals and communities.

We are always looking for interns and volunteers who want to use their talents to make a difference for people who are incarcerated, returning citizens, and their families. We sometimes have available full-time job opportunities. Do you want to be challenged, learn, have fun, be inspired, and make a significant impact? Join us!

Ways to Get Involved

Internships

We are currently accepting internship applications for the 2024-25 academic year. To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@restorejustice.org with “Internship” as the subject line. Please also send all questions via email.

Due to limited staff capacity, we are unable to take phone calls about the positions offered or individual application status. We will do our best to respond in a timely manner.

Advocacy Team

If you are interested in taking action on our policy priorities, consider joining our Advocacy Team. As a member of our Advocacy Team, you will learn firsthand about how bills are created, voted on, and turned into laws. Team member shelp advance policy change, and you may have the opportunity to travel to Springfield and speak directly with legislators.

Volunteer Program

We have a volunteer program called Bridging the Gap. We match volunteers with people who have prison sentences of 15 years or longer and will be leaving prison within five years so that we can help them prepare to return to society. As a volunteer, you will be asked to help with different tasks based on your skills and interests. Tasks may include answering emails or letters, sending information, picking up a person from prison, or helping someone recently released from prison write a resume.

We urge you to sign up as a volunteer if you want to get involved in our work, but may not be sure how or where to start. We also have shorter term volunteer opportunities that may include holiday mailings to people who are incarcerated, mock interviews with apprentices, or event assistance.

Career Opportunities

Currently, we do not have any job openings. Thank you for your interest in Restore Justice; please see the above ways to get involved.

Due to limited staff capacity, we are unable to take phone calls about the positions offered or individual application status. Please direct your inquiries to jobs@restorejustice.org, and we will do our best to respond in a timely manner.

WAYS TO HELP

Volunteer to support people in Illinois prisons and returning citizens.

Our volunteers form partnerships with returning citizens and help them navigate reentry. You may be asked for help with a resume or to drive someone to obtain a state ID.

ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE

Restore Justice’s Advocacy Team pushes for changes to Illinois law. We focus on sentencing, prison conditions and practices, and pathways to release.

Join the Advocacy Team to push for change in Springfield.