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Welcome to
UNHEARD VOICES OUTREACH
Decarcerate.
Build Community.
Plug Prison Pipelines.
End Mass Incarceration.
BRING HOPE TO THE FORGOTTEN
"We envision a second chance culture where people released from jail or prison are empowered to live full and free."
Rahim Buford, Founder
UVO'S WORK
UVO was incorporated in 2017 with a purpose to assist incarcerated Tennesseans to successfully transition back into the civic, economic, and technological community. Shortly thereafter, UVO acquired 501(c)3 status and concentrated more attention on organizing, educating, and policy construction to release more Tennesseans from prison.
C3 Community
UVO created C3 (Creating a Caring Community) to give formerly incarcerated folks an opportunity to share share their common experiences, support for one another, participate in a community. Some of our C3 Community members participate in UVO initiatives.
Watcher's Project
The UVO Watcher's Project invites you to observe and participate in the parole and post-conviction court hearings of UVO participants. Join us in bringing hope, help and community to current and formerly incarcerated adults and at-risk youth.
Criminal Justice Reform
UVO has been a leading disruptive voice in challenging the arbitrary practices of the Tennessee Board of Parole by advocating and grassroots organizing for the release of individuals held within the Tennessee Department of Corrections beyond what the law and justice requires. Our work builds community power by preparing and organizing insiders (prisoners) and their families for parole hearings, post-conviction hearings, and more.
Voting Rights
More than 400,000 thousand citizens in Tennessee cannot vote because legislators created a law in the 1980’s to disenfranchise Tennesseans who received felony convictions. Partnerships with Free Hearts, No Exceptions, and the Choosing Justice Initiative have been fruitful in moving legislation on parole matters, life sentence reform, litigation resulting in freeing individuals from Tennessee Dept. of Corrections, and voting rights. All citizens deserve a voice.
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Volunteer or Donate
"Your donations will help us bring hope and community to formerly incarcerated adults and at-risk youth."
WE NEED EACH OTHER
U.V.O. Board Members
“To be human, at the most profound level, is to encounter honestly the inescapable circumstances that constrain us, yet muster the courage to struggle compassionately for our own unique individualities and for more democratic and free societies.”
– Cornel West –
When you can't undo the past, you must do all you can to change the future.
Rahim served 26 years of a life sentence at the Tennessee Department of Correction, receiving parole in 2015.
PHONE:
(615) 398-1228
OFFICE:
Nashville, Tennessee