We encourage members to become VOCAL especially when you are struggling with a criminal justice system. Certainly, it is often easier to feel very helpless and isolated. Also, it may be difficult to understand the system, and you may be treated disrespectfully when you talk about it. Finally, you may be overwhelmed by other responsibilities while you have a loved one who is incarcerated.
We understand those feelings. At the same time, if the criminal justice system is to improve, we need many people to speak up about the problems. Lots of voices can result in change.
International CURE uses V-O-C-A-L as a framework to guide criminal justice reform efforts. These are just suggestions — they may not work everywhere. If these won't work where you live, perhaps they will inspire you to think of something that will work. No one can do all of these things. Anything you can do is likely to help.
Voting rights for incarcerated individuals matter. The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 21, affirms that everyone can vote — including people in prison.
Numerous countries permit prisoner voting, including Canada, France, Germany, South Africa, and others. Within the U.S., Vermont, Maine, Puerto Rico, and Washington DC allow incarcerated voters.
This component supports two international protocols:
International CURE advocates for humane incarceration standards, asserting that a person is sent to prison AS punishment and NOT FOR punishment.
Minimum requirements include: safe housing, medical access, visitation privileges, mail/phone contact, nutritious meals, meaningful employment, mental health services, and grievance procedures.
International CURE hosts global conferences promoting criminal justice system transformation and prison reform best practices.