Our Members

Our Members

 

Our members are mostly formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones. We also invite anyone with an interest in justice reform to join us. We have VOTE chapters in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, and each chapter meets once a month to break bread, strategize, and organize.

The history of resistance against oppression proves there is only one proven way to ensure equality, humanity, and justice for all people, rather than a few “success stories.” We must come together, build power and leadership among ourselves, and demand an upheaval to the status quo.

VOTE makes demands. We are working toward a place where nothing happens regarding the criminal justice system without a VOTE member in the room listening, asking tough questions, providing insights, and ultimately holding a seat at every table.

Image of VOTE members at a meeting
 

Membership requirements are:

Register to vote if you’re eligible! You can check your registration status here and learn more about your right to vote here.

Attend at least 4 VOTE events each year. Events include: meetings, trainings, or direct actions.

Volunteer at least 8 hours doing VOTE activities each year. Volunteering includes: outreach, canvassing, or serving on a member committee.

Ready to get started?

Come to a meeting

 

VOTE has chapters in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. At all meetings we welcome new people, report on our activities, share our stories and plan for upcoming events. We serve a free, light dinner. Children are welcome. See the meeting schedule HERE and come join us!

 

New Orleans
The New Orleans chapter meets the first Wednesday of every month from 6 to 8pm. Contact Donald Arbuthnot at donald@voiceoftheexperienced.org or 504-571-9599 for more info.

Baton Rouge
The Baton Rouge chapter meets the fourth Thursday of every month from 6 to 8pm. Contact 504-571-9599 for more info.

Lafayette
The Lafayette chapter meets the third Thursday of every month, from 6 to 8 pm, at the Downtown Convention Center, 124 S. Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. Contact Consuela Gaines at consuela@voiceoftheexperienced.org or 337-445-0233 for more info.