Reentry advocates from around Alaska participated in a four-day Juneau Reentry Fly-In that educated policymakers about the value of reentry programs, services, and supports to improve the lives of people returning to their communities after incarceration, and reduce the likelihood of future criminal behavior (recidivism). 

Fly-in activities included a full-day advocacy training that offered tips for meetings with policymakers, tips for speaking in public testimony, the difference between advocating and lobbying, and how to tell your personal story to a policymaker, for the most impact, in under 3 minutes. 

The training was followed by two full days of meetings with legislators at the State Capitol—introducing them to the work of the reentry coalitions, sharing personal stories that included challenges, successes, and recommendations for solutions, and advocacy for community reentry and in-reach programs.

On the final day, advocates participated in a reentry simulation attended by legislators and staff, the commissioner of the Department of Corrections and staff, alongside Juneau community members. 

The fly-in was co-sponsored by the Alaska Reentry Partnership and the Juneau Reentry Coalition, with generous support for the advocacy training and simulation by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.