MISSION

TOPS exists to recognize the disparities in arrest, bail, and incarceration and voting rights. The organization has become one of the leading grassroots organizations in the country dedicated to: voter restoration, mass incarceration policy, and criminal justice reform and reentry. Our staff and volunteers are made up of 75% formerly incarcerated people, 85% of color, 30% LGBTQ and 60% women. As the only grassroots organization in Dothan, Alabama that formed a national organization, Formerly Incarcerated Convicted Peoples and Families Movement (FICPFM), we aim to see that those with felony conviction’s voting rights are restored. Through the building of social justice networks and organizing in local communities through partnerships, we intend to continue to influence citizens to become active voters in and outside prisons and jails.   

HISTORY

In recent years TOPS has expanded its work to nine Chapters throughout Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. TOPS provides resources to individuals impacted by social injustice, systemic racism, economic inequities, in particular to the formerly and currently incarcerated and their families. Since winning a lawsuit against the Moral Turpitude Act in 2008, TOPS has been instrumental in the restoration of voting rights. TOPS specializes in recruiting and training faith leaders, legislators, and organizers on prison and election reform, and prioritizes public education, outreach and organizing within historically under-represented, under-resourced communities with the least access to voting and political power. There is a long history of inherent distrust in traditional BIPOC communities. Amid everyday challenges that accompany living in poverty, complicated by COVID-19, and further enforced by the marginalization of Democratic and black voices resulting from a one-party state led by a predominantly all-white leadership body, most individuals in the communities TOPS serves have not historically understood the impact elections can have on their everyday lives. Particularly when many Alabamians' representatives don't look like them. TOPS has a long-standing history as an organization that lives, works, and hires from within their community. With a track record of serving their everyday needs, TOPS demonstrates their ability to effectively bridge the representation and distrust gap to effectively increase engagement.

TOPS was a leader in establishing Alabama Forward, a 501(c)(3) and Alabama RACE, a 501(c)(4) both collaborative engagement tables, and sits on the board of both organizations. Founder of the Alabama Election Protection Network established to move forward a body of work dedicated to protecting voting rights and election security in Alabama. TOPS is currently leading a statewide comprehensive redistricting initiative and has been selected as the co-lead for Alabama Forward's redistricting working committee.