Three out of 5 people in U.S. jails today have not been convicted of a crime. This amounts to nearly half a million people sitting in jails each day, despite the fact that they are legally innocent of the crime with which they have been charged.

You might ask why.

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- Most jurisdictions in the country operate a cash bail system, in which the court determines an amount of money that a person has to pay in order to secure their release from detention.

In effect, the cash bail system criminalizes poverty, as people who are unable to afford bail are detained while they await trial for weeks or even months.

SO, WHAT IS THE ISSUE?

Cash bail perpetuates inequities in the justice system that are disproportionately felt by communities of color and those experiencing poverty.

The Bail Project is an organization on a five-year plan to scale their model across America and turn the tide on mass incarceration. Learn more about their plans at https://bailproject.org

- When you tap “Complete” below, you help to raise awareness and to inspire others to get involved.

Stay tuned for Part 2 for ways to make an impact beyond raising awareness.

Source: American Progress
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The COVID-19 crisis is stressful for everyone, especially for kids. Their worlds have changed dramatically almost overnight, with schools closing for the year and now a summer vacation in quarantine to look forward to.

Talking to kids about this crisis can be difficult, but the best way for them to get reliable information is from the adults in their lives. Kids who talk with their parents or guardians have a better chance of understanding what's happening in their world and managing their anxieties.

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Here are some quick tips for talking with kids about COVID-19:

1 - Find out what they already know. Ask if they have any questions, and provide age-appropriate answers.

2 - Offer comfort and honesty. Reassure kids that they are safe, and calmly answer their questions truthfully.

3 - Validate their feelings. Stress and anxiety are totally normal during this time.

4 - Help kids feel in control. Give them tangible things that they can do to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

5 - Keep the conversation going. Check back in with your kid now and then, as the world and their understanding of it changes.

- Tap this link to learn more details and examples of how to follow these tips https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-how-talk-child.html

- Tap "Complete" below, and inspire others to start a conversation with their kids, too.

Source: KidsHealth
Photo Credit: Kid 101

The number had special meaning to Mr. Rogers, reflecting the number of letters in his favorite phrase, “I love you.”

Last year, Pennsylvania declared the 143rd day of the year as a day of kindness in honor of him.

This year, the state launched a website where people can share their good deeds, and it also serves as an inspirational place to find ways to spread kindness.

Learn more when you...

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- Get inspired at https://143day.dced.pa.gov

- When you tap “Complete” below, you might inspire others to make an impact.

Build your helping network by inviting others to join.

Photo Credit: Pennsylvania 143 Day