NATIONAL & FEDERAL CAMPAIGNS
STATE CAMPAIGNS
REPEAL OHIO'S DEATH PENALTY: Read about the state's task force recommendations on addressing Ohio's many problems with its use of the death penalty, and take action with three petitions. Our Ohio action page is here.
TENNESSEE'S MARCH4MERCY: Following the recent surge of executions under Governor Bill Lee, the Tennessee March4Mercy is organizing public actions for each execution. Act now to stop upcoming executions in TN. Details and action opportunities are here.
CALIFORNIA CLEMENCY CAMPAIGN: Urge Governor Newsom to use his executive authority to grant clemency in all death penalty cases.
PENNSYLVANIA ABOLITION BILLS: Two identical bills have been introduced that would repeal the death penalty in Pennsylvania - HB 99 and HB 888. If you live in PA, your help is needed to urge your legislators to support the bills.
We also helped establish state organizations in South Carolina, Idaho and Utah. Visit their websites to learn more.
PROJECTS
ASSISTING IMPACTED COMMUNITIES: Our prisoner family liaison, Charles Keith, provides resources for co-victims/murder victim family members, as well as the families and friends of people on death row, including both the guilty and those who maintain innocence.
WRONGFUL CONVICTION CASE LISTING: A page of featured cases of those who have been put in prison despite claims of innocence, as a public effort to expose wrongful convictions.
THE PEOPLE VS. THE DEATH PENALTY FILM SERIES: A documentary series about the people impacted by the death penalty and those fighting to abolish it. We have created eight compelling mini-documentaries, each one focusing a single individual whose voice of experience on the death penalty exemplifies the common experience of many.
VOICES OF EXPERIENCE - LIVE STREAM: Featuring interviews with leading death penalty abolitionists from varying perspectives. Watch our archives of videos with death row exonerees, murder victim family members, law enforcement, movement leaders, clergy, and more.
REMEMBERING JERRY GIVENS: Jerry Givens, a former executioner who dedicated his life to ending the death penalty, died of COVID-19 on April 13, 2020. Read more here. Additionally, his family has asked that tribute gifts in Jerry’s memory be made to Death Penalty Action as a way to continue Jerry’s legacy and work to end executions.
JEWISH ACTIONS AND RESOURCES: The sanctity of life holds a primal place in Judaism, as in most spiritual traditions. Explore a collection of resources, guides and statements of the Jewish perspective on the death penalty.
CHRISTIAN ACTIONS AND RESOURCES: Partnering with Red Letter Christians, DPA invites you to take action in a number of ways, including connecting with Shane Claiborne. Find out more here.
THE SHEPPARD EXPERIENCE: This daily project posted the 1954 headline of the day regarding the case of Sam R. Sheppard from July 5, 1954 to January 8, 1955. Join us on this journey every day of that time period. (link goes to an archived site)