Hello, my name is Jimmie Rae Gordon, and I’m proud to call New Mexico home. Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time working with individuals who have been through the criminal justice system, and one thing has become very clear to me: people deserve a second chance. Far too often, after serving their time, individuals are met with barriers that make it nearly impossible to move forward. Employment, housing, education, and even basic social acceptance can feel out of reach. That’s why policy advocacy for second-chance opportunities is so important—it’s about creating a system that helps people rebuild their lives instead of holding their past mistakes against them forever.

Why Second Chances Matter

We’ve all made mistakes. Some mistakes are small, some are larger, but everyone has the capacity to learn and grow. Unfortunately, for those who have been incarcerated, mistakes can follow them indefinitely. They often face stigma and discrimination that prevent them from contributing positively to society.

Second-chance policies are not just about kindness—they’re about practicality. When people are given the opportunity to reintegrate successfully, they are less likely to reoffend. Communities become safer, and families are stronger. The benefits are clear: supporting second chances is good for individuals and good for society as a whole.

The Challenges People Face

In New Mexico, like in many states, individuals with criminal records face a wide range of barriers. Finding employment is often the first hurdle. Many companies hesitate to hire someone with a record, even if that person has the skills and motivation to succeed. Housing can be another major obstacle, as landlords may deny applications due to past convictions.

Education is also a challenge. While some correctional facilities offer classes, access to higher education or vocational training after release is limited. Without these opportunities, it’s difficult for people to gain the skills and knowledge needed to secure stable employment.

These barriers can be discouraging, and they create a cycle where people feel stuck, sometimes returning to criminal activity out of necessity. That’s why advocating for policies that reduce these barriers is so crucial.

How Policy Advocacy Can Help

Policy advocacy means working to change laws, regulations, and practices to create fairer opportunities for those who have served their time. This can take many forms. For example, advocating for “ban the box” policies allows individuals to be considered for jobs without automatically being disqualified due to a criminal record. Supporting programs that provide housing, education, and vocational training ensures that people have the tools they need to succeed.

In addition, expungement laws that clear certain criminal records can give people a fresh start. These policies acknowledge that people can grow and change, and they provide a legal path to move forward without being held back by their past.

The Role of Community and Leaders

Policy change doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes the support of community members, local organizations, business leaders, and lawmakers. Everyone has a role to play in creating second-chance opportunities. Employers who are willing to hire qualified individuals with records make a huge difference. Community groups that provide mentoring and support help people stay on track. And policymakers who understand the long-term benefits of second-chance legislation can implement changes that have a lasting impact.

I’ve seen firsthand how powerful community support can be. When people feel supported and given a fair chance, they thrive. They become productive employees, caring parents, and engaged citizens. They contribute to society in ways that ripple far beyond their own lives.

A Personal Perspective

I share all of this from personal experience and years of observation. I’ve worked with individuals who faced enormous obstacles and watched them overcome them with determination, support, and opportunity. Their successes are inspiring and a reminder that when we create pathways for people to succeed, everyone benefits.

Advocating for second-chance policies is about more than reducing recidivism—it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and purpose. Every individual who is given the opportunity to rebuild their life becomes proof that society can change when we focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment alone.

What We Can Do

There are practical steps that each of us can take. Educate yourself about second-chance initiatives and local legislation. Volunteer with organizations that provide mentoring, job training, or reentry support. Encourage local businesses to consider fair hiring practices. And most importantly, speak up—share your support for policies that give people the opportunity to rebuild.

Small actions lead to bigger changes. Every conversation, every decision, and every policy can contribute to creating a fairer system. When communities come together to advocate for second chances, we build safer, stronger, and more compassionate societies.

In New Mexico and beyond, second-chance policies are not just about helping individuals—they’re about strengthening entire communities. People who are given the tools, support, and opportunities to succeed after incarceration can lead productive, meaningful lives. They can inspire others, contribute to their neighborhoods, and break cycles of disadvantage.

I believe in the power of change, in the importance of opportunity, and in the value of giving people a fair chance. Advocating for second-chance opportunities is one way we can create a more just and compassionate society. It’s not just about policy—it’s about hope, transformation, and the belief that everyone deserves a shot at a better future.