Participatory Defense

PArticipatory Defense

Participatory Defense is a community organizing model for people and their families facing criminal charges. Participatory Defense Hubs are akin to support groups where community members who have faced and are facing criminal charges and organizers trained in how to navigate the complex criminal justice system gather once a week to support one another through their cases. They are not legal clinics. Instead community members draw from their experience to help one another best advocate for themselves. Sometimes this support looks like showing up to one another's court appearances or helping to put together social-biography videos to help the judge see you as an individual who is valued by their family and community, not just a list of charges. The result of the Participatory Defense Hubs' work in Philly has been amazing. We've seen cases dismissed, charges dropped, acquittals, and significantly improved sentencing.

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, don't go it alone. There is community support available to you! For more information, watch the video below.

Philadelphia HUBS

** Philadelphia Participatory Defense Hubs are still meeting even as COVID-19 keeps us distant. To connect to a Participatory Defense Hub Zoom meeting, follow this link. **

Best Outcomes Hub
Tuesdays: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9304748465
Mothers in Charge
2839 W. Girard Ave. 1st Floor
Info: (215) 228-1718
[email protected]

West Philly Hub
Thursdays: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
In-Person Every Week
Elmwood Community Methodist Church
4523 Chester Avenue
Info: (267) 766-0097
[email protected]
And Also Via Zoom
bit.ly/westphillyhub
Dial in: (929)205-6099 (ID 842 2802 3552)

Germantown Hub
Wednesdays: 5:30 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84736646065
Janes UMC
47 E. Haines Street
Info: (267) 277-3117
[email protected]

South Philly Hub
Mondays: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Zoom: bit.ly/defensehub
Info: (484)440-9560
Facebook: @southphillydefensehub

Youth Hub (21 and Under)
Tuesdays: 4:30 - 6:30 PM
https://zoom.us/j/691514592
To dial in by phone:
Call-in number: (929)436-2866
Meeting ID: 691 514 592
Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project
924 Cherry St, 4th Floor
Info: (267) 571-9277
[email protected]

North Philly Hub
First Thursday of the Month: 5:30PM In Person
Zion Baptist Church 3600 N Broad St
Every Other Thursday: 6:30-8:00 PM Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82659933206
Info: (267)571-9365
[email protected]

Haddington Hub
Tuesdays: 6:00-8:00 PM
Text to Join Virtually
260 S 51st Street
Call/ Text: (215) 784-7103
Instagram: IG: @HaddingtonHub
weelevate215.org/haddington-participatory-defense-hub.html

Non-Philadelphia Hubs

Other Pennsylvania Hubs

MontCo Participatory Defense
Contact Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Contact Phone: ‭(610) 349-2297, (484) 222-0437
Participatory Defense Meetings: Mondays, 6pm - 8pm
Participatory Defense Meeting Location: 113 E Main Street, Norristown PA 19401

Delaware County Youth Participatory Defense Hub
Website: www.dayonenotdaytwo.com
Contact Phone: ‭(610) 515-5892
Participatory Defense Meetings: Thursdays, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Participatory Defense Meeting Location: Keystone Wellness Center 1929 W 9th Street, Chester PA 19103

Participatory Defense Hubs Nationwide
National Participatory Defense Network
Website: www.participatorydefense.org