Today we’d like to introduce you to Francisco Carbajal.
Hi Francisco, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began before I was born with the work that my mom, grandma, and great-grandma were doing to support the communities here in San Diego and Tijuana Mexico. Fast forward a few years, my own struggles and experience being a part of many different subcultures gave me that sense of belonging and drive to support young people and develop programs that would divert them away from the criminal justice system. Fast forward a few more years, I am now a Commissioner for a Superior Court of California San Diego Juvenile Justice Commission and a nonprofit founder. I have been able to develop diversion programs that have saved San Diego taxpayers tens of millions of dollars by diverting 100s of youth away from the juvenile justice system and into a path of resilience and healing. My story continues through my work with the commission by recommending policy change at the state, county, and local level to ensure that our young people have all the support they need before getting deeper in the punitive justice system.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My work involves changing systems that have oppressed our communities of color for generations. In order to build trust and buy-in, I needed to create deep relationships with stakeholders at the County level and local level. These relationships included members from law enforcement, the District Attorney’s office, presiding Juvenile Judges, Probation, and, most importantly, community advocates. I brought everyone together to develop plans through our collective wisdom that can lead us to our shared goal of seeing our communities and young ones thrive. These tough conversations took time and effort from all of us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Peace Anger Love, Inc.?
I founded Peace Anger Love, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which provides Restorative Justice Diversion programs, technical assistance, and capacity building for communities lacking access to alternatives to youth incarceration. With strong support from community advocates, law enforcement, and education leaders, PAL keeps young people in school and out of prison. In addition, PAL increases the ability of neighborhoods to heal from the impacts of crime and saves taxpayers millions of dollars by diverting young people away from the criminal justice system and into a path of resilience.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Being empathetic to our team, stakeholders, and those we serve. Our work is very hard, and we need to ensure everyone has a sense of belonging and care.
Being restorative. Everyone has a seat on the table and deserves to have a voice.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.peaceangerlove.org
- Instagram: @peaceangerlove
- Other: https://givebutter.com/Pal2022
Image Credits
Val Dostalek
Troy Tintiangco
