OUR STORY
WHERE IT STARTED
The roots of Alianza for Opportunity stretch back to 2014, when a coalition of passionate advocates and community leaders came together with a shared vision: to address the inequities facing young people ensnared in the juvenile 'justice' system. This collective effort led to the establishment of Alianza for Youth Justice, a national organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering Latine/x youth, families, and communities impacted by mass incarceration.
Recognizing the disproportionate impact of the criminal legal system on marginalized communities, Alianza set out to challenge the status quo and amplify the voices of those closest to the problem. From its humble beginnings, Alianza quickly gained momentum, drawing attention to the intersectionality of race and class within the juvenile legal sector. Through research, advocacy, and a robust network of members, Alianza worked to identify and acknowledge the true reach of the criminal legal system into Black and Brown communities, shedding light on harsh realities to build a brighter tomorrow rooted in rehabilitation over punishment.
THE IMPACT
Alianza's impact over the years has been profound. Hand-in-hand with policymakers, local organizations across the United States, and formerly incarcerated youth, Alianza has been at the forefront of transformative change during an era in which criminal justice reform became a key social justice issue attracting public attention and resources.
A leader of the Debt Free Justice campaign, the only national campaign dedicated to abolishing juvenile fees and fines, Alianza made significant progress in youth justice.
OUR EVOLUTION
As the landscape of issues continued to evolve, it became clear that a broader approach was necessary to address the multifaceted challenges facing our dynamic community.
In 2024, Alianza underwent a strategic planning process and significant transformation, rebranding as Alianza for Opportunity. This strategic move was inspired by Alianza's remarkable track record and the collective achievements of its partners in reshaping the youth justice landscape.
After deep reflection regarding the contemporary context and what is needed to be relevant and impactful moving into the future, we recognized the importance of refining our scope to resonate with intergenerational members of Latine/x, Afro-Latine/x, and Indigenous communities.
As the demographics of America shift to be older and more diverse– with “minority” groups becoming the majority by 2050– Alianza is committed to not only dismantling harm, but actualizing a joyful world of opportunity.
