We Have to Know the System, To Change the System
We hear it all the time: “Vote! Get involved! Pay attention!” But most of us never got a basic education in how power actually works in this country. Who makes the rules? Who enforces them? Who can change them? And what can regular people actually do when the system seems stacked against us?
Welcome to Civics 101 — a new blog series from Adopt an Inmate designed to demystify the structures that shape our lives, especially for those most impacted by the criminal legal system. Each post will break down a foundational civics concept in plain English, with a focus on justice, equity, and participation. Whether you’re a student, an advocate, or just someone who wants to understand what the heck is going on — this series is for you.
We’ll cover things like:
- How a bill becomes a law (and what usually stops it)
- The difference between laws, policies, and institutional rules
- The roles of local officials like sheriffs, DAs, and city councils
- How budgets reflect our values — and why you should care
Our goal is simple: help you understand the moving parts so you can better advocate for the people and causes you care about. Knowledge is power, and civics is the map.
Ready to learn how it all works?
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