Ban the box.

If you've ever applied for a job, you likely had to respond to a question about past criminal convictions. If you have none, you may never have thought much about the box.  But if you have a past conviction or care for someone who does, you know that checking that box means lost opportunity to contribute positively to society and one's family.

The Ban the Box Campaign  is a national movement to give those with prior convictions a fair chance to live decently, work productively, and provide for themselves and their families.  Here's how you can help:

• Take the Fair Chance Pledge and endorse the Ban the Box Campaign. 
• If you are an employer, adopt a Fair Change Hiring Policy.
• Talk with your local government about passing Ban the Box reforms.  They won't be alone. To date, 18 states and more than 100 municipalities have implemented various Ban the Box reforms. 

Attorneys can also organize an expungement clinic to provide free legal assistance to those wanting to clean up their records.

Employers shouldn't reject qualified candidates who want to work because of a debt to society that has already been paid. Ban the Box so everyone has a fair chance.