Frontline Justice, in partnership with Ascendium and Education Design Lab, has launched the National Community Justice Worker Task Force—a bipartisan coalition of thought leaders and experts dedicated to transforming access to civil legal help nationwide. The Task Force held its inaugural meeting on January 16, 2025, at Sandra Day O'Connor Law School in Phoenix, Arizona, a pivotal step toward reshaping how legal help is delivered across the country.

The Task Force is co-chaired by Cecilia Muñoz, a national leader in public policy and public interest technology with over three decades of experience in the non-profit sector, former White House Domestic Policy Chair, and Texas Supreme Court Justice Brett Busby. Both bring diverse leadership to advance this transformative initiative.

The Task Force is committed to:

• Developing a national framework for community justice worker training.
• Advocating for policy reforms to expand civil legal support.
• Crafting solutions tailored to the diverse needs of communities nationwide.

A Movement to Bridge the Justice Gap

At the heart of this effort is the urgent need to address America’s access-to-justice crisis. Millions of Americans face legal challenges without the support they need. Despite a 400% increase in lawyers over the past five decades, 92% of low-income Americans receive little to no legal assistance. Traditional models are falling short—it's time for a bold, scalable solution.

The Power of Community Justice Workers

Frontline Justice is mobilizing trusted community advocates to become community justice workers. It is equipping them with the training and tools to provide affordable, effective legal support for everyday issues like housing disputes, bankruptcy, and access to public benefits. Early-adopting states such as Alaska, Utah, Arizona, and Delaware are already demonstrating the profound impact of justice workers.

Our approach includes:

• Policy Reform: Advocating for legal reforms that expand access to justice while ensuring quality and accountability.
• Workforce Development: Establishing scalable training and credentialing programs to create sustainable career paths for community justice workers.
• Community Empowerment: Supporting local leaders who understand and reflect the communities they serve, building trust, and strengthening support networks.

Why It Matters Now

The justice gap has reached crisis level, but the community justice worker model offers a cost-effective, people-centered solution that meets individuals where they are. This initiative seeks to empower communities, protect rights, and foster equity.

Get Involved

• Access the Task Force Briefing Report HERE.
• View the full list of task force members HERE.
• Read community justice worker stories HERE.

Upcoming Event

Join us for the Frontline Justice Community Café on February 18, 2025, to continue the conversation on the Task Force's launch and the future of legal access. Register here.

Contact Us

For inquiries, please reach out to: info@frontlinejustice.org

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