North Philly
Participatory
Defense Hub
“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." - Lilla Watson
What is a participatory defense ?
Participatory Defense is a community organizing model for people facing charges, their families, and communities to impact the outcomes of cases and transform the landscape of power in the court system.
The North Philly Hub meets every Thursday to provide community knowledge on the criminal legal system, mitigation support, and in-person court support. We are not lawyers, but community members, volunteers, formerly incarcerated people, and those with open cases. We offer support to both people with open cases and their family members or other supporters
What can I expect at a hub meeting?
We always begin hub meetings with introductions and end with announcements about upcoming events and actions. The remainder of our hub meeting is spent strategizing and supporting each person with an open case. We spend 15-45 minutes on each case depending on how many people with open cases come. We share hearing updates and create a list of "To-Do's" for each participant.
The hub works best when folks come back each week - this way we can get to know you and your case, support you in working with your attorney through each step of the process, and learn from you. We try to move at the speed of trust. We encourage you to share as much as feels comfortable to you, but also feel free to come first as a listener and observer to get to know our movement.
When & where are meetings?
Currently, meetings are virtual except on the first Thursday
of the month, when we meet in person at Zion Baptist Church. ​
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First Thursdays:
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at 3600 North Broad Street
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All other Thursdays:
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm on Zoom
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Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82659933206
Meeting ID: 816 9256 0760
To join from your cell phone, dial 1-301-715-8592.
Then enter the meeting ID: 816 9256 0760 followed by #
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If you or anyone you love has recently been arrested,
has an upcoming court date,
has an open criminal case,
or has questions about how to navigate the confusing and
oppressive court systems, join us.
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The North Philly Hub is sponsored by Zion Baptist Church of Philadelphia
3600 North Broad Street.
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Other Contact information
northphillyhub@gmail.com
267-571-9365
Are there other
Participatory Defense Hubs?
North Philly Hub is part of a city-wide and national movement to change the imbalance of power in courts.
Visit the National Participatory Defense Movement here.
There are other Participatory Defense hubs in neighborhoods across Philly. Find information on all other Philadelphia Participatory Defense Hubs here.
