Full Citizens Coalition’s Journey to Rebuilding Community Through Civic Empowerment

The Full Citizens Coalition (FCC) is a Connecticut-based action group focused on addressing the harm caused by felony disenfranchisement and building one of the most vital aspects of society: community. James Jeter, the co-founder and director of FCC, has made significant strides in expanding its mission with the support of Dwight Hall. 

Since its founding eight years ago, FCC has led the state in felony disenfranchisement advocacy, conducted civic education in Connecticut’s most under-engaged communities, and restored the right to vote to over 4,000 persons on parole in Connecticut. The work of the Full Citizens Coalition seeks to understand larger systems of power and how they actively shape civic engagement today. 

“The types of oppression that have worked to disenfranchise communities are systemic and historic,” James explained. “Even with modern legislation, it doesn’t impact the mindset that has been ingrained in society. There has to be an immense amount of re-education and wrestling with the theories of democracy.” 

“Often, people look at their neighbors as the cause of harm, rather than the systems that have hindered reliable access to education, ownership, and community.” 

When asked about his engagement with community, James reflected on the values his family, particularly his mother, instilled in him, which continue to guide his work at FCC. “I grew up in a home where my mother always volunteered and would drag us to soup kitchens. I came from a home that always prioritized community, and coming out of the carceral system, I wanted to contribute to the communities that I found myself in.” 

After leaving the carceral system, James was unsure of what to do. He eventually reconnected with his community and began pursuing policy work. For James, policy work offered a way to understand larger structures and examine economic and social disparities through a systemic lens. “There are a thousand ongoing conversations a day, but most disenfranchised communities have no access to having a say—a lot of that is related to civic disengagement,” James expressed. 

With the upcoming election on November 4th in Connecticut, FCC has prioritized community engagement by providing research and resources to help residents make informed political decisions. “Our part in that is doing community training and conversations around violence, healing, and community,” James stated. He noted that “the cities in Connecticut have pretty robust registration lists” and emphasized that FCC’s work is nonpartisan. “We can show you harm through legislation and assist you in deciding what is best for your community, rather than who to vote for.” 

James underscored the importance of FCC’s mission to empower community members in Connecticut and beyond to conduct their own political research. “Understanding research is necessary to recognize the flaws in a community and how we can help it grow. These are the progressive steps that allow community members to have a real say on the local level. We often get caught up in national politics and the workings of D.C., while ignoring state governance that directly affects the communities, we’re part of.” 

Dwight Hall has supported FCC’s advocacy work and continues to promote opportunities for Yale students to engage with the organization. “Dwight Hall has been a good fiscal sponsor, and the organization brings knowledge back about community partners while broadcasting our message to students,” James affirmed. “Dwight Hall is a large network that we have access to, and its support has stabilized FCC’s work and allowed us to be where we are today.” 

FCC’s staff consists largely of formerly incarcerated individuals. “We hire 98% formerly incarcerated people, and 70% of them have served two decades or more,” James shared. He emphasized that the FCC office is a “safe space for people to acclimate into society.” “It’s hard. It’s work that keeps me up at night.” 

For those looking to get involved with FCC, James highlighted the importance of student advocacy and donor support. “We have a large network in the state and would love more students to get involved. For those unable to join us directly, we appreciate donors and funding opportunities as funding, like with most nonprofits, is an uphill battle. It would be beautiful to not worry about finances six months from now and just focus on the work and growth of FCC,” James concluded. 

Another Dwight Hall program led by James is called the New Haven Civic Allyship Initiative, which helps to connect Dwight Hall students and Yale resources to the work of FCC. The program confronts complex social challenges through workshops, training, and research. Providing a bridge between students and community partners, the New Haven Civic Allyship Initiative actively works to support the initiatives of FCC.  

The work of FCC and the New Haven Civic Allyship Initiative exemplifies the Advance pillar of Dwight Hall’s Engage, Grow, and Advance program delivery model by developing innovative and collaborative programming that promotes lasting social change. 

For those interested in FCC, Civic Allyship, or student advocacy, James can be reached at james.jeter@yale.edu or j.jeter@fullcitizenscoalition.org. In addition, one can visit their website here to learn more.