Youth for Innocence: Application

Are you interested in wrongful convictions, criminal justice reform, and real-world investigative work?

The Department of Law and Legal Studies is launching a student chapter of Youth for Innocence (YFI) and are seeking motivated undergraduate and graduate students to join this new, student-led initiative.

Youth for Innocence is an international organization that engages young people in uncovering wrongful convictions, promoting criminal justice reform, and advancing public education. Establishing a YFI chapter within our department will give you the opportunity to work on meaningful justice issues beyond the classroom while contributing to a broader global movement.

The YFI chapter will:

• Provide a student-led platform for learning, advocacy, and awareness around wrongful convictions
• Strengthen our commitment to social justice, experiential learning, and community engagement
• Offer hands-on, applied learning opportunities for students interested in law, criminology, public policy, and human rights

What Will Volunteers Do?

Students involved in YFI may gain experience with:

• Reviewing real case materials, including court transcripts and legal documents
• Learning how witnesses are questioned and how testimony is constructed
• Conducting background research and identifying inconsistencies or gaps in evidence
• Assisting with public record requests
• Reaching out to witnesses, experts, and advocacy organizations
• Developing investigative strategies and determining next steps in ongoing cases
• Participating in public education and awareness initiatives
• Organizing fundraising initiatives

What You’ll Gain

This volunteer opportunity emphasizes skill-building and independence, including:

• Practical experience working with real-world justice materials
• Strong research, critical analysis, and communication skills
• Leadership experience in a student-run organization
• Networking opportunities with legal professionals, advocates, and academics
• The chance to make a meaningful contribution to wrongful conviction advocacy

Time Commitment

• Bi-weekly evening meetings
• Approximately 20 hours per week total across the entire membership, with individual time commitments varying based on role and availability
• Flexibility built in to accommodate academic schedules, particularly during exam periods

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student
• Have an interest in criminal justice, law, criminology, sociology, or human rights
• Be willing to engage thoughtfully and ethically with sensitive case materials
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality
• Be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively
• Possess strong writing, organizational, and communication skills

Assets (but not required):

• Experience with research, legal studies, or qualitative analysis
• Interest in leadership, advocacy, or public education initiatives

No prior legal experience is required. Training and mentorship will be provided.

You can apply for this initiative using the application form below.