Contrary to popular belief, Gen Z is not only invested in criminal justice reform—they're leading the charge for a more effective and equitable system. In 2023, REFORM Alliance launched the Future Shapers Advisory Council, a dynamic group of young leaders committed to transforming probation and parole. What began as a vision shared over dinner with REFORM Co-chair Michael Rubin and impacted and influential Gen Zers has evolved into a powerful movement. From visiting Lancaster prison to hear firsthand accounts of the system's impact to spearheading a nationwide Gen Z Day of Action, these young activists are rewriting the narrative on justice reform.
Recent data shatters misconceptions about Gen Z's engagement with criminal justice issues. While initial Pew Research suggested criminal justice reform ranked low on Gen Z's priority list, a new nationwide survey conducted by REFORM Alliance and The Bullfinch Group reveals a starkly different reality. An overwhelming 72% of Gen Z respondents consider it crucial for their elected officials to support criminal justice reform, with a particular focus on modernizing probation and parole systems. This generation isn't just paying attention—they're demanding action. A striking 90% prioritize public safety, while 71% back policies aimed at reducing technical violations and modernizing supervision. Furthermore, 64% of Gen Z voters are more likely to support presidential candidates advocating for system modernization, including probation and parole reforms.
To amplify these voices and capitalize on this momentum, REFORM Alliance's Future Shapers Advisory Council is launching the Future Shapers Network, mobilizing young leaders nationwide to drive meaningful policy changes and inspire others to join our GenZ movement for a fairer, more effective justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment.
View the entirety of the poll data here here.
Quarterback for Houston Texans
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Future Shapers Co-Chair
Founder of Climate Cardinals & the youngest advisor to the United Nations in U.S history
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Founder of the Social Equity Through Education Alliance
Mental Health Advocate
Quarterback for the Carolina Panthers
Content Creator
Founder of Gen Z For Change
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Future Shapers Co-chair & Gen Z Organizer at REFORM Alliance
But they're more than just advisors - the Future Shapers are also out in their communities, using their platforms to raise awareness, inspire their peers, and mobilize support for real criminal justice reform.
The Council launched at a dinner hosted by REFORM Co-chair Michael Rubin, in partnership with Kim Kardashian, where leaders heard from policy experts and people impacted by our criminal justice and supervision systems.
We also visited Lancaster prison, to hear directly from to meet with incarcerated individuals to learn about their experiences with the criminal justice system and identify ways in which the system can better support safety and rehabilitation.
From April 7–11, 2025, young leaders across the country united to demand action on critical reforms to our justice system. With events spanning more than 20 college campuses nationwide, they amplified their voices, mobilized for change, and supported the Safer Supervision Act—a bipartisan bill designed to improve the federal supervised release system.
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