In a significant step for the iChange Justice Podcast, Joy Gilfilen announces Karen Ball as a new co-host. This partnership aims to broaden the conversation on social, criminal, and economic justice, using their combined expertise to navigate complex issues and foster civic dialogue.
Karen Ball, with master's degrees in criminal justice and extensive experience in restorative justice, conflict resolution, and community organizing (including domestic violence prevention and nuclear weapons abolition), will bring a critical lens to the show. Both Joy and Karen reveal a surprising shared realization that challenges conventional understanding: the justice system, often perceived as a guardian of fairness, is deeply intertwined with an economic problem. They affectionately term the cost-intensive and complex "Prison Industrial Complex" the "Snaggle Tooth Dragon."
Their diverse backgrounds – Joy as a "wild and crazy cowgirl" with a knack for problem-solving from farming communities and Karen as an educator rooted in criminal justice and 4-H – provide unique perspectives. They both note that their 4-H experiences instilled a strong work ethic and community focus, albeit from different parts of the country.
A core "myth" they aim to bust is the notion of a uniform American justice system. Karen, drawing from her varied experiences, emphasizes that each state's legal system is distinct, and the concept of "We the people has, at this point in history, never meant all of the people." This profound statement highlights historical exclusions based on gender, race, and land ownership, revealing a fundamental "us and them" dynamic embedded in the nation's founding.
The podcast will continue to dissect and understand the complex layers of justice, challenging assumptions and providing a platform for nuanced conversations about creating healthier, more equitable communities.