PETITION FOR A COMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY & OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM City of South Bend, Indiana We, the undersigned residents, community members, and stakeholders of South Bend, stand united in support of a transformational public initiative designed to restore lives, strengthen our workforce, and build safer neighborhoods. We are calling for the creation of a structured, accountable program that allows non-violent individuals who cannot afford bail to return to society under strict supervision, measurable progress, and mandatory contribution to the community. This is not a handout. This is a system of discipline, opportunity, and responsibility.   PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (MANDATORY FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS) To remain in and successfully complete the program, participants must: • Maintain consistent employment through partnered companies offering fair wages, training, and benefits • Enroll in and complete a certified skilled trade program to build long-term career stability • Complete financial literacy training, including budgeting, saving, and wealth-building fundamentals • Meet structured savings benchmarks to promote independence and reduce future instability • Provide mentorship to disadvantaged pre-teens and teens, becoming positive role models within the community • Complete a minimum of 50 hours of service with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America or a local affiliated chapter • Comply with all program rules, monitoring, and accountability standards Failure to meet these requirements will result in removal from the program and state decides. Successful completion represents earned progress — not given privilege.   WHY THIS MATTERS — FOR SOUTH BEND This initiative directly addresses multiple systemic challenges at once: • Reduces jail overcrowding, saving taxpayer dollars • Creates a reliable workforce pipeline for local businesses • Breaks cycles of poverty and instability through education and employment • Reduces repeat offenses (recidivism) through structure and accountability • Strengthens families and neighborhoods by restoring stability • Invests in youth mentorship, creating future leaders instead of future statistics This is a long-term public safety strategy, not a short-term fix.   A SMARTER APPROACH TO JUSTICE & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT South Bend has the opportunity to lead by example — to become a model city that proves: When structure meets opportunity, people rise. This program prioritizes: Accountability over excuses Work over dependency Mentorship over neglect Community investment over incarceration cycles   OUR CALL TO ACTION We respectfully — and firmly — call on city leadership, policymakers, and community stakeholders in South Bend to: • Review this proposal immediately • Engage with community members and partners • Develop and implement a pilot version of this program • Position South Bend as a national leader in practical, results-driven reform   THE MOMENT IS NOW Every signature represents a voice that believes: ✔ People deserve a structured second chance ✔ Communities deserve safer streets ✔ Youth deserve better role models ✔ Our city deserves real solutions  “This program doesn’t just rehabilitate individuals—it turns them into community assets who actively prevent the next generation from entering the system.” SIGN BELOW TO SUPPORT A STRONGER, SAFER, AND MORE ACCOUNTABLE SOUTH BEND