Years ago, I made a mistake that altered my life forever. Like many, I have grappled with "what ifs" and the possibilities of second chances. Now, a decade later, the ghost of my past felony continues to limit me from experiencing life at its fullest, from coaching to mentoring our youths.

There is a desperate need for change in our present employment protocols. Currently, questions regarding past felonious violations are standard on job applications. These questions frequently bar many potential employees from gaining access to better jobs and opportunities. This is despite the fact they have completed their terms and reintegrated into society.

Let’s consider this for a moment: our country elected a President with 32 felonies on his record. If we can trust him to run our nation, why can't we trust others who have also had felonious pasts to seek better forms of employment?

The ask is not for total erasure but for a fairer system. Murders and sexual predators should, of course, be exceptions to this rule.

According to the National Institute of Justice, about 77 million people in America have a criminal record which equates to a quarter of the adult population. Criminal records cost the United States between $78 and $87 billion in annual GDP. If we were more inclusive within the workplace, we could tap into that lost potential.

We need to address this issue now. Join us in our cause to eliminate felony questions from job applications, thus restoring rights to those who have fully served their time. Your signature can pad the way to allow these individuals a fair chance to better themselves and make positive contributions to our society. Let's help provide these second chances because people can change, and so should their records. Sign our petition today.