Alana Sivin

Develop and strengthen policy and communications materials around New York State criminal justice reform, including legislation guiding parole, earned time, sentencing, and bail.
Identify opportunities for broad-based stakeholder and political support for criminal justice reform.
Create talking points for various stakeholders, including business leaders, union leaders, and elected officials in more moderate districts of New York State so as to educate their constituencies on the… Show more

Develop and strengthen policy and communications materials around New York State criminal justice reform, including legislation guiding parole, earned time, sentencing, and bail.
Identify opportunities for broad-based stakeholder and political support for criminal justice reform.
Create talking points for various stakeholders, including business leaders, union leaders, and elected officials in more moderate districts of New York State so as to educate their constituencies on the importance of smart and effective criminal justice reform.
Communicate the importance of criminal justice reforms to elected officials, businesses, and unions in New York State.
Serve as an organizational spokesperson on sentencing reform and bail reform in New York State in press, FWD.us statements, panels, and public forums.
Work with senior leadership to define the overall organizational goals with regards to New York State campaign work.
Ghost-write op-eds for elected officials and other stakeholders communicating the importance of criminal justice reform in New York state.
Help drive and shape press coverage in key areas of New York state so as to influence support for criminal justice reform.
Co-authored a report focused on the treatment of bail reform in the media in both English and Spanish.
Manage an interdisciplinary campaign team to execute New York state advocacy campaigns.
Give feedback on legislation, and prepare and deliver oral and written testimony as needed. Show less

Raised over $110,000 from individual donors in 6 months
Led and managed a campaign team and volunteer base.
Executed electoral strategy, including setting benchmarks for a field plan to knock on nearly 7,000 doors and collect over 2,000 signatures from local registered democrats.
Secured the endorsements of Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, Former Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Former Councilmembers Rosie Mendez and Margaret Chin, Janos Marton, Marti Allen-Cummings, New York Progressive… Show more

Raised over $110,000 from individual donors in 6 months
Led and managed a campaign team and volunteer base.
Executed electoral strategy, including setting benchmarks for a field plan to knock on nearly 7,000 doors and collect over 2,000 signatures from local registered democrats.
Secured the endorsements of Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, Former Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Former Councilmembers Rosie Mendez and Margaret Chin, Janos Marton, Marti Allen-Cummings, New York Progressive Action Network, Women of Color for Progress, Coalition for a District Alternative (CoDA), 504 Democratic Club, Run For Something, Jim Owles Democratic Club, and Equality NY.
Spoke at various forums, interviews, and debates with several unions, political organizations, and political groups.
While door knocking, assisted NYCHA residents with various constituent issues, including liaising with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to address repairs and other tenant issues.
Maintained relationships with local small businesses and restaurants to address small business needs and collaborate for campaign events.
Wrote and communicated a comprehensive policy platform on several issues, ranging from criminal legal reform, housing security, education reform, and more. Show less

Developed outreach plans to elected officials on the urgency of closing the jails on Rikers Island.
Worked with coalitions, advocacy groups, and organizers to move parole reform at the state and city level.
Drafted reports advising NYC elected officials on how to effectively and safely reduce the jail population so as to meet the legislatively mandated deadline to close Rikers Island
Drafted op-eds alongside local faith leaders calling for proper implementation of parole… Show more

Developed outreach plans to elected officials on the urgency of closing the jails on Rikers Island.
Worked with coalitions, advocacy groups, and organizers to move parole reform at the state and city level.
Drafted reports advising NYC elected officials on how to effectively and safely reduce the jail population so as to meet the legislatively mandated deadline to close Rikers Island
Drafted op-eds alongside local faith leaders calling for proper implementation of parole legislation
Met with City Councilmembers and State Legislators to debrief on how to implement the plan to close Rikers Island Show less

Anchored a daily online program, The Appeal Live, in partnership with NowThis, platforming bold ideas and innovators
Anchored an election-focused program, The Count, focusing on the presidential and congressional elections, which highlighted the damaging impact of voter suppression while also correcting false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential race.
Offered commentary on key current policy conversations for The Appeal, with a focus on legal analysis.
Worked with the… Show more

Anchored a daily online program, The Appeal Live, in partnership with NowThis, platforming bold ideas and innovators
Anchored an election-focused program, The Count, focusing on the presidential and congressional elections, which highlighted the damaging impact of voter suppression while also correcting false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential race.
Offered commentary on key current policy conversations for The Appeal, with a focus on legal analysis.
Worked with the editorial board to identify and pitch topics for coverage.
Garnered support amongst elected officials, advocates, and media outlets around criminal justice reform, housing reform, and economic justice.
Drafted op-eds for influencers regarding the criminal legal system. Show less

• Advised on campaign strategy including filling campaign positions, endorsement plan, and public correspondence
• Worked with a policy team to develop campaign platform
• Filled out campaign questionnaires in order to secure endorsements
• Helped candidate prepare for debates and public forums

• Provided legal representation of people accused of felonies, misdemeanors, and violations from arraignment to trial.
• Interviewed people accused of crimes and witnesses
• Prepared and argued motions to dismiss for facial insufficiency, speedy trial, and in the interest of justice.
• Analyzed cases and advised people accused of crimes on the best course of action.
• Negotiated between defendants and the District Attorney’s Office to reach plea agreements concerning sentencing… Show more

• Provided legal representation of people accused of felonies, misdemeanors, and violations from arraignment to trial.
• Interviewed people accused of crimes and witnesses
• Prepared and argued motions to dismiss for facial insufficiency, speedy trial, and in the interest of justice.
• Analyzed cases and advised people accused of crimes on the best course of action.
• Negotiated between defendants and the District Attorney’s Office to reach plea agreements concerning sentencing and related matters.
• Advised immigrants charged with crimes on the potential consequence of their criminal cases, and worked with immigration attorneys to help navigate those consequences.
• Assisted people charged with crimes in obtaining drug treatment, therapy, and housing.
• Helped family-members navigate through the process of paying bail.
• Advocated for policy changes in New York bail and discovery practices to State Senators and Assemblymembers in Albany.
• Interviewed, selected, and mentored law students for internships.
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• Drafted recommendations and opinions on decisions regarding habeas corpus for incarcerated individuals, constitutional law, and copyright infringement cases.
• Researched issues involving New York civil and criminal procedure.
• Attended various settlement and status conferences.

Taught lessons in math, writing, phonics, and social studies to first and second graders.
Created and implemented a new social studies curriculum for second-graders
Translated parent-teacher documents from English to Spanish, and translated for various non-English speaking parents

Conducted research on net metering and Home Energy Assistance Plans.
Assisted the senator in drafting speeches for public events.
Communicated with Spanish-speaking residents of East Harlem and helped them to address constituent issues.

Attended hearings and compiled reports for then Councilmember Leroy Comrie.
Conducted research to assist the chief of staff in drafting resolutions to the City Council for voting.
Staffed and represented the Councilman at various social, cultural, and political events.
Answered phones, directed constituents and council business to the correct office. liaisons, and drafted correspondence.

Developed and implemented public awareness campaign regarding global warming and the organizations working to combat climate change
Established fundraising goals for field groups and assigned routes.
Mapped out canvassing location to ensure adequate coverage of target area.
Managed and logged donations and reported to upper management on status of fundraising targets.