Direct Action for Rights and Equality

We are heartbroken by the passing of Ross Amos, who died on Saturday while incarcerated at the ACI.

DARE extends our deepest condolences, love, and solidarity to Ross's family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him. No family should have to receive a phone call telling them their loved one is never coming home.

Ross's death is a tragic reminder that too many people in Rhode Island's prisons continue to suffer and die because of inadequate medical care, neglect, and a system that too often fails to value human life. Every person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves dignity, compassion, and access to quality healthcare.

We mourn with Ross's family, and we commit ourselves to the fight for accountability, transparency, and meaningful change. How many more lives must be lost before action is taken?

We honor Ross's life by continuing to demand a system where no one is left to suffer behind prison walls and where every person is treated with the humanity they deserve.

Rest in power, Ross. You will not be forgotten. ❤️

✍️ WRITE FOR JUSTICE ✍️

The legislative session is coming to an end, and now is the time to make your voice heard.

Join DARE and Clean Slate Rhode Island for a Community Letter-Writing Day as we urge lawmakers to pass two critical reforms:

⚖️ Bail on 32 – Restore due process for people accused of probation violations and keep families together while cases are pending.

📄 Clean Slate – Automatically clear eligible criminal records and remove barriers to jobs, housing, education, and opportunity.

🗓 Tuesday, June 3
⏰ Stop by anytime from 1 PM – 8 PM
📍 DARE, 340 Lockwood Street, Providence

✅ Refreshments provided
✅ Letter-writing support available
✅ Community members taking action together
✅ Bring a friend or family member

Even if you can only stay for 15–20 minutes, your voice can help make a difference.

Legislators need to hear directly from the people most impacted by these issues. Together, we can push for a Rhode Island that believes in fairness, second chances, and due process.

🚨 STOP THE SWEEPS 🚨

Join DARE, RIHAP, unhoused community members, and advocates calling for an end to the police persecution of homeless Rhode Islanders.

📍 Burnside Park, Downtown Providence
🗓 Saturday, May 23rd
⏰ 2 PM

We are demanding dignity, housing, and justice — not criminalization.

⚠️ ALSO: Providence City Council is voting on the PERA Ordinance TOMORROW NIGHT (Thursday 5/21 at 5:30 PM) at City Hall.

We need people to SHOW UP and show support!
📞 Call your City Councilor and tell them to vote YES on the PERA Ordinance.

Our communities deserve protection, not punishment.