We are a community of UW–Madison students committed to dismantling the systems that perpetuate mass incarceration — through education, advocacy, and direct action.
Students Against Mass Incarceration (SAMI) is a student-led organization at the University of Wisconsin–Madison dedicated to ending the era of mass incarceration in the United States.
We believe that mass incarceration is one of the defining civil rights crises of our time. The U.S. prison system disproportionately impacts Black, Indigenous, and low-income communities — and we are here to challenge that reality through education, organizing, and solidarity.
Students Against Mass Incarceration seeks to inform UW-Madison students of the existing carceral system. Through an examination of both state and federal policies, SAMI will critically examine how Wisconsin became the state with the highest rate of incarcerated black men and how the United States garnered its reputation as the country with the highest prison population. Moreover, our goal is to engage in a mixture of intellectual study and practical solutions so that the average SAMI member is both more informed and deeply engaged with the incarcerated community.
SAMI approaches criminal justice reform through two interconnected pillars of action.
We host bi-weekly meetings, speaker series, workshops, and book readings to deepen our community's understanding of mass incarceration, its roots, and its human impact.
We organize students to push for policy change at the local, state, and national level — from challenging UW's investment practices to supporting statewide reform bills.
SAMI is led by passionate UW–Madison students committed to the cause.
Drew Stacey
Gabriel Meyer-Herron
Viviana Agnew
Gabby Verdeja
Makeda Renfro-Sargent
Kassy Facio
Jordan Wang
Stay up to date with all SAMI events — from general body meetings to speaker panels, film screenings, and awareness weeks.
All of our upcoming events, meetings, and programming in one place. Open to all UW–Madison students, staff, and community members.
Open Event Calendar →SAMI works alongside community organizations and advocacy networks to build a broader movement for justice.
JustDane is a Madison-based nonprofit dedicated to reducing incarceration and supporting people as they reintegrate into the community. They provide wraparound services including housing support, employment assistance, and advocacy for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system in Dane County.
MOSES (Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity, and Solidarity) is a community-driven organization that empowers formerly incarcerated individuals through peer support, advocacy, and direct services. They work to dismantle systemic barriers to reentry and build a more just and equitable Madison.
TheCrossing is a diverse and caring campus community at UW–Madison that brings together students of all backgrounds — people of faith, skeptics, and humanists alike — to explore religion and justice, advocate for universal human dignity, and support one another in becoming their authentic selves.
Interested in partnering with SAMI? We welcome collaborations with student organizations, nonprofits, and advocacy groups.
Get in TouchThere's a place for everyone in this movement. Here's how you can show up with SAMI.
Become an official member. Attend our bi-weekly meetings, connect with other members, and find your place in the movement.
Join on WisconsinInvolvedCome to our speaker events, film screenings, workshops, or organizing meetings. No membership required — all are welcome.
View Event CalendarStay in the loop on events, campaigns, and ways to take action by signing up for our email list.
Sign UpStay up to date on events and campaigns by following us on Instagram and joining our GroupMe.
Our LinktreeWe'd love to hear from you — whether you're a student wanting to get involved, a community member seeking support, or an organization interested in partnering with us.