Volunteer

Right now, we need careful readers

UNCUFF the Innocent takes on wrongful convictions others won't. We need volunteers to help us read files, chase down facts, and support innocent people the system wrote off.

Where
Entirely remote.
Time
Most active volunteers contribute at least five hours a week during an assigned project; some specialized roles are project-based.
Why volunteer

What the work involves.

We aren’t accepting new cases at the moment, but the work behind the cases we already have does not stop. What a volunteer does depends on what they bring. It could be organizing case files, answering the people who write to us for help, proofreading and editing what we publish, reaching out to donors, or bringing legal or forensic training to a record that needs it. You don’t need a law degree. You do need to be meticulous, dependable, and willing to do real work for someone counting on it.

Ways to help

  • Case filesOrganize, index, and summarize transcripts, depositions, police files, and expert reports.
  • Fact-checkingRead a draft against the page, line, or exhibit behind it and flag anything overstated or unsupported.
  • EditingProofread and edit what we publish, on this site and elsewhere.
  • Requests for aidHelp us answer the people who write to us, even while intake is paused.
  • Donor outreachHelp raise, and keep, the money that pays for investigation and litigation.
  • Legal or forensic analysisIf you are a lawyer, investigator, or forensic scientist, review a record and tell us what you see.
  • Other specialized contributionsTell us what you can contribute.
Apply

Start your application.

Do not provide a Social Security number, date of birth, driver’s-license number, or other background-check identifiers in this application. If a background check is later required, that information will be requested separately through an appropriate provider.

By submitting this form, you agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.

We review applications as capacity permits and may respond using the email address you provide. Prefer email? Reach us at uncuff@uncufftheinnocent.org.

How it works

  1. ApplySend this form, or email your background and interests.
  2. Talk with usA short phone interview to get to know you.
  3. ReferencesWe’ll ask for two people who can speak to your work.
  4. Get startedYou’ll sign a short confidentiality agreement, then we plan your first work.

A few roles call for one more step. Volunteers who work directly with case files, or who correspond with the people we serve and their families, may be asked to complete a background check before they begin. Most volunteers are not.

Who can apply

  • 18 years or older
  • Willing to sign a confidentiality agreement before handling case material
  • Willing to complete a background check if your role calls for one
  • Professional, discreet, and non-partisan in our name

Volunteers may not contact incarcerated people, witnesses, families, attorneys, journalists, or public officials in UNCUFF’s name unless specifically authorized to do so.

Questions?

uncuff@uncufftheinnocent.org