A Conversation with RBIJ’s Ben Cumming

Can you tell us about your new position at RBIJ?
I'm RBIJ's Chief Communications Officer, which means I direct and oversee the implementation of our strategic communication plans, as well as all individual campaign and project comms. Institutionally, I also help to shape RBIJ’s external reputation at the regional, national, and international levels and work to disseminate our key messaging across target audiences. I'm also a member of the senior leadership team and help to build RBIJ’s external stakeholder and partner relationships, including advocacy and fundraising.

What inspired you to get involved in the fight for fair and equal justice systems?
I have been interested in the U.S. justice system since living in the States in my very early twenties. I spent a few months working at a think tank in D.C., and while I didn't get the opportunity to work on justice issues directly, I was fascinated (and shocked) by the sheer size, impact, and unfairness of the system. This interest only deepened in the years to come, in no small part thanks to incredible books like Devil in the Grove, and programs like When They See Us. I've spent the majority of my career at the place where business meets policy and society — working with companies and their leaders to engage — and I jumped at the opportunity to do the same in the justice space at RBIJ. 

What is the role of businesses in changing the narrative around criminal justice reform?
There are few constituencies more important to lawmakers than employers and investors. It is widely accepted and understood that they are invaluable allies in creating change and pushing reform over the line. What is talked about less is the critical role they can play in normalizing stances on social justice issues. When businesses speak out on a topic, others feel safe to do the same, and are more receptive to these positions. This becomes even more important when you consider that business is more trusted right now than government or media — by a staggering margin. Their voices can be gamechangers when it comes to shifting narratives. 

Why is the business case for creating change so important?
Making the business case for engagement is, for obvious reasons, crucial in incentivizing companies and their leaders to work for change. If you can show how reform will help the bottom line — whether that be through reputation benefits, talent pool expansion, meeting DEI objectives, etc. — you will bring them to the table. It's also important when it comes to establishing credibility and trust in the space. If it's clear why engagement is in a business’ commercial interests, people are far less likely to doubt their intentions or commitment to change. 

What advice would you give businesses looking to start working on these issues?
Don't go it alone. The easiest way to find out how you can have the greatest impact, in a way that aligns with your objectives and constraints, is to build partnerships with those on the front lines. Talk to the campaign groups and community-based organizations that are on the ground. They will provide practical advice on how to get involved, and help you create meaningful change while avoiding missteps. 

You’ve been with RBIJ for several years — how have you seen business engagement change during that time?
George Floyd was murdered eight months after I arrived, which completely transformed the landscape. Hundreds of companies had previously struggled to see the link between their role in society and the justice system, but now understood their responsibility to do more and speak out. At the same time, the backlash against those seen to be disingenuous or performative rightly put the need to be authentic and credible front and center. Businesses found out that if they are going to speak up on justice issues they need to demonstrate meaningful commitment in their action, which drove a move away from general statements of support towards targeted programs and initiatives within their sectors and communities. We've also seen the drive to engage coming from employees and prospective employees (even more so than consumers), and this has only increased in the ongoing labor shortages. 

If you could change one aspect of the justice system, what would it be? 
Passing Clean Slate legislation, which automates the clearing of eligible criminal records, would be a massive step forward when it comes to breaking the intergenerational cycles of poverty, incarceration, recidivism, and unemployment that millions of Americans find themselves trapped in. People with records face massive barriers when it comes to employment, housing, education, and more, and despite the fact that the system has already deemed them worthy of relief, they are prevented from receiving it by making the process needlessly expensive and complex. We are willfully holding people down when we should be helping them back on their feet.  Ten states have passed such laws, and have already seen marked increases in workforce participation, wages, etc. with many more considering them right now. It's a common-sense policy with no downside.  

When you aren’t working, what else do you enjoy doing?
Acting! I started up again in the last 12 months, most recently appearing in a play at The White Bear Theatre in January. 

What’s a fact about you that would surprise people?
Despite living in cities for almost my entire life, I was briefly a cowboy instructor in Australia — teaching horseback riding, whipcracking, lassoing, mustering, etc.