Kids Against the Death Penalty
We Won't Be Silenced!
At our core, we believe in the power of voices united in the fight for justice. We won’t be silenced! Every day, countless individuals face injustice, unable to fight for themselves. It is our mission to be their voice, to shine a light on the flaws of the death penalty and the law of parties—legal mechanisms that have wrongfully convicted and taken the lives of innocent people.
We stand together to challenge these injustices, advocating for a system that upholds truth and fairness. We invite every member to join us, knowing that every voice matters, no matter how small. Together, we can create a powerful chorus for change, amplifying the cries for justice and ensuring that no one is left unheard.
Join us in this crucial fight. Your voice is vital!
About Us
Our Story
In 2008, three brothers from Texas—Gavin, Nick, and Nathan Been—embarked on a mission that would change their lives and the lives of many others. Frustrated by the lack of youth activism specifically addressing the death penalty, they gathered their friends and formed Kids Against the Death Penalty (KADP). Their inspiration stemmed from a deeply personal story: their Uncle Jeff Wood, who had been wrongfully convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. The brothers realized that the death penalty, particularly the flawed law of parties, had not only claimed the lives of the innocent but had also devastated countless families.
Driven by a passion for justice and a desire to advocate for those wrongfully sentenced, the young activists began organizing protests, rallies, and marches. They took their message to the streets of Texas, marching for miles through Houston neighborhoods and down Congress Avenue in Austin, rallying support and raising awareness about the injustices faced by those on death row.
The boys stood vigil at the Texas Capitol following executions, a somber reminder of the stakes involved in their fight. They visited the Governor's Mansion to demand justice and lobbied members of the Texas Legislature on Lobby Day Against the Death Penalty. Their efforts resonated beyond their hometown, as they connected with like-minded individuals and groups across the state. In recognition of their tireless activism, KADP was awarded the 2009 Youth Abolitionists of the Year at the Texas Capitol, an honor bestowed by Students Against the Death Penalty and Texas Students Against the Death Penalty. The award galvanized their efforts and showcased the power of youth activism in the fight against capital punishment.
In February 2010, Kids Against the Death Penalty (KADP) took their message to an international stage, speaking at the 4th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Geneva, Switzerland. This pivotal experience further fueled the organization's commitment to advocating for justice and human rights. Representing the voices of youth in the fight against the death penalty, KADP demonstrated that no matter your age, standing up for what is right resonates on a global scale.
Since then, the Been brothers have stayed active in their advocacy, working tirelessly to fight the cause while balancing their personal, social, and work lives. They've traveled back and forth between Austin and Houston, participating in key events, and even attended online rallies during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Behind the scenes, their executive director has been hard at work designing buttons, business cards, flyers, pamphlets, and t-shirts to distribute at events, ensuring their message reaches more people.
Now, the Been brothers have started families of their own but remain deeply committed to the cause. Their journey, marked by resilience and dedication, serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for justice knows no age. Even the youngest voices can lead the charge for meaningful change.
Kids Against the Death Penalty continues to stand as a beacon of hope, inspiring a new generation to rise against the death penalty and work towards a fairer, more just society. Their efforts remind us that the pursuit of justice is a lifelong journey, and every voice has the power to make an impact.
Causes
At Kids Against the Death Penalty (KADP), we fight for a world free from the death penalty and the injustices that come with it. Despite the challenges, we haven't stopped fighting because too many innocent lives are still at risk, and too many families suffer from wrongful convictions. We stand against the Law of Parties, and we continue amplifying the voices of those silenced by the system. Read more about our causes below and join us in the fight for justice, dignity, and change.
Wrongful Convictions
We expose the harsh reality of wrongful convictions, where innocent people are condemned to death for crimes they didn’t commit. By raising awareness, we challenge the errors and biases in the criminal justice system, pushing for reforms that ensure fairness and accountability.
Sharing Our Support for the Families
Behind every wrongful conviction is a family devastated by the possibility of losing a loved one to an unjust execution. We give these families a platform to share their stories, shedding light on their pain and the ongoing fight to clear the names of those wrongfully accused. Their voices drive our mission to end the death penalty.
Bringing an End to the Death Penalty & Law of Parties
We advocate for the complete abolition of the death penalty and the reform of the unjust “Law of Parties,” which allows individuals to be sentenced to death for crimes they did not directly commit. Our goal is to build a justice system based on fairness, rehabilitation, and the value of human life, not punishment by death.
Amplifying the Voices
At KADP, we believe that every voice matters in the fight to end the death penalty. We empower new generations of activists to join the movement, knowing that each perspective and story plays a critical role in creating change. By providing a platform for emerging voices, we ensure that those silenced or marginalized by the system are finally heard. Together, we fight for justice and equality, standing up for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Make a donation
Every voice matters in the fight for justice, and together, we can make a difference. Your contribution to the Advocates in Action campaign helps us amplify the voices of those wrongfully convicted and their families. Proceeds will support the creation of banners, brochures, t-shirts, and other essential materials used to raise awareness at events.
But it doesn’t stop there. Any extra funds will go directly to the families of those on death row, providing financial relief during their fight for justice. These families face overwhelming challenges—travel expenses, legal fees, and more—just to ensure their loved ones are heard.
With your help, we can bring hope and light to a broken system. Be an advocate in action today!
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