COMPASSION WYOMING
Hope Beyond Bars: Empowering Second Chances
At Compassion Wyoming, we believe in transforming lives through compassion. By supporting prisoner rehabilitation and community reintegration, we offer hope for a brighter future. Together, we create pathways to opportunity, dignity, and long-term change.
The Reason Compassion Wyoming Was Founded
More than four hundred lobbyists represent Wyoming’s ranchers, oil and gas industries, educators, and other well-funded groups. Yet for decades, inmates and their families had no organized voice to advocate for fair policies, accurate research, and informed public understanding.
Compassion Wyoming was founded to give inmates a voice and to counter the misinformation often shaped by Hollywood, media narratives, and political bias. Our purpose is simple: present facts, promote fair policies, and advocate for the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of long-term inmates.
What Are Commutations?
A commutation is a governor-issued reduction in an inmate’s sentence. It is not a pardon.
Depending on the case, a commutation may shorten a sentence by a few years or by many.
Most commutations require three to five years of consistent progress before release is considered.
What This Petition Is Requesting?
This petition asks the Governor of Wyoming to restore a proven strategy that helped rehabilitated long-term inmates for decades.
We request the reinstatement of past standards that enabled inmates—those who demonstrated a changed heart through consistent discipline, good behavior, participation in therapy, educational programs, and restorative activities—to be considered for commutations.
These inmates are typically disciplinary-free for years and show strong evidence of personal transformation.
Until 1995, Wyoming governors used commutations as a responsible exit strategy for rehabilitated long-term inmates.
However, after 1995, commutations nearly disappeared.
The data below shows a drastic drop over the last three administrations.
- Gov. Ed Herschler: 856 commutations
- Gov. Mike Sullivan: 218 commutations
- Gov. Dave Freudenthal: 15 commutations
- Gov. Matt Mead: 3 commutations
By signing this petition, you ask today’s governor to return to standards that successfully reduced prison overcrowding and rewarded genuine rehabilitation.
What Are Commutations?
A commutation is a governor-issued reduction in an inmate’s sentence. It is not a pardon.
Depending on the case, a commutation may shorten a sentence by a few years or by many.
Most commutations require three to five years of consistent progress before release is considered.
What This Petition Is Requesting?
This petition asks the Governor of Wyoming to restore a proven strategy that helped rehabilitated long-term inmates for decades.
We request the reinstatement of past standards that enabled inmates—those who demonstrated a changed heart through consistent discipline, good behavior, participation in therapy, educational programs, and restorative activities—to be considered for commutations.
These inmates are typically disciplinary-free for years and show strong evidence of personal transformation.
Are You a Wyoming Citizen Age 18 or Older?
If yes, please support our mission by signing the petition below.
Your voice matters—and your signature could help restore a fair and compassionate process that has historically helped rehabilitated inmates return home safely.
Mission Statement
Compassion Wyoming is rooted in Christian principles of mercy and redemption.
We work to facilitate safe and successful reentry for inmates who have demonstrated genuine change.
We believe that rehabilitation is possible, that data-driven policies reduce prison overcrowding,
and that public understanding grounded in facts—not fear—creates a stronger and safer Wyoming.
Our mission is to change public perspectives through honest communication, historical data, and compassionate advocacy, helping long-term inmates pursue a better future with dignity and purpose.
