What has come to be known as the California Working Group is the leadership council for ending life without parole for youth in California. Made up of juvenile justice experts, youth advocates, and international human rights law specialists from across the state, the group represents a wide network of supporters. It makes consensus-based decisions about strategy and goals of the campaign.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has combated human rights abuses around the world since 1978. HRW has had had a presence in California since 1989, and has been focused on advocacy in the state for the last three years. In California, HRW has conducted research and advocacy on youth held in adult jails, the prevalence of homelessness among former foster children, the impact of transferring juveniles to the adult criminal justice system, and life without parole prison sentences for juveniles.

Faith Communities for Families and Children is an interfaith coalition of over 70 faith-based groups brought together by their commitment to children whose families are least able to help or protect them. The coalition is committed to supporting youth and families involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems.

The National Center for Youth Law is a nonprofit law center that seeks to improve the lives of poor children. The Center works on issues affecting poor children, including: ensuring the safety, stability, and well-being of abused and neglected children; increasing financial stability for low-income families; eliminating barriers to health and mental health care for children; ensuring that youth in trouble with the law are treated appropriately for their age and capacity to change; and promoting reforms to the juvenile justice system.