Dear Members an Advocates,
2023 marks the 50th year since the U.S. prison population began its extraordinary surge. To date over five million people are under supervision by the criminal legal system, and nearly two million people, disproportionately Black, are currently incarcerated in our nation’s jails and prisons. This represents a 500 percent increase since 1973.
How did we get here? Many of the conditions that drove this exponential rise in incarceration persists, including the failed War on Drugs, racially biased policing, disproportionate pretrial practices and sentencing outcomes and the expanded use of lengthy sentences. And we can add to that the failed Registry System.
Where do we go from here? What is needed to meaningfully de-carcerate our nation’s jails and prisons? This year, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (NACDL) will be focused on answering that question at their annual conference. Experts from around the country will come together to discuss criminal justice reform issues and what is needed to effectively reverse the tide of mass incarceration. One topic they are calling for is: “Effective messaging around criminal justice reform from advocates, communications, and media experts.” This is an opportunity for FAC and our affiliates to promote the use of diversion programs in place of incarceration. If you have experience in this area, or wish to be involved in proposing solutions to mass incarceration for today’s War on Sex, contact the FAC membership team.
Sincerely,
The Florida Action Committee (FAC)
ANNOUCEMENTS
Monday Night Support Group – Open to registered citizens and family members, every Monday at 8pmET. Call 760-548-9898 to participate in a group support call facilitated by FAC Regional Coordinators. Find comfort, motivation and encouragement with other members in this no-judgement zone as they share common concerns and interests.
New Member Orientation Call – Thu Aug 10 at 8pm ET. 319-527-3487. NO Agenda.Call in to learn more about the organization, volunteer opportunities, where to find support, get resources and referrals, or just share information. If you have any problem connecting for free, you can text CALL ME to 319-527-3487 for a call back from Free Conference Call and you will be connected to the meeting at no charge.
Family Support Group – Sat Aug 12 from 11am-1pm. By Invitation only for non-registered family members with loved ones on the Registry. Must be an FAC member. To participate, contact [email protected] or call 833-273-7325, Option 1.
Women’s Group for WFR [Women Forced to Register]. For details and more information, contact Danell at [email protected] or leave message at 772-494-1947.
Monthly Membership Call – Thu Sep 7 at 8pm ET. 319-527-3487. Topic: NARSOL and Affiliates. If you have any problem connecting to the call for free, you can text CALL ME to 319-527-3487 for a call back from Free Conference Call and you will be connected to the meeting at no charge.
MEET and GREETS
Sat Aug 12-Citrus County-2-5pm RSVP to [email protected] or leave message at 833-273-7325 Option 1.
Sat Aug 19-Highlands County- 11am-2pm RSVP to Morris at [email protected] or leave message at 863-256-3026
Sat Sep 9- Sarasota/Manatee County- 1pm-4pm RSVP to [email protected] or call 941-500-4706
Sat Sep 16- CHANGE Broward County- 2pm-4pm RSVP to [email protected] or call 833-273-7325,Option 1.
Sat Sep 23- Lee County -Noon – 3pm RSVP to [email protected] or text/call 941-677-3951
Sat Sep 30- Pasco County -2pm-5pm RSVP to [email protected] or call or text 727-999-4716.
Support Staff Needed- If you have some time and want to be more involved, email [email protected] or call 833-273-7325,Option 1.
Staff Writers are needed for articles, posts and Weekly Updates. If you have a story, article or topic of interest to share, please submit it to [email protected]
Membership Communications – Return phone calls and emails from members seeking information. Training provided.
PenPal Communications – Respond to letters from inmates seeking information and support. Training provided.
With Unity Comes Change -Get Involved and Volunteer Today!
Florida Action Committee
www.floridaactioncommittee.org
[email protected]
Mother slams police for detaining 10-year-old son for public urination
Story by Andrea Cavallier •
1h
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/mother-slams-police-for-detaining-10-year-old-son-for-public-urination/ar-AA1fs44O?cvid=4e301b538e1f4c0e973c4c405417df83&ei=18
This story is wrong on so many levels. Have to believe, given the location and ethnicity of the child, that it was racially motivated. Definitely a power move by the police. Hate to think what the cops would have done if it were an adult.
I’ve been sharing some FAC articles with reps and copy/pasting the articles with link reference into emails.
But you’ve started putting all the events and contact info at the end of the article. I guess if you don’t care that reps call-in, or show up at meet & greets (or send spies), then it’s ok. But if you don’t want that, please only include it in emails and not include with articles.
I’ve been thanked by a couple reps for keeping them informed on what is actually happening with this issue. They really do not seem to know what’s really going on.
You are correct. They have no idea what is going on in our world. Thank you for informing them. I am doing the same.
The registry is not a War on Sex.
That’s just bad messaging. Makes it sound like we don’t understand the difference between consensual sexual activity and criminal sexual harm. FAC’s position, as a public safety organization, has always been opposed to the latter. Let’s stick with that and not rely on this problem catchphrase, ok?
The registry is a failed solution to a real problem, not a War on Sex.
Not the point of this otherwise excellent Weekly Update, I know, just trying to kill counterproductive catchphrases before they catch on.
Much agreed
FAC was comparing SORs to the failed/failing “War on Drugs.” Government encouraged ostracization no more effective than prosecuting every smidge of drugs.