Organization: Unity for a Change
More Info: http://www.facebook.com/events/273937402659745/
Description: Join us on Friday February 3rd for the opening of the Art Exhibit by Prisoners and on Saturday February 4th for: “Not Guilty, A Conference to Abolish the Prison Industrial Complex”.
Come to learn more about our "Not Guilty" campaign to get people out of prison and hear from representatives of the Fully Informed Jurors Association on the strategy of jury nullification. This event will serve as an open forum for activists to share their experience and discuss ideas for joint action geared towards dismantling the facets of the prison industrial complex. Attendees will be given time to address the group about their ongoing campaigns, actions, and initiatives. Following the presentations will be an informal gathering where people can break out into smaller discussion groups, socialize with others, and bridge our local networks. Stick around afterwards for the art show that exhibits the work of prisoners and enjoy a full night of live music.
Friday, February 3rd
7PM - Prisoner Art Exhibition
9PM - 12AM - Live Music (TBA)
Saturday, February 4th
5:30 - 6:00 -Doors open / refreshments
6:00 - 8:00 -Speakers / presentations - (organizations and activists are invited to join the open forum to talk about ongoing initiatives)
8:00 - 9:00 -Group discussion / break-out session with small working groups
9:00 - 10:00 -Hang out and talk with other activists / social networking
10:00 - 1AM -Live music and art show
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
At a time when the U.S. has the largest prison population in the world, with over 2.3 million people incarcerated, we have to recognize that there is a serious problem! The U.S. has only 5% of the world's population but it has 25% of the world's inmates. Now with the recent passage of the NDAA of 2012 it looks like this country is moving even closer towards a police state. This is a time when activists and grassroots organizations must unite across the board in order to fight this modern system of historical oppression.
We are calling upon humanitarians to join us in a people’s movement to abolish the prison industrial complex, starting with a campaign called “Not Guilty”.
Many people don't realize that the only place within our entire system of government where citizens actually have any real political power is on the jury. By serving on the jury, citizens not only have the power to determine the facts of a case, but to judge the morality of the law itself. By voting "Not Guilty" jurors have the ultimate power to acquit innocent people of unjust charges as a final safeguard and protection against a corrupt government that is violating the rights of the public. By serving on a jury people have the ability to help prevent their fellow citizens from being wrongfully punished for unjust laws. In order for justice to truly be served, jurors must be properly informed of their right to vote according to their conscience and the social responsibility to acquit nonviolent offenders who are being issued harsh and excessive punishment for victimless crimes as a result of government abuses.
In light of the occupy movement, we are calling upon our fellow activists and grassroots organizations to launch a radical people’s movement to occupy our local courthouses and simply educate jurors about their essential rights, roles, and responsibilities.
Come to the conference to hear more about our grassroots campaign!
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