Tag Archives: Direct Action for Rights and Equality

Introducing VOTE’s new Deputy Director: a proven leader in criminal justice reform

[As the primary writer of Unprison, I am honored to share with readers that my best efforts will flow through Voice of the Ex-Offender, an organization at the forefront of the criminal justice reform movement- and at the epicenter of … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rhode Island: 10th State to “Ban the Box” on Employment Applications

Your state can be next.  This is one man’s description of how we got the campaign off the ground. I met Linda Evans in 2007, in Oakland, and heard her presentation on an interesting issue that hit close to home: … Continue reading

Posted in Employment, Legislation, Movement Building, Rehabilitation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

From Narragansett Bay to Pelican Bay, People Stand in Solidarity for Human Rights

On July 1st, 2011, prisoners in the Security Housing Unit (SHU) in Pelican Bay State Prison, CA went on indefinite hunger strike to protest conditions that have been characterized by the UN as “inhumane and degrading.”  Over nearly three weeks … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Political Prisoners, Prison Conditions, Rehabilitation, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Unshackled Pregnancies: Idaho, Nevada, Rhode Island…

UPDATE: By a vote of 48-16, the Rhode Island House of Representatives passed H 5257, echoing passage of the same bill by the Senate several weeks ago. The bill should end up on Governor Lincoln Chaffee’s desk within a few … Continue reading

Posted in Courts, Prison Conditions, Prisoner Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

From Brooklyn to Oakland: April 23rd Events Stoke the Movement

Across the nation, activists and organizations are coordinating The Formerly Incarcerated & Convicted People’s Movement.  This Saturday, April 23rd, there will be evenings of testimony, artistry, solidarity and movement building. Women on the Rise Telling HerStory (WORTH) is collaborating with … Continue reading

Posted in Actions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Formerly Incarcerated & Convicted People’s Movement Arises!

Alabama represents the answer to a clarion call.  This is a call that speaks to us in our own voice; clear, loud and urgent.  A voice that speaks to our identity and emanates from the soul, ringing true both in … Continue reading

Posted in Actions, Commentary, Courts, Drug Policy, Innocence, Political Prisoners, Prison Conditions, prison economics, Rehabilitation, Voting Rights | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Marijuana Reform Efforts Move Forward This Week in NY and RI

NEW YORK: A new report will be released on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday, documenting the astronomical financial costs of the over 50,300 arrests for marijuana possession in New York City in 2010, and the cost of the 350,000 … Continue reading

Posted in Drug Policy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latest “Ban the Box” Battleground: RI on Tuesday.

At the Rhode Island Statehouse this Tuesday, civil rights and social justice advocates will be making a stand for an anti-discrimination trend that is sweeping the nation:  “Ban the Box.”  This box on job applications, asking if one has been … Continue reading

Posted in Actions, Rehabilitation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Probation Violations- The Shadow Justice System and Need For Reform

With three times as many Americans on probation or parole, rather than in prison, it should be understood that this is the the most important place to focus one’s efforts when looking at sentencing guidelines and the costs of prisons. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Help Rhode Island “Ban the Box” Sign This Petition!

It is well established that the path to stability for the formerly incarcerated is through employment, yet studies show that simply asking “Have You Been Convicted of a Felony?” is a major barrier on two levels.  First, it sends a … Continue reading

Posted in Actions, Drug Policy, prison economics, Rehabilitation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments