Justice For Families Rally & Press Conference

Our campaign to reform California's juvenile justice system is making progress in
Sacramento. The California Legislature is currently considering two groundbreaking
bills that would make it easier for families impacted by imprisonment to stay
together -- now it's up to us to make sure our elected officials do the right thing.
On Monday, March 10th, we're holding a rally and press conference to show our
representatives that we care about all of California's families. Can you join us?
Lunch will be provided, and we can arrange transportation from the Bay Area if we
know you're coming. Click here to RSVP:
http://www.ellabakercenter.org/page.php?pageid=74&contentid=399

WHAT: Justice For Families Rally & Press Conference
WHEN: Monday, March 10, 2008
9:30 AM
WHERE: State Capitol Building, Sacramento

RSVP Now:
http://www.ellabakercenter.org/page.php?pageid=74&contentid=399

This event will demonstrate support for the Family Communications and Rehabilitation
Act (SB 1250), sponsored by Senator Leland Yee. The bill -- which Books Not Bars
helped draft -- seeks to reduce the barriers to communication between imprisoned
youth and their families by reducing the costs to call home, allowing communication
in native languages, and helping families visit their kids. We'll also highlight the
Keeping Families Whole Act (AB 2070-Bass), which will help families stay together
when a parent is incarcerated.

The rally will begin with an address by Senator Yee at 9:30 am, followed by a brief
theatrical piece about the plight of families who've been torn apart by our broken
justice system -- from parents struggling to communicate with their children behind
bars, to children who lose parents to the prison system. Families for Books Not Bars
members will then share their personal stories with rally-goers and the press.
Finally, supporters will have the chance to participate in lobby visits with their
state legislators to discuss how these two bills add up to healthier families and
safer streets. It promises to be an eventful day, and we hope you can join us.
Click here:
http://www.ellabakercenter.org/page.php?pageid=74&contentid=399

The Justice For Families rally is spearheaded by Books Not Bars, and co-hosted by
AFFIRM, Center for Young Women's Development, Justice Now, Legal Services for
Prisoners with Children, Time for Change Foundation, and Women & Criminal Justice.

I hope to see you there.

Justice for families,

Zachary Norris
Ella Baker Center for Human Rights

* * * * *
* The Ella Baker Center can't survive without the support of people like you. Please
take a moment to support us today: http://www.ellabakercenter.org/donate