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June 2023 E-Newsletter
Quest for Democracy was a Success!

The 11th Annual Quest for Democracy event organized by Legal Services for Prisoners and All of Us or None was a transformative experience, leaving a lasting impact on many lives and advancing the collective movement for liberation. The event featured a powerful program and provided organizations across the state with resource tables. Advocating for a robust policy platform, the event highlighted 12 pieces of legislation addressing the needs of communities and people. The program included inspiring speeches from prominent legislators, such as Assemblymembers Matt Haney, Tina McKinnor, Mia Bonta, and Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, as well as Senator Dave Cortese and Kapri Walker representing Senator Nancy Skinner's office. A significant highlight was the energetic march to the legislative offices near the Sacramento Capitol, where hundreds of survivors, activists, allies, and formerly incarcerated leaders raised their voices, chanting slogans like "WHOSE HOUSE? OUR HOUSE!" and "ALL OF US!!! OR NONE!!" Banners with powerful messages like "INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE IS SLAVERY" added to the impactful visual display.

Despite the scorching heat, the community marched together, demonstrating their passion and determination. Participants had the opportunity to engage in legislative visits and those not involved in such visits attended a public screening of "The 13th Amendment" documentary, emphasizing the Abolish Bondage Collectively campaign. The documentary shed light on the struggle against slavery and involuntary servitude, particularly the "exception" clause present in the California Constitution. The event also highlighted the legacy of Dorsey Nunn, a fearless leader who has been advocating for criminal justice reform for decades. Legislative visits allowed community members to share their personal experiences, enlightening the legislative offices and fostering empathy. These stories, like that of Michael, a formerly incarcerated individual navigating life after spending 24 years in prison, underscored the need for reform and offered a glimpse into the reality faced by many. The event instilled hope and a renewed sense of purpose in the fight for justice. As the struggle continues, the community remains committed to bringing all individuals home and working tirelessly until liberation is achieved.

Photos by Scott Braley
Check to view more photos from Q4D
 
AOUON in the Community

Below are some of the AOUON outreach efforts in May. If you would like to get involved in future AOUON organizing and advocating for our community contact AOUON Outreach Coordinator John Cannon: john@prisonerswithchildren.org / 415.625.7045

Rights, Labor, and the Prison a Conversation with Attorneys Paul Comiskey and Michael Snedeker
 

On May 17, 2023, an engaging panel convened to reflect upon the significant period spanning a quarter century from the Attica uprising to the enactment of The Prison Litigation Reform Act. This period was marked by pivotal legal and political battles both within and beyond prison walls. Attorneys Paul Comiskey and Michael Snedeker led the discussions, delving into the events that unfolded and extracting valuable lessons that can inform our present-day context. The panel aimed to explore the profound implications of this era and contemplate their relevance in contemporary society.
 
Department of Justice Re-Entry Round Table

AOUON staff attended on May 17, 2023. The purpose of the gathering was to take action in verifying all links pertaining to Criminal History, Expungement Avenues, and Senate Bills 11105, 731, and 1793. To ensure continuous engagement, it was determined that quarterly attendance is required. The upcoming meeting is scheduled for August 16th, from 10am to 11am, and it will focus on the presentation from the Office of Violence Prevention.
Mother's Day Brunch

May 14, 2023

AOUON Sacramento Chapter joined The Araminta Ross Foundation for the their Mother's Day Brunch. The brunch celebrated formerly incarcerated mothers. The Araminta Ross Foundation is an Oakland non-profit organization that raises funds to provide bail support and legal assistance to mothers, allowing them to be reunited with their families while awaiting trial. 
Thriving Transitions
 

On May 6, 2023, LSPC Policy Fellow Alissa Moore participated as a panelist at the National Anti-Hunger Conference, where she was invited by the Food Research & Action Center. The panel discussion focused on various topics related to addressing hunger issues in the United States. One of the key areas of focus was the need for immediate action regarding SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Moore emphasized the importance of passing H.R. 3037/S.1336, known as the "Closing the Meal Gap" bill, which aims to boost the minimum allotment of CalFresh (California's SNAP program) and improve equitable access to the program in all US territories. Additionally, Moore advocated for H.R. 1510, which seeks to address the issue of inequitable access to CalFresh among students, tribes, and other vulnerable populations.

LSPC made a valuable contribution to the conference by bringing the perspective of formerly incarcerated individuals and highlighting the specific challenges faced by re-entering populations regarding access to CalFresh. Their insights shed light on the systemic barriers and discriminatory policies that perpetuate food insecurity and inequality. By sharing real-life examples, LSPC effectively advocated for policy changes to address these issues and ensure a more inclusive and just anti-hunger agenda.
 
All of Us or None
Community Outreach

Want to get involved in AOUON organizing and advocating for our community? 

Contact AOUON Outreach Coordinator John Cannon: john@prisonerswithchildren.org / 415.625.7045 
AOUON Inside

Have a family member inside? 
Let them know they can contact us for any self-help legal information, sign up to receive the All of Us or None monthly newspaper, or become an AOUON Inside Member by contacting In-Custody Program Coordinator Jesse Burleson at jesse@prisonerswithchildren.org

Or write to: 
 
AOUON Inside Membership 
4400 Market Street 
Oakland, CA 94608 
 
AOUON National Newspaper!

The AOUON Newspaper is a print publication sent to our members who are currently incarcerated. Digital versions of all the issues are available on our website here! 
 
The AOUON Newspaper, which comes out monthly, is a platform to amplify the voices and stories of our members.

If you’re interested in sharing a personal story—be it of triumph or hardship—please get in touch with the newspaper editor TaSin Sabir at tasin@prisonerswithchildren.org. 
 
AOUON National Chapters

Want to get involved in other communities across the country? Contact one of the many AOUON chapters:
 
Don’t see an AOUON chapter near you? Contact AOUON National Organizer Oscar Flores to start one: oscar@prisonerswithchildren.org / 415.625.7048 
AOUON National Chapters
 
Calendar
SAVE THE DATE - October 12, 2023
LSPC 45th Anniversary Gala
 

Legal Services for Prisoners with Children invites you to our 45th Anniversary and All of Us None's 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Continuing the Legacy: Embracing Change and Building for the Future

Paying tribute to: Dorsey Nunn & Hamdiya Cooks-Abdullah 

Thursday, October 12, 2023
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm 

BLOC15
252 2nd Street
Oakland CA, 94607
 
Tickets and more info
 
AOUON – Oakland Meeting
(Online & In-Person)
 

When:
6:30 P.M., Feb 16, 2023 (3rd Thursday of every month) 

Where:
Online on Zoom: bit.ly/AOUONGeneralMeeting
In-Person at the Freedom & Movement Center:
4400 Market St., Oakland, CA 94608
 
All people and family members directly impacted by the criminal justice system are invited to join All of Us or None at our monthly meeting the 3rd Thursday of each month online or in Oakland, CA. We discuss local and state legislation, plan community events, and strategize how to advocate for our community in our own voices.  
 
For more information contact John Cannon: john@prisonerswithchildren.org / 415.625.7045
 
DONATE

Legal Services for Prisoners with Children

4400 Market Street
Oakland, CA 94608


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