FAMM is having a “Watch Party Week” 10/15-10/19, and challenging people to host a few friends and family members to watch the film at their home. Post it on social media – live tweet, Facebook live, etc. – so as many people get exposed to the powerful message behind the film as possible! FAMM will have graphics and tool kits available for those who host a party!
Here is a link to the trailer for the documentary:
FAMM launches groundbreaking campaign to organize families of the incarcerated in Pennsylvania
Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org
FAMM LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING CAMPAIGN TO ORGANIZE FAMILIES OF THE INCARCERATED IN PENNSYLVANIA
National advocacy group makes key hires in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh to build grassroots momentum for criminal justice reform
WASHINGTON – FAMM, a national criminal justice reform organization, today announced it has hired two state-based organizers who will anchor the group’s groundbreaking efforts to identify, engage, and mobilize families affected by broken criminal justice policies in Pennsylvania. Long-time organizers Celeste Trusty and Evans Moore will lead the organizing programs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, respectively, where they will build grassroots support for transforming the system over the long term.
“For more than a decade, FAMM has helped make progress on criminal justice reform in Pennsylvania – beating back the reinstatement of mandatory minimums and advocating for the early release of sick and elderly prisoners. The key factor in our victories has always been our ability to elevate the voices of real people harmed by bad policies,” said FAMM President Kevin Ring. “Now, we’re doubling down on our work with families and focusing our resources on empowering individuals who know firsthand the stakes and the consequences to help improve our justice system.”
FAMM is committed to changing the nation’s sentencing and prison policies through engagement, education, and advocacy. Since its founding, FAMM has worked to reform counterproductive policies by showing how they affect real people. Since 1991, FAMM and its partners have helped enact dozens of federal and state reforms, which have allowed families to stay together while keeping the public safe. Despite this progress, the United States remains the world’s largest jailer.
Over the next few years, FAMM will work to build and mobilize even more affected families and individuals, using proven best practices in grassroots organizing, targeted volunteer recruitment and mobilization, and the latest online engagement strategies.
“We could not have chosen a better state to mobilize families,” said Tanesha Williams, FAMM’s national director of organizing and community building. “Pennsylvania has the highest incarceration rate of any northeastern state, but its leaders in recent years have shown an interest in adopting the type of smart reforms that could make it a leader in criminal justice reform.”
Celeste Trusty, FAMM’s new regional organizer in Philadelphia, is long-time advocate for justice reform in Pennsylvania, organizing support networks and resources for the incarcerated, returning citizens, and their loved ones. She holds a degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice from Arizona State University, a graduate certificate in Forensic Criminology from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and a Master of Liberal Arts.
Evans Moore, FAMM’s new regional organizer in Pittsburgh, brings over 17 years of experience in grassroots community organizing, leadership development and policy advocacy to the team. While working at the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network, Moore was named to the New Pittsburgh Courier’s “Top 40 Under 40” professionals.
For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies in 6 states and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.
###
FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.
1100 H Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20005 | 202-822-6700
Comments