Criminal Justice Reform Summit
A diverse range of community organizations and individuals who are concerned about our ineffective and unjust criminal justice system are
planning a summit for grassroots organizations and the general public
on November 10-11, 2001 at Seattle University. Contact information as well as the Goals of the Summit and Mission Statement are listed below.
More information about the Summit and the participating organizations is on our website
http://www.reformnetwork.org
Creating a new model.
Twenty years ago, Washington State and the rest of the country moved from a criminal justice system based on "rehabilitation" to
"punishment." Its time to undo this failed social experiment which has destroyed lives, families and communities and has diverted significant
financial resources from our communities. The failed "War on Drugs" is just one example of how our society has gone too far with the
"punishment" model.
We believe there are more effective and humane ways to deal with our complex social issues. One of the many examples of a new model is the
reallocation of funds from incarceration to community support programs (treatment, counseling, literacy and education, job training, etc.)
which assists people in participating in our society rather than making it more
difficult.
A growing and diverse movement.
Those involved in criminal justice reform are well aware of the growing strength and momentum of this movement. Organizations involved in
labor, education, faith, economic development, mental and community
health, and other social services are coming together due to the negative impact the current criminal justice system has on their
ability to serve their communities.
Our politicians have acknowledged they are unable to lead this new reform effort due to the fear of being labeled soft on crime. They
have confirmed that our community organizations must push this agenda
forward. The intense relationship-building in Washington State is an indication of the significant change that lies ahead.
We know that no single individual or organization can independently create the necessary changes. Our broad range of issues and cultures
will allow us to learn about the many problems and solutions which are
necessary to move beyond piecemeal and incremental problem-solving.
Mobilizing for change.
The Summit is an opportunity to educate ourselves and the overall community about the impact of the criminal justice system on, and by,
issues such as race, class, poverty reform, immigration policies,
education, economic and voter disenfranchisement, and many other social, political and economic issues.
This project recognizes the importance of creating opportunities for action -- both to make it easier for individuals to get involved and to
identify specific action-oriented campaigns and issues that will continue the momentum after the Summit. The Summit is not an end unto
itself but rather an initial "coming together" that will strengthen existing and new strategic relationships based on common ground and a
respect for each other's missions, needs and cultural richness.
Goals for the Summit.
1. To build bridges between diverse communities who support the humane treatment of all people;
2. To create concrete community organizing and mobilizing strategies;
3. To increase public awareness and activism for undoing racism, classism and other forms of oppression
within the criminal justice system;
4. To increase public awareness through education and activism for reform of the criminal justice system;
5. To build a united criminal justice reform movement in Washington; and
6. To develop statewide and regional networks that will produce
principles of unity, joint strategies and shared resources and skills.
Mission Statement.
We are a network of organizations and communities who seek progressive change in our criminal justice system. We seek an effective response to
over-incarceration, and the disproportionate arrest and incarceration of individuals based on race and class. We seek to create a system guided
by principles based on the humane treatment of all people and a system committed to racial, social and economic justice.
We will work through grassroots mobilization to build a long-term movement to educate the public and influence decision-makers on issues
related to criminal justice reform and the improvement of prison conditions. This network is an inclusive group that rejects prejudice
and discrimination in all its forms, including discrimination based on race, economic status, age, criminal justice status, immigration
status, religion, gender, sexual and/or gender identity, and disability.
Contact information.
Criminal Justice Reform Summit
9594 First Ave NE
PMB 303
Seattle, WA 98115
206-695-3176
Event planning/logistics: Linda Coleman [email protected]
Program planning: Ron Ein [email protected]
Media/public relations/budget: Dan Merkle [email protected]
Volunteer coordination: Annie Smith [email protected]
Website coordination: Ken Vasey [email protected]
Outreach coordinators:
General: Lea Zengage [email protected]
Communities of color/Faith: Cindy Domingo [email protected]
Mental health: Betty Martin [email protected]
Treatment providers: Dan Merkle [email protected]
Labor communities: Jacob Carton [email protected]
Job training: John Littel [email protected]
Criminal justice reform*: Lea Zengage [email protected]
Marijuana reform: Abi Ludwig [email protected]
Legal community: Kay-C Lee [email protected]
Law students: Delaney Miller [email protected]
Higher education: Henry Schwarz [email protected]
Secondary education: Joe Szwaja [email protected]
Native Americans: Frank Reynolds [email protected]
Latino communities: Juan Bocanegra [email protected]
Youth communities: Rick Eberhardt re282u.washington.edu
Homeless youth: Elaine Simons [email protected]
Homeless communities: Bob Siegel [email protected]
Seniors: Will Parry [email protected]
Peace and justice: Fred Miller [email protected]
* includes death penalty, mandatory minimums, police and prosecutor accountability, prison industrial complex, prisoner re-entry, prisoner
support, and family support.
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