It is no secret that our prison system is fundamentally flawed. Yesterday, prison inmates in 17 states banded together and went on strike until their list of 10 demands is met. These demands include improved prison conditions, increased funding for rehabilitation services, an end to imposed labor that is effectively unpaid, and retaining the right to vote even if you have been convicted of a felony. Prisoners involved in this strike are in an extremely vulnerable position, and will likely receive punishment for engaging in peaceful protests such as sit-ins, boycotts and hunger strikes. Let’s support them by calling national attention to the issue and asking our representatives to support their demands.
Action: Support the Prison Strike’s Demands
Remember to log your calls here: https://goo.gl/forms/lbHUvI9h58f0dLqx1
Sen. Patty Murray: (202) 224-2621, (206) 553-5545
Sen. Maria Cantwell: (202) 224-3441, (206) 220-6400
Rep. Pramila Jayapal: (202) 225-3106, (206) 674-0040
Rep. Adam Smith: (202) 225-8901, (425) 793-5180
Script:
“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am calling from [ZIP] regarding the prison strike that began yesterday. Prisoners have banded together to peacefully protest mistreatment and have put forth a list of reasonable demands that include improved prison conditions, increased funding for rehabilitation services, and an end to imposed labor that is effectively unpaid. Does [Representative] support these demands? I would like [her/him] to do whatever [she/he] can to support the prisoners’ demands, starting by making a public statement. Thank you.”
Background:
- Quick Summary: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/aug/20/prison-labor-protest-america-jailhouse-lawyers-speak
- In-depth discussion of the historical context of this strike: https://www.vox.com/2018/8/21/17721874/national-prison-strike-2018-13th-amendment-attica
- List of demands: https://twitter.com/JailLawSpeak
Upcoming Events
Canvas on Saturday, and Join us for the Unite for Justice rally on Sunday
Unite For Justice
Westlake Park
Sunday, Aug 26, Noon
Join us on August 26th as we hold a national day of action in all 50 states to fight Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and demand that our representatives in Washington act NOW to protect our most fundamental rights and freedoms. Roe v. Wade, voting rights, workers’ rights, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, and much more are all in grave danger if this Supreme Court nominee is confirmed. With so much at stake, we cannot back down: https://www.facebook.com/events/1895948687157136/
Seattle Indivisible is co-sponsoring this event with Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii, Seattle Clinic Defense, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, and FUSE Washington. Please help make this a large and successful event.
TAKE THE HOUSE by Flipping the 8th District
All of these weekend canvasses are within 25 miles of Seattle
Saturday, August 25
Federal Way
10:30-2:30
32123 1st Ave S Ste A1
Federal Way, WA 98003
https://www.wa-democrats.org/ngpvanforms/14009
Covington
11-3
Covington Library
27100 164th Ave SE
Kent, WA 98042
https://www.wa-democrats.org/ngpvanforms/13934
ROAD TRIP!
Canvas for Lisa Brown in the 5th
(and knock out Cathy McMorris Rogers)
August 25, 2018 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Spokane Field Office, 1507 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
https://secure.ngpvan.com/1jBbh_3s2UOGrgQzzpEI8g2
August 25, 2018 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Medical Lake Public Library, 321 E HERB St, Medical Lake, WA 99022
https://secure.ngpvan.com/U5Ooh8OdU0q-e5VhmJgOXA2
Pullman
August 25, 2018 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
https://secure.ngpvan.com/BDl1BRy3_UihGfX9rsLodg2
August 25, 2018 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
My Fresh Basket, 1030 W Summit Pkwy, Spokane, WA 99201
https://secure.ngpvan.com/QSqGOG-27keHLIw_ZmqibA2
August 25, 2018 2:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Pioneer Park, 940 E Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362
https://secure.ngpvan.com/zrw2N6c4_0mRfSA03VQpBQ2
Canvas for Carolyn Long in the 3rd
(and knock out Jaime Herrera Beutler)
August 25, 10-1 or 1-4
2114 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbDytgIJL3FnXlMsWuPPUEWL08UILTs0pJFMig1CqWELjayg/viewform
