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CARE NOT CAGES
Alternatives to incarceration
Purpose
On May 30th, #carenotcages aimed to tackle the challenging issue of mass incarceration, acknowledging its far-reaching consequences on individuals, families, and communities. We fucused on the need for a multifaceted approach to break the cycle, addressing the underlying causes of negative behavior and providing support to those affected by the justice system.
By adopting this comprehensive approach, #carenotcages sought to promote a fairer and more equitable society. Attendees were encouraged to participate in the conversation led by two inspiring educational leaders, who had experienced incarceration firsthand, shared their stories and showcased how education and personal growth can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Speakers
Our speakers Professor Martin Leyva and Dr. Alberto "Beto" Vasquez emphasize the significance of faith, community, education, and investing in reentry as powerful tools against mass incarceration.
They highlight the value of these pillars in addressing and combating the challenges associated with the current criminal justice system.
Panel
Led by Maria Elena Greeman-Lynde, our expert panel featured four college students who had previously experienced incarceration but were now on a journey towards academic achievement.
Cynthia Murillo, Cesar Quijano, Manny Rodriguez, and Leonard Sambrano, each with their own compelling stories, collectively spent more than 58 years in prison.
They openly discussed their lived experiences, presented data-driven solutions, and fearlessly tackled challenging questions from the audience, fostering unity rather than division.
Audience
Our event brought together a diverse audience comprising legal, law, education, community, system-impacted youth, and faith leaders.
The aim was to collectively discuss the factors contributing to mass incarceration and work towards finding solutions. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, we sought to address this pressing issue together.
Outcome
#carenotcages united a diverse group of over 300 participants, encompassing community leaders, students, professors, advocates, change-makers, and CEOs. Through engaging and meaningful discussions, our objective was to confront the challenges posed by the current system and seek innovative solutions.
The outcome underscored the recognition that policy and policing practices are inherently racist and prejudiced against people of color, pinpointing them as the root of the problem. Additionally, the event emphasized the existence of alternatives to mass incarceration and the collective desire for change in our society.
We extend our profound gratitude to all our sponsors for their invaluable support in making our mass incarceration event a resounding success. Your contributions have enabled us to create a platform for meaningful dialogue and drive positive change. We are immensely grateful for your partnership and commitment to addressing this critical issue.
Thank you!
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers, esteemed guests, inspiring speakers, valued partners, and generous sponsors. Your time, trust, and dedication were instrumental in making our event a true success. We deeply appreciate your unwavering support in contributing to our cause and creating a meaningful impact.
We express our appreciation to the USD Campus and the Toreros Urban Scholars team for their dedication and their generous support in hosting our event on their premises. Their partnership and assistance played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our gathering.