CORI Reform - We need your help!

Dear Friends,

This is a note from one of our Burgess Urban Fund Grantees. Please take a moment to read and take action!

Nearly 1.5 million Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) reports are issued each year, these reports are notoriously flawed and difficult to interpret. CORIs display all court arraignments--regardless of the eventual outcome of the case--and in effect, turn all criminal histories into "life sentences". These misleading reports can keep a Massachusetts citizen securing employment, housing, loans, insurance, and entrance to college.

Just 5 minutes of your day could help thousands of men and women attain opportunities for a stable life. Please take a moment to make a call

Best,
Katie

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Dear Friends,

Last fall the Senate passed the CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) reform bill by a vote of 28-12. Now, we have just a few weeks to get it through the House of Representatives, and onto Governor Patrick's desk! Speaker DeLeo says he wants to do this soon, but time is running out.

PLEASE call your State Representative TODAY and ask her or him to tell Speaker DeLeo that s/he would like to vote on the CORI Reform bill H.3523 right away!

To find out who your Rep. is, go to www.wheredoIvotema.com and type in your address.

Your Rep's name will be next to where it says: "REP IN GENERAL COURT".
Click on the Rep's name, and it will take you to a page with her or his phone number.


Here is a script to help you make your call:
(Chances are you will speak to an aide not the Representative)

Hello Representative .…..’s office.

I live your name and address and I am calling to ask my Representative to ask Speaker DeLeo to bring up H.3523, the CORI Reform Bill for a vote as soon as possible.

Thank you.

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If we don't do it now, the moment will pass, and we're looking at a very long road ahead. Please help today!!

For questions please call:
Steve O'Neill
Ex-prisoners and Prisoners Organizing for Community Advancement
(508) 410-7676

Upcoming Events

How Faith Communities Can Help End Homelessness: A New Vision

Sunday, February 28, 2010, 3:00-5:00 PM

First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Rd., Concord

Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Liz Walker

Guest Speakers:

Liz Curtis, Executive Director, Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness

Mary Doyle, Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership

State Legislators

Sponsors: Advocacy Network to End Family Homelessness and Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries.

Co-sponsors: Episcopal City Mission and UU Mass Action Network

To learn more visit: www.coopmet.org

Courage to Lead: a Retreat Day for People Engaged in Urban Ministry

Friday, April 30, 2010

Boston Nature Center, Mattapan, MA

Courage and Renewal Northeast

Is your work an expression of your deepest value that touches your soul that requires you to bring all of yourself to it?

Are you seeking space and time to access more of your inner resources, so you can be more present to the challenges of those to whom you minister or serve?

Do you feel compelled to step back and reflect, in order to move forward in your work with greater clarity?

Do these difficult times require you to be more present and attentive to the deepest values of your faith, your ministry, or your social justice work?

Where: Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, MA

Cost: $60, which includes continental breakfast, delicious lunch, and all materials.

Scholarships are available.

To learn more: Contact Sharlene Cochrane at 617-349-8477 cochrane@lesley.edu or

Donna Bivens, donnabivens@gmail.com.