END THE BARS: MAINE PRISONER ADVOCACY FORUM
Sunday January 20th 1-5 p.m.
The Unitarian Universalist Church in Belfast
37 Miller St (Miller and High St.) Belfast

Throughout this past year conditions in Maine’s jails and prisons were exposed through various media outlets. The abuse of inmates, inadequate medical care, and appalling living conditions were some of the issues brought to the public’s attention. Prison officials responded with unfulfilled promises of reform, newly passed media restrictions and retaliation against the inmates who came forward to challenge the systematic violations of their civil and human rights.

Bend the Bars is an upcoming gathering of prison reform activists and concerned citizens throughout the state committed to challenging these conditions and providing necessary support to the incarcerated members of our communities. The forum will focus on possibilities for collaboration and mutual aid with the aim of building a stronger and more unified movement for prisoner advocacy in Maine. Although the forum will focus on existing projects and campaigns all are welcome to attend.

For directions or more information contact (207) 766-8091

David Bidler
Black Bird Legal Collective
blackbirdcolective.blogspot.com

BEND THE BARS: PROGRAM

1 pm—Introductions (a representative from each attending group will introduce the group and provide a layout of their current campaigns and projects)

2 pm—Open discussion on possibilities for collaboration

3 pm—Working Groups (attendees will break off into interest/issue specific working groups. Possible working groups will include: Education, Public Awareness, Prison Conditions/Human Rights, Litigation and Direct Support ( groups that work within jails/prisons))

4 pm—Conclusions—Overview of the any possible collaboration/coalition building efforts that came out of the event. Analysis of the work that is taking place around prison issues in Maine and the aspects that have possibly been ignored. Plan for future events/meetings.