Organizing to #FreeThemNowCT
This evening, we held our #FreeThemNowCT Call to Action to protect incarcerated people from COVID-19. As we enter the third year of the pandemic, Connecticut remains without a legitimate, comprehensive, or transparent plan to manage COVID-19 in the Department of Corrections. To date, more than 90% of people detained in jails and prisons in the state have tested positive for COVID-19. We’re introducing a bill this session to develop a comprehensive and transparent pandemic response plan for COVID-19, and any future public health crises.
During the meeting, we provided an overview of our #FreeThemNowCT Campaign, shared a template for submitting public testimony, and provided other ways to take collective action. To support our #FreeThemNowCT campaign, take our quick online action here to demand Governor Lamont and state legislators protect incarcerated people from COVID-19.
If you’re interested in submitting testimony, reach out to Yonah at yonah@katalcenter.org. To get involved in our #FreeThemNowCT Campaign, reach out to Kenyatta at kenyatta@katalcenter.org and take immediate online action here.
Health Care in the DOC
On Monday, our member Liv testified before the Public Health Committee in support of SB 448: An Act Concerning the Delivery of Health Care and Mental Health Care Services to Incarcerated People in Correctional Institutions.
Liv talked about how health care is an absolute human right and the state must provide quality health care – that includes dental and mental health care services – to all incarcerated people in Connecticut. As we are still in the midst of the COVID-19, it is unacceptable to delay health care any longer. Lawmakers must pass SB 448 with our recommended amendments this legislative session. Read Liv’s full testimony here.
Katal thanks the YWCA Greater Hartford Region for convening the Regulate Health Care in the DOC Coalition. For more information on the bill and ways to take action with the Coalition, click here.
We’re hiring – CT Community Organizer Position
We’re hiring for a community organizer in Connecticut. This is a great opportunity for organizers who want to join a steller organizing team focused on building collective power, advancing racial justice, and developing the leadership of neighborhood residents.
Click here to apply for the Connecticut Community Organizer Position!
This position will work to build campaigns to end mass incarceration, mass criminalization, and the war on drugs in Connecticut. Please share this posting in your networks or with anyone you think may be interested. Details about the position, including salary range and how to apply, are here!
Katal Quotes of the Week
These are some of the quotes we’re thinking about this week.
“On the one hand, I have endured, and on the other hand, I have changed. I can remember swearing when I was young that I would not change, because if I changed, I’d betray the revolution. As I’ve grown older, I’ve understood that I should change, and that changing is more honorable than not changing.” – Grace Lee Boggs
“To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest.” ― Pema Chödrön
Sign up for the Katal New York Update
Interested to receive updates about our work in New York? Click here to sign up for the Katal New York Update!
For printing and distribution, Katal Weekly Update PDF version.
Katal works to strengthen the people, policies, institutions, and movements that advance health, equity, and justice for everyone. Join us: web, Twitter, Facebook! Email: info@katalcenter.org. Phone: 646.875.8822.
