CALL TO ACTION: Help Us Close Youth Prison In The Next 35 Days!

Dear Friends,

We have BIG NEWS and we need BIG HELP! On September 26th - just 35 days from today - the new head of California’s eight youth prisons may close the most brutal facility: Chad. By acting now you can help ensure that Chad is closed!

WHAT HAPPENED:
California’s abusive and costly youth prison system just got a new director: Bernard Warner. During his first few days, Chief Warner learned about just how bad things are at Chad. Last year, two young people died in Chad. Chad guards were caught on tape beating two other youth. Expert reports revealed youth in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day. This year, Chad’s high school lost it accreditation. The superintendent was removed from his job for excessive force. And the state Inspector General called Chad extremely dangerous and unsafe for both youth and staff.

THINGS LOOK PROMISING:
After just 12 days on the job – Chief Warner ordered his staff to stop accepting new youth at the "Chad" youth prison. That means no more youth will be sent into Chad. This is a huge first step toward closing the prison down! Chief Warner also told his staff they have 45 days - by September 26th - to report back to him with recommendations on the future use, if any, of the prison. Families and youth have been desperately urging decision makers to take this kind of action for years. Now is our chance to make sure they close the Chad youth prison for good!

1. Sign Our Letter:
   Chief Warner needs to know that people across the state support his decision to take action and want to see the facility closed. Now is the time to show your support for the young people in Chad and to urge for it to be closed down. Click here to read the letter, add your name, and forward it to your friends!
   
   
2. Call the Governor:
   Governor Schwarzenegger needs to hear from you. Call the Governor today to tell him to close Chad. Tell him closing Chad is the only way to ensure that no more young people will be exposed to outrageous levels of violence, abuse, and neglect. Call 916-445-2841, then press 5 to express your opinion (you will be on hold for a while - please be patient).
   
   
3. Rally:
   On September 5th, Labor Day, we will be gathering in Stockton for "No More Lost Lives" – a mass memorial to mark one year since the passing of Dyron Bewer in Chad. Dyron was the fourth young person to die in California’s youth prisons last year (the second one in Chad). We are joining together to make sure these young lives are not lost in vain. "No More Lost Lives" will be from 12 PM to 3 PM in Stockton. Check our website for details and how to get involved. Please wear all white.
   
   
4. Honor:
   On September 22nd, please join Books Not Bars and Van Jones for, "Spirit of Freedom: Honoring the Families of Incarcerated Children." This event will be from 7 to 9 PM at the First Congregational Church in Oakland. We will honor the struggle and success of the families of young people locked up in California's abusive and costly youth prisons. This is a rare opportunity to hear from families and honor their strength to fight for a new juvenile justice system. Bring your family and friends. We hope to see you there!
   
   
5. Donate:
   Now is the time we really need your support, we can’t win this campaign without donations to keep our work going strong. Click here to contribute today!