In this issue:
Innovations in Participatory Democracy Conference
The Latest on Bail Reform in New York
Katal at Caucus Weekend
Next week, Katal is co-hosting the Innovations in Participatory Democracy Conference in Phoenix, Arizona with a number of partner organizations to explore new ideas to empower community members to directly participate in government. Throughout the three day conference, participants will have an opportunity to learn about and discuss civic engagement around the world. Lorenzo Jones, Katal’s Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, is particularly looking forward to being a part of Thursday’s keynote conversation on real community engagement and big transformation.
You can find out more about the conference here.
the latest on bail reform in new york
Katal’s push for bail reform in New York is heating up! Here’s the latest:
Guide to Bail Reform in New York: The need for bail reform is clear – no one should be detained in jail simply because they cannot afford to purchase their freedom. The governor and legislature are about to start negotiating a reform package; our new guide is designed to help legislators and the general public understand the specific objectives that must be prioritized and achieved to accomplish meaningful bail reform in New York State. Take a look at the guide here.
Katal at Public Events: Imani Brown, Katal’s Organizing Coordinator, was on a panel at Community Service Society this week breaking down for membership and staff why we need bail reform in New York this year (pictured above). To find out about Katal’s other upcoming public education events, you can reach out to Imani at imani@katalcenter.org or 347-450-0181.
(Panelists from Saturday’s workshop on Racial Equity Assessment in Legislation – #REALNYS)
katal at caucus weekend
In February, Katal staff participated in the 47th Annual Legislative Conference hosted by the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators. Katal’s Senior Legal Fellow Sean Hill and Senior Policy Manager Marie Ndiaye both participated in criminal justice reform panels with other allied organizations and elected officials to share their perspectives on bail, speedy trial, and discovery reform.
Imani Brown participated on a panel on Racial Equity Assessments in Legislation (REAL). The push for #REALNYS is one of Katal’s newer initiatives to address institutional racism, in partnership with the National Association of Social Workers – NYC Chapter and NASW-NYS Chapter. For more information, you can check out this fact sheet or get in touch with Mo Farrell at mo@katalcenter.org or 929-352-0151.
