August 1st: International Day of Action for the CA Prison Hunger Strikers. yes, some are dying

ALL FOR AN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PROTEST AND SOLIDARITY WITH THE PRISON HUNGER STRIKERS

In support and respect for the courageous prisoners at Pelican Bay State Prison and other prisons all around California, whose July 2011 hunger strike challenged the inhumane conditions of the Security Housing Units <“the SHU”> and inspired the support of people far and wide – we now call on people of conscience everywhere across the U.S. and beyond, to join in an International Day of Protest and Solidarity with the Prison Hunger Strikers on Monday, August 1, 2011.

The Hunger Strikers achieved real success: the conditions of systematic abuse and torture in the SHU – and widespread thru the prison system –were dragged into the light of day. Their original “five core demands” have now been acknowledged – although not yet met — by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), which promised to consider them. On Monday, August 1 many diverse people and organizations will publicly speak out and act in support of these demands. Prisoners must gain the human rights and civil rights demanded by their very humanity – and by ours outside the prison walls too, wherever we may be.

We insist there must be NO RETALIATION by the authorities against individual prisoners, groups of prisoners, prisoners’ family members or attorneys or other advocates, in the wake of the Hunger Strike. (And we will be paying attention.)

Let us show on August 1 that the prisoners do not stand alone, through our demonstrations, rallies, religious services, fasts, call-the-governor-days, art and music, taking to the airwaves thru talk show and other call-ins, and many other public, visual, and creative expressions.

http://prisonerhungerstrikesolidarity.wordpress.com/take-action/demonstrations-actions-events-in-the-us-canada/

Write & Call Governor Jerry Brown and your elected officials and urge them to pressure the CDCR to negotiate with the prisoners and honor their demands!:

Governor Jerry Brown
State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-2841

Look up your State legislators’ contact info here!

Sample Script for Phone Calls:

“Hi my name is _________ and I live your district. I’m calling about the statewide prisoner hunger strike that began at Pelican Bay. I support the prisoners & their reasonable “five core demands.” I am alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating medical conditions of the hunger strikers & the inaction of the CDCR. I urge you to visit the hunger strikers, and make sure the CDCR negotiates with the prisoners and the outside mediation team the prisoners have approved, immediately & in good faith, before prisoners are force-fed or even die. Thank you.”


Support the hunger strikers by contacting the CDCR & your representatives and urge them to negotiate with the prisoners and honor their 5 demands!

Make Calls and Write Letters to:

Secretary Matthew Cate
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
1515 S Street
Sacramento 95814
Phone: (916) 323-6001

CDCR Public Affairs Office: (916)445-4950

Sample Script for Phone Calls:

“Hi my name is _________ . I’m calling about the statewide prisoner hunger strike that began at Pelican Bay. I support the prisoners & their reasonable “five core demands.” I am alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating medical conditions of the hunger strikers & the inaction of the CDCR. I urge you to make sure the CDCR negotiates with the prisoners and the outside mediation team the prisoners have approved, immediately & in good faith, before prisoners are force-fed or even die. Thank you.”


*** Sign the online petition ****

http://www.change.org/petitions/support-pelican-bay-shu-prisoners-five-core-demands-hunger-strike

Sacramento

Tues, August 23rd: Legislative Hearing on Torture & the SHU at Pelican Bay. Committee Chair Tom Ammiano scheduled this hearing at the request of the Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity Coalition. The legislative committee will hear testimony from speakers called by both sides. There will also be a comment period when family members and others can speak. The coalition urges everyone concerned about the torturous conditions in California’s prisons to attend this hearing. People will be coordinating transportation from all over California. We are still in the planning stages, but know already that we want a huge turn-out. Perhaps there will also be a rally, march, etc. More information coming soon! Please stay tuned. For more information, email prisonerhungerstrikesolidarity@gmail.com or call: 510. 444.0484.