Senior Editor's Note

by Alex Marbury

December, 2009

MAKE 2010 THE YEAR OF CHANGE!

The RSOL Administrative Team is preparing for a second national conference - this one in Washington, D.C., linked to lobbying for change at the Federal level. Currently proposed dates are June 26-28 - with support groups and getting acquainted on Saturday, workshops and panels on Sunday, including presentations by Congressional staff supportive of reform, and with Monday meetings on Capitol Hill with U.S. Representatives and Senators, and their aides, to press for commitment to reform. The site has yet to be pinned down, but we have already found appropriate venues, and must simply decide which is the best one. We aim for at least 100 - 150, RSOL people from around the country. Begin now to plan for this.

WATCH FOR FURTHER DETAILS!

The Holiday season is actually more difficult for anyone in prison, on parole - or on the terrible Registry of Shame which the US has chosen for many people who deserve nothing more than to be allowed to get on with their lives. But it is still a wondrous time of year - a time of renewed hope, especially for a New Year with better things for all of us. That is what our focus should be in RSOL - 2010 must be the year for reform and change. In some states, reform has already begun, thanks to reform activists. In other states, the steam roller of the sex offender panic is still rolling over the lives of its victims - including innocent family members of offenders, falsely accused people, teens and other young people caught in an extreme and unfair reaction to ordinary youthful misjudgments. Whatever is happening, though, we must have hope - and we must continue to work hard for reform - to relieve the burden on nearly a million offenders and millions more in their families.

Sandra Pierce, the South Carolina RSOL coordinator, has urged us all to send letters and cards to those whom we know who are still incarcerated! I'd add, let's send also to those on the Registry who suffer under its restrictions and public shaming.

This is even better in the New Year, than had we done it earlier - the New Year brings renewed spirit! Reach out to those you know in our community, and share some hope!

America is not only a place of repression - it has always been the land of hope and freedom. Let's make our goal for 2010 to bring America back to its better self.

Happy New Year!

Alex Marbury