PRISON REFORM PROGRAM: A lengthy study was conducted of the American Criminal justice system, and at conclusion it was decided the system is broken.  Too often it perpetuates inequality rather than ensuring justice. We resolved there are many problems besetting the system which need to be addressed.  The United States has the highest rate of incarceration, over 2 million, more than any other country.  Members of the committee have drafted a resolution, establishing a Citizens Oversight Commission, and are seeking Arizona State Legislators to sponsor a bill for the Legislature to enact.  A number of other issues, such as removal of statutory sentencing, establishing adequate medical and dental care, the abolition of corporate prisons, reform of Indigent Defense, are being addressed.

Richard Bondon

623.875.1045

reb195@cox.net

UNIVERSAL HEALTH PROGRAM: A local chapter of the Physicians for a National Health Program has been established with the help of some UUs.  It is planned to initiate a state-wide petition at the end of the year to establish, by ballot, the establishment of a state Single Payer Health Program  This will require many people to ask for signatures.  It is hopefully anticipated that  many of our menbers will rise to the occasion. 

Mike Michaels

42.566.2196

Mikemichaels20@msn.com

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:  We are continuing to study domestic violence prevention measures needed in the WEST VALLEY.  Eve's Place, conceived in the Social Justice Committee, is now fully and successfully operating on its own.

Ray Prendergast, Past Chair

Global Warming Energy Tips: Save money, save our planet!

Our committee studies evident social justice issues in the local and State communities, and develops action plans to try to alleviate these problems.  In addition, our activities are further guided by national and international study action issues identified yearly by the national Unitarian Universalist Social Witness Committee.    Current study and action activities include:

CLIMATE CHANGE:   We are planning a county-wide ENERGY SUMMIT TO BE HELD AT OUR CHURCH ON OCTOBER 27, 2007 AT 3 PM.  Our goal is to provide an opportunity for all the various community groups to present a very short overview of what they are doing in the energy area.  We hope this process will increase awareness and communication among all groups, alert groups to what various activities are being pursued, and to cooperate as needed.  

We have developed two PAMPHLETS ON ENERGY TIPS for all citizens to use as they participate in this crucial world-wide climate change effort. These pamphlets are free and available to all.  The first pamphlet is three pages long and lists specific activities people can adopt.  The second pamphlet is 14 pages long, illustrates money saved estimates when using the various conservation activities.  With this longer list, we hope to initiate a study to record how much money each participant saved in a year while using various conservation activities.  

We are developing a TREE  PLANTING PROGRAM to help reduce global warming.  Since trees are a significant absorber of carbon dioxide on the earth, everyone should plant a tree appropriate for the area where they live.   

DRUG POLICY REFORM:  We are concerned by the overflowing prison population in Arizona that cannot be housed adequately. This ever increasing number is creating a back breaking prison building financial burden on the taxpayers of Arizona.  A more effective, humane and less expensive solution, practiced already very successfully in many other states, is to encourage treatment, instead of incarceration.