Family Network Retreat
Amid the breathtaking mountains and gorgeous greenery of Santa Barbara, California, during the weekend of June 13 through June 15, LSPC sponsored a retreat for families deeply affected by the devastating California prison system. Twelve people from Los Angeles, Pasadena, and San Francisco found the comfort to voice painful feelings and discover common bonds, accomplishments that not only led to healing and emotional rapport but also opened up greater possibilities for political mobilization.
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Family Network Retreat
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In response to the shocking deaths of 8 female prisoners in nine short weeks, LSPC began the retreats three years ago. According to Donna Willmott, one of the LSPC staff members facilitating, the suffering of loved ones affects these families to such a degree that "people came to understand very quickly how much they have in common." Although their specific concerns varied, they quickly developed "deep feelings of solidarity with one another." This development of an emotionally supportive network was only one aspect of the retreat. According to Maisha Quint, another staff facilitator, another goal was to "nurture leadership of family members." The group participated in media and legislative trainings led by members. The group has continued to focus on the perpetual problem of inadequate medical care in California prisons as well as Davis' "No Parole" policy and other distressing injustices.
The retreats make many efforts to tap into the multifold expertise of the participants while also emphasizing how much can be achieved with "more people on your team." Individual participants have attended legislative hearings held by the Women's Caucus of the State Legislature, been panelists for conferences on Criminal Justice, and spoken out about the lack of medical care in prisons, Governor Davis' "No Parole" policy, and strict visiting regulations. They have given several press interviews, which have led to feature articles in People and Glamour. Co-facilitator and former prisoner Susan Burton was named one of the most important women leaders in the 21st century by Women's E-News and earned an Unsung Hero's Award by KCET and Washington Mutual Bank. These exceptional individuals share their knowledge and experience during the retreat; for example, one afternoon, former prisoner Gloria Killian led a workshop on writing parole letters.
At the end of the retreat, one of the members said, "now, I know we can do something." Many participants share similar sentiments at the conclusion of the retreat, having developed an empowering sense of the greater movement for prisoner's rights. Another participant revealed that "the retreat makes me realize (that) we are not the only family in California who is going through this tragedy, (that) there are more people…suffering (from) the same situation, and we need to stay in touch to support each other."
