As we prepare to turn the calendar page, here are five steps you can take in 2016 to continue the drum beat of justice and growing calls for an end to the torture of solitary confinement:
1. Host a screening of NRCAT's documentary, Breaking Down The Box: DVD order form, an interfaith viewing guide, sample poster, full film and four short films are available at www.nrcat.org/
2. Schedule an action on the 23rd of the month, symbolizing 23 hours a day in isolation: As a part of the Together to End Solitary campaign, join people throughout the U.S. who are holding monthly actions on the 23rd of each month to call for an end to the torture of solitary, at the recommendation of people incarcerated in Pelican Bay prison who led the momentous hunger strikes in California prisons. To see recent and upcoming actions on the 23rd of the month, and to share yours, go to: www.togethertoendsolitary.org.
3. Participate in Lifelines to Solitary: NRCAT is partnering with Solitary Watch to train communities of faith to participate in on-going correspondence with people who are enduring solitary confinement. Initial trainings for religious communities are in development in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Washington, D.C. metro area. To get involved, contact Carla Alleyne, NRCAT Human Rights Fellow.
4. Host a performance of Mariposa and the Saint: NRCAT is partnering with communities of faith nationwide to host performances of Mariposa and the Saint. In 2012, Mariposa was sentenced to 15 months in isolated confinement. Through letters with long-time friend and collaborator, Julia Steele Allen, Mariposa brings her experience to the stage in this powerful one-woman performance. If you are interested in hosting, contact Laura.
5. Host the NRCAT solitary cell replica on nationwide tour: To expose the hidden torture of solitary, NRCAT constructed a replica of a solitary confinement prison cell now on tour nationwide to larger regional or national gatherings. Interested in hosting? Contact Laura and Shenandoah.
