INTERNATIONAL DEATH PENALTY ABOLITION DAY
March 1, International Death Penalty Abolition Day, marks the anniversary of the date in 1847 in which the State of Michigan officially became the first English-speaking territory in the world to abolish capital punishment. It is a day to remember the victims of violent crime and their survivors; it is a day to remember those killed by state sanctioned violence - guilty or not- and their survivors; and it is a day for intensified education and action for alternatives to the death penalty.
This year, 2007, marks the 7th consecutive year that the Tennessee Coalition to Abolish State Killing has commemorated March 1st - International Death Penalty Abolition Day. In 2001 and 2002 rallies were held featuring speakers from Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation. This year will be the fifth year TCASK volunteers gather in churches, coffeeshops, and livingrooms across the state to write and call their elected officials.
With efficient and effective organizing your community can write hundreds of letters to lawmakers and raise money. The TCASK state office is here to assist you in community organizing, planning projects and hosting events.
The on-line tools available here include how-to kits (overview, planning, getting sponsorships, tips, sample phone script for recruiting participants, who to write to with web addresses, sample letter, project benefits, and sample flyer), sponsor forms, and information handouts.
This annual project is designed to support the legislative campaign that is part of the TCASK strategic plan, to raise funds to support your local activities, and coordinate our efforts statewide to have the maximum impact. The synergy of this project offers a glimpse into what it takes to demonstrate grassroots political power and influencing public policy outcomes.
The state office is here to consult with you support your efforts. Once you lock into an event site and confirm a time for your write-a-thon send the information to the state office. We will handle media advisories and supply you with a press release for the day of the event. It's easy to be against an immoral and unfair public policy. It's a greater challenge to take action and do something strategic in coordination with other people that can affect outcomes.
Won't you join us this year on March 1st - International Death Penalty Abolition Day?