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"CJPC has the ability to mobilize a broad cross-section of people. We work with CJPC on a number of issues and know that they can bring a powerful group to the table"
-Leslie Walker, Executive Director, Massachusetts Correctional Legal Services

Dear Friends,

Happy Holidays to you all!

My first months at CJPC have been rewarding and very busy. I am honored to serve as executive director of an organization that has a reputation for its passionate and effective work. There is no question that CJPC has already played a significant role in criminal justice reform in Massachusetts. We have increased our influence among policymakers, continue to be valued as a source of information and strategic insight, and we have demonstrated time after time the power of education and mobilization. We must build on the foundation we have laid and continue to work for needed changes. With a new administration and significant legislative activity on issues that are at the core of our mission, CJPC has perhaps more opportunity to effect change than we have in many years. It is crucial that we take advantage of every opportunity.

CJPC took a big step this year in hiring a full-time executive director. This was necessary in order for us to fully commit to the issues and initiatives that are consistent with CJPC's mission of ensuring effective and humane criminal justice policy in Massachusetts. We need your support to meet our increased need for funds, so we take advantage of important opportunities to effect change on key issues. With your support, we can expand our educational efforts through conferences and other initiatives-an area where CJPC is increasingly in demand; ensure that CJPC realizes the growing legislative and organizing potential with a new administration and an incoming Department of Correction commissioner; and continue our work on issues such as CORI and sentencing reform, which are gaining momentum but require ongoing and intensive education, outreach and mobilization.

"CJPC is a great ally of CPCS, offering in-depth knowledge to legislators on a wide range of critical criminal justice policy issues. Their work on CORI and sentencing has helped to make serious reform of these issues a realistic possibility for the first time in years"
-Anthony Benedetti, General Counsel, Committee for Public Counsel Services

I am committed to creating even more opportunities for CJPC to educate and inform, provide strategy and insight, and bring a broad group of individuals and organizations together to help make important policy changes. Working with a diverse group that includes local business, religious and community leaders, union members, and individuals who are directly affected by criminal justice issues, we not only educate on the importance of legislation and needed administrative changes, we also empower people and create opportunities for everyone to be involved in the process.

The Year Ahead

As you will read in our 2007 Annual Report, CJPC achieved a great deal this past year, working for changes that will increase public safety, increase access to addiction treatment and improve prisoner re-entry. In the coming year, we will also focus on legislative reform of mandatory minimum sentences and we will explore opportunities to advocate for better conditions within Massachusetts prisons--including better access to the services and programs that are necessary for successful re-entry-- as well as opportunities to support improvements within the Department of Correction under its new leadership.

Individuals and organizations increasingly turn to CJPC for education on key issues. We intend to expand our role as a resource in the coming year, as pending legislation draws more attention to re-entry and sentencing issues and there is a constant need for education both inside and outside of the State House. Through discussion groups, conferences and other educational forums, our newsletter, informational materials and other resources, we will strengthen our role as a source of information on policy, strategic insight, and organizing potential.

"CJPC has not only taught me that my story matters, they have showed me that I have a voice. I am now part of a movement for change and I know I can make a difference"
-John Williams, member of CJPC's Brockton chapter

Our Brockton chapter, which meets monthly, continues to grow in numbers and strength. It has been personally rewarding for me to get to know this active and committed group, most of whom bring a powerful voice of personal experience with our criminal justice system to the table. Members of the chapter have been heavily involved in CJPC's legislative activity and through local activities. By participating in a growing anti-violence initiative in Brockton, they are also ensuring that CORI and re-entry issues are included in local efforts to address public safety. I look forward to continued work with this group, and strengthening CJPC's membership in other areas of the state.

Help CJPC Grow the Movement for Criminal Justice Policy Change

Your continued membership is crucial, both financially and in maintaining our strength as an influential group of many voices. I often hear how impressed people are by our large and diverse membership, and it is vital that we remain a strong and broad group of both organizations and individuals. CJPC's $25 membership dues help support our efforts, but we hope you will be able to support CJPC beyond your dues in this important year of opportunity. Your generous support will help us meet the financial needs of our recent growth and sustain our full-time staff, as we commit to playing a key role in building the movements for change on an unprecedented number of issues. CJPC is a tax-exempt 501©3 organization, and you can join, pay your membership dues or make contributions by clicking here. Thank you for your support and for joining with us in improving criminal justice policy in Massachusetts.

Best wishes,

Sarah Compton, Executive Director,
Criminal Justice Policy Coalition