An invitation from JUSTGeorgia:
Dear Friend:
I am pleased to invite you to the first coalition meeting of JUSTGeorgia. As you know, JUSTGeorgia is a state-wide coalition that seeks to build a better model of justice and safety for our youth while balancing the best interests of our community. The coalition was initiated by philanthropic funding to Georgia Appleseed, The Barton Child Law and Policy Clinic of the Emory University School of Law, and Voices for Georgia’s Children.
Compared to youth across the nation, Georgia’s children have some of the poorest outcomes in school achievement, graduation rates, obesity, pregnancy, employment, and violent deaths. Those who suffer from abuse, crime, or deprivation - as a victim or offender - are likely to perform in the bottom of these statistics. At the same time, they can face a difficult journey through an outdated and - at times - inadequate legal system.
JUSTGeorgia seeks to accelerate change in the status quo through the formal adoption of modernized state laws and child-serving systems that are fair to children, as well as offer a better chance for prevention, intervention, and/or rehabilitation.
The coalition will meet on Monday, May 19, 2008 at the Loudermilk Center located at 40 Courtland Street in Atlanta from 9 am to 11 am. Our guest speaker will be Judge Velma Tilley, one of the reporters who drafted the report from the Young Lawyers’ Division of the Georgia Bar proposing a Model Juvenile Code for Georgia. Judge Tilley will speak about the changes recommended by the reporters and answer questions. We will then discuss the process of drafting and passing legislation to be introduced in the 2009 legislative session and ways that coalition members can participate. Continental breakfast will be served, and there is no cost to attend. We would like your RSVP, however. Please call (404) 521-0311 or email mbinderman@georgiavoices.org with your plans for attendance.
There are other ways that you can work with us. First, if you haven’t already, please join the JUSTGeorgia coalition. You may sign up for the coalition on line at http://www.justgeorgia.org. In addition, the Model Code is available on line, and we welcome your comments. You may access the code at http://www.justgeorgia.org/Model_Code.html and either mail the comments to us or respond electronically. Finally, we are happy to speak with you or at any meetings of your organization to provide more information about the coalition and our work. Please contact me at (404) 521-0311 to schedule.
I look forward to seeing you on the 19th!
Sincerely,
Mindy BindermanAdvocacy Director, Voices for Georgia’s Children
