THE FREEDOM JOURNAL. officers who were there to answer any questions that anyone had.

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1 1 P age THE FREEDOM JOURNAL E n g a g e - E d u c a t e - E m p o w e r Volume 1 / Issue 4 Upcoming Events LA VERNE CITY, POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND UNIVERSITY SHARE PIZZA FOR PEACE Domestic Violence Clinic Every third Friday of the month at House of Ruth, Pomona, California Record Clean-up Clinic Our next quarterly record clean-up clinic will be held on January 27, 2016, at Tri- City Wellness Center, Pomona, California Visit our website and social media for ongoing event updates. The mission of the Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc. is to provide empowerment tools to disenfranchised individuals for better self-determination. Attendees engaged in an open discussion on issues of community policing. Pizza Party Meet-And-Greet La Verne should be a place where it is easy to do the right thing. These words were said by Mayor Don Kendrick to a group of University of La Verne students, faculty, the University President Devorah Lieberman, La Verne Police Chief Scott Pickwith and LVPD Officers at our Pizza Party meet-and-greet on Friday, December 2, This event provided an informal, relaxed environment for students to come and meet the La Verne Chief of Police and Mayor and a number of The group collaborates as they discuss concerns and solutions. officers who were there to answer any questions that anyone had. Exposure and Interaction Leads to Understanding Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc. s efforts in policing reform and community engagement is centered around the concept that exposure and interaction between law enforcement and Marisol Morales and Rob Ruiz of University of La Verne open up the discussion for students to share their experiences and concerns. community

2 2 P age members is the best way to foster a relationship of mutual understanding which is the bedrock of trust and collaboration. For exposure and interaction to actually lead to mutual understanding, both parties need to be willing to listen to each other and what better way to do that than over pizza. After enjoying some food, drink, and socialization, attendees sat in a circle for a time of open discussion. With no formality, questions were raised about the amount and type of police training, why or when two police officers would pull-over one person, what the Thomas D. Allison, Esq., President of Social Justice Advocacy process is for filing a complaint, and the discussion continued. Project, inc., Chief Scott Pickwith, Council Member Donna Redman, and University of La Verne student, Tyler Anderson Because of the various community leaders present, attendees were able to hear input from each perspective, providing a more comprehensive discussion. Expecting the Unexpected Jokes were made, people laughed, but genuine information was also shared and everyone walked out of the room with a better understanding of where everyone was coming from. At the conclusion of the event, two students expressed appreciation for the event and said that they thought things like this only happened on TV. They did not expect to just be eating pizza with the police chief or officers or their city mayor. While events like this may not be expected, they should be. Our hope is that community members and leaders will see University of La Verne students enjoy pizza while listening to the event introductions. what can be done and develop programs and events to increase exposure and interaction between law enforcement and the community in order to develop the mutual understanding that is needed to enable meaningful reform.

3 3 P age LA VERNE POLICE DEPARTMENT STARTS COP TALK On September 20, 2016, eight police departments took place in a Truth and Reconciliation program. A University of La Verne (ULV) student, Tyler Anderson, spoke during the truth segment expressing the disconnect she felt, as a student, from the La Verne Police Department (LVPD). Chief Scott Pickwith of LVPD responded to Tyler saying he would do his best to help reach out to ULV students so that they felt comfortable attending college in the city. On November 22, 2016, Chief Pickwith kept his word. LVPD set up a booth in the middle of ULV campus, with a patrol vehicle on display and pizza in hand, LVPD engaged any student who approached to invite them to ask questions or enjoy the free pizza. LVPD officers and community outreach personnel remained on campus for four hours, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Chief Pickwith also an appearance availing himself to ULV students and their inquiries. The program was positive and constructive, and as expressed by LVPD personnel: the first of many. This event is the result of one thing: dialogue. Tyler spoke and Chief Pickwith listened, responded, and acted. NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERSHIP IN ESGV East San Gabriel Valley is experiencing significant turnover in its law enforcement leadership. Of the eight participating cities, five departments are installing new chiefs: Azusa, Claremont, Covina, La Verne, and San Dimas. Chief John Curley of Covina was sworn in on October 18, On November 22, 2016, at 5 pm at the Azusa City Hall, Captain Stephan Hunt was promoted to chief of the Azusa Police Department after serving as active Chief Curley at the Truth and Reconciliation event. chief. Chief Hunt participated in our Truth and Reconciliation program and have continued to provide support for our bridge-building efforts. Prior Claremont Chief Cooper administering the oath of current Claremont Chief Vander Veen, first female to take post. A week later, on November 29, 2016, at 5 pm at the Doubletree Hotel in Claremont, Captain Shelly Vander Veen was promoted to Chief of the Claremont Police Department. Chief Shelly Vander Veen is the first female to take the chief post in Claremont, and she has the support of her city and surrounding communities behind her. We congratulate Chief Vander Veen on her shattering this glass ceiling. We look forward to reporting further swear-ins and promotions, such as Captain Nick Paz s promotion to LVPD chief. Both Chief Vander Veen and Captain Paz were present in the meetings between their respective chiefs and President of the Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc. Thomas D. Allison, Esq. when commitments to collaborative bridge-building were made. We look forward to working with all law enforcement leadership in ESGV and beyond. Chief Hunt and SJAP President Thomas D. Allison, Esq. at Chief Hunt s swearing-in. Chief Pickwith, SJAP President Thomas D. Allison, Esq., and Captain Paz at their initial meeting.

4 4 P age CALL FOR COMMUNITY INPUT ON POLICE BODY-WORN CAMERAS Five cities in ESGV have received a federal grant for implementation of body-worn cameras for law enforcement officers. These cities include: Azusa, Covina, Glendora, Irwindale, and La Verne. These cameras are quite controversial drawing a backlash from both civilians and law enforcement. For this reason, these agencies are reaching out for community input regarding this issue. Matters such as privacy, release, storage, security, etc. are being assessed and the input of community residents and employees is much needed. We have developed an online survey located at advocacyproject.org/body-worn-cameras. We are also in the process of planning town hall discussions on this issues in More information on these town halls will be included in the next issue of The Freedom Journal. Eight police chiefs or representatives from police departments of the East San Gabriel Valley came together for a Truth and Reconciliation event on September 20, Four of these cities, Azusa, Covina, Glendora, and La Verne are recipients of the grant to implement body-worn cameras. CALLING COMMUNITY LEADERS MAKE UNPRECEDENTED CHANGES TO THE ESGV COMMUNITY The time is now for us to step forward and empower the creation of a new approach to community in East San Gabriel Valley and abroad. You can be a part of the group that worked to better conditions for your children, nieces, and nephews, and their children, or you can play a silent oppositional role to the effort through your inaction. Too much is at stake to be too busy to see that change is made in your community. Send us an at justice at advocacyproject.org expressing your interest in playing a role in better our community, the amount of time you have available, and what role you are interested in playing, if any. We will promptly reply to get you started.

5 5 Page ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, LED BY TRUMP FROM A PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN NARRATIVE OF HATE, WE GLEAN HOPE Thomas D. Allison, Esq. On November 8, 2016, Donald J. Trump was elected the 45 th president of the United States of America. This result took many by surprise and was quite devastating to groups singled out by president-elect Trump during his campaign. These groups include: (1) women, (2) Muslims, (3) Mexicans, (4) undocumented individuals, and (5) the physical impaired. While other groups were targeted during the campaign, these groups were most explicitly addressed or demeaned by the Trump campaign. Environments of Hate Groups all over the country have experienced hate crimes since the election. The uptick in hate crimes prompted Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis to propose new legislation directing county resources to addressing the issue. People are left lost and confused, questioning the validity of American democracy. Speculation as to the causes of Trump s victory is plethora, but one thing is clear, president-elect Trump is the most divisive presidentelect of our lifetime. Circumstances of Hope We have the power and ability to fight for the protection of others under the norms and mandates of the U.S. Constitution. Through Trump division, however, we have seen circumstances of hope. Dr. King in his I Have A Dream speech discusses interposition and nullification. However, in the context in which Dr. King discussed interposition and nullification, the federal government was passing civil rights laws that we not being followed by the states. Interposition means an entity not following the orders of a superior entity within a set hierarchy and nullification refers to the nullifying or the ignoring of the established process or system. While interposition and nullification were used to victimize minorities during King s time, it is being used now as a form of protection for minorities. I believe the appropriate response is action and building tighter, stronger, more resilient communities. Moving Forward Since Trump s election, politicians and law enforcement leadership alike have stepped forward and disavowed Trump s divisive rhetoric and policy positions. In fact, concepts like sanctuary cities are clear examples of interposition and nullification being used as tools of protection for a minority class, regardless of the appropriateness of the protection. Trump has divided the country, but in a way has made himself a villain, an enemy to many. Trump s acceptance of the villain role has only solidified his enemy status to individuals and advocacy groups and organizations. Individuals and organizations that previously found themselves opposed, find commonality in Trump s enemy relationship. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Stopping president-elect from taking the White House seems a long shot at best. Focusing on the negatives of the election only makes the negative more negative. However, we have the power and ability to fight for the protection of others under the norms and mandates of the U.S. Constitution. This means supporting elected officials who oppose hate and discrimination in government, volunteering for organizations that work day in and out to provide social protections for these disenfranchised individuals, and apply pressure on those following in line with Trump s divisive rhetoric. While president-elect Trump has divided many of us, he has also brought many of us together. A single Facebook group of lawyers grew more than 100,000 members, just because the mission was to oppose the anticipated Trump s America. Proactivity is the best line of defense. Federal funding will be cut for governments and organizations that do not follow Trump s laws. This means establishing effective funding and resource alternatives should be a focus. I have found myself unconvinced that panic and worry is the appropriate response. I believe the appropriate response is action and building tighter, stronger, more resilient communities.

6 6 Page COMMUNITY-ORIENTED POLICING TASKFORCE: EAST SAN GABRIEL VALLEY Mission: Investigate, assess, and report meaningful community-oriented policing issues and strategies in the East San Gabriel Valley. Participants: Community residents Community leaders Organization representatives Police officers Public officials Purpose: To develop a memorandum of understanding between the community and police departments of the east San Gabriel Valley in order to establish communityoriented policing norms and expectations, as well as continue to monitor and facilitate community-oriented policing programs and dialogues. Anticipated Results: Build bridges of understanding between community and police departments; Establish rules of engagement for traffic stops between law enforcement and law abiding citizens; Establish effective complaint and review procedures that permits open lines of communication between community and police; Provide effective community-oriented policing education and civic engagement opportunities for residents of east San Gabriel Valley; Establish consistent modes of communication between law enforcement and the community; Develop programs to encourage positive contact and exposure between law enforcement and the community; Create educational resources to educate residents on the role of the community in law enforcement; Provide law enforcement needed social information to better help them help us; and Provide positive interaction opportunities between groups within the east San Gabriel Valley for constructive contact, exposure, and understanding. Interested in helping plan programs, community outreach, research, and presentations? Contact us to get involved today!

7 7 Page RECORD CLEAN-UP CLINIC On January 27, 2017, we are holding a record-clean up clinic which provides legal assistance by cleaning up criminal records of individuals to permit them to vote, as well as gain meaningful employment. We had almost 50 individuals from Pomona, CA and surrounding areas attend the last clinic. We will be hosting a quarterly record clean-up clinic at the Tri-City Wellness Center in Pomona, CA. SJAP COMMUNITY PROGRAMS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CLINIC We continue holding monthly clinics to provide legal information and advice for victims of domestic violence. If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance, visit our website or on social media to be notified as to when and where our next clinic is. If you work for an organization that would be interested in us holding an on-site clinic for your clients, us at justice@advocacyproject.org. FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOPS We will begin conducting inperson financial literacy workshops. The workshops will be ten weeks long and will include everything from basic budgeting to starting a maintaining your own business. This program will be facilitated by SJAP directors as well as some of our community partners. Look out for updates on this great workshop soon! BUILDING BRIDGES OF UNDERSTANDING IN OUR COMMUNITY We can continue to carry on in hate or we can begin building bridges. These bridges do not have to be to friendship, but simply to understanding. Worst case scenario in trying is the group you dislike is exactly as you know it to be and therefore you are justified in your actions, and even know that your actions are right. Best case scenario, you begin to understand some of the members of the other group who want to understand you. One-by-one, as this happens, you begin to form a different group. This group is composed of individuals who were previously oppositional, but have found common understanding, together. NOTE: understanding does not mean agreement. As long as we are good people, the rest are inconsequential details.

8 8 Page ADVOCACY ALERT! Chief Pickwith responds to students questions and concerns at the Peace, Police, and Pizza event, December 2, Chief Scott Pickwith On July 7, 2016, Brittany Allison, Director of Communication, called La Verne Police Department, in an effort to set up a meeting with Chief Scott Pickwith and SJAP President Thomas D. Allison. Despite the fact that police officers were being killed and protests were occurring all over the country, Chief Pickwith met with us anyway. In the discussion, Chief Pickwith admitted that there was more that could be done and committed to doing the most he could. Chief Pickwith participated in our Truth and Reconciliation program, created a regular program to bridge the gap between the police department and University of La Verne called Chief Pickwith at the Truth and Reconciliation event, September 20, 2016 Chief Pickwith poses with Council Member Donna Redman and a group of ULV students after the Peace, Police, and Pizza event, December 2, Cop Talk, and hosted the mayor, city council, and University of La Verne administration and students for a pizza meet-and-greet. Chief Pickwith not only spoke a big game in making commitments, but he has stepped up to follow through with them. He exemplifies true leadership. Submit Nominations for ADVOCACY ALERT! and Creative Corner If you have an organization or advocate you would like to nominate for our monthly "Advocacy Alert" or a creative piece for our "Creative Corner," please provide that nomination by the last Friday of the month before you would like to submit the nomination. #MoreThanHashtags Brittany Allison We hashtag our lives Hashtag what s trending, hashtag to complain Hashtag about all the wrongs that we see But #itallremains. A hashtag may be a start, But it can t end there. They can only get a movement moving But WE have to get up and take it somewhere. To many work for photo-ops, re-tweets, and likes Instead of #doingwhatmattersinlife. CreativeCorner Send Submissions to justice@advocacyproject.org

9 7 P a g e WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Interested in being a Board of Trustee Member, Content Producer, Workshop Instructor, Administrative Support, or a Mentor? Are you an attorney interested in helping with our legal clinics? We are always in need of volunteers and resources. Additionally, spreading our content only helps us spread the good news of our advocacy. This nation will not be healed until people understand their capacity and are given the ability to fulfill their purpose. Visit Our Website for Content and Updates Advocacyproject.org Does Your Community Need Reform? Check out our Advocacy Action Plan. We provide steps, instructions, templates, scripts, etc. in order to assist you in achieving reform in your community. Like and Share our Social Media Content Our platform has been largely effective because of our social media efforts. The more support we get, the broader the audience of our empowerment message. Donate Today! We are a 501 (c)(3) organization and every dollar donated goes directly to programming. If you would like to make a contribution contact us today or visit gofund.me/advocacyproject Would You Like to Contribute to Social Justice Advocacy Project? Contact Us Today! 1 (888) Us: Justice@AdvocacyProject.org Follow Us:

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