| Agenda: - Set up volunteer letter writing nights.
- Logistic questions about e-mails, groups, etc.
- General questions from new attendees.
- Upcoming events.
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1. Volunteer Nights - There is a letter writing night every Wednesday at 5129 Penn Ave., but last year there was one at the law school as well.
- The first meeting at the law school will be next Wednesday, Sept 7th at 7pm.
- Following meetings at the law school will probably take place Thursdays from 7pm-9pm.
2. Logistic questions - To keep in touch, we will create a google group and send invites to everyone.
- There will also be work on a blog (rather than a full website) and creating an e-mail account for the HRC at Pitt Law.
- Although the primary way to see each other will be letter writing nights, we may plan about three meetings each semester (this one plus two more).
3. General Questions from New Attendees. - What does HRC at Pitt Law do?
- HRC has many objectives they hope to accomplish. At Pitt, the groups works primarily to write and answer letters from prisoners and document human rights violations in the prisons, particularly focusing on those prisoners in solitary confinement. The group also focuses on wrongful convictions. Right now, this comes up in trying to fundraise to get Terrell Johnson better legal representation. HRC also compiles the PA Prison Report, a report that gives the current status and stories of prisoners in Pennsylvania prisons. The HRC is also always open to new member-led projects and events. For example, the group is currently working on an event about juveniles who are sentenced to life in prison, as well as trying to start an event about the effects of juvenile and adult women being housed together in women's prisons. New members are welcome to take part in any of these projects and also to start their own that they could tailor to their own interests, such as projects in healthcare, women's rights, or some other issue.
4. Upcoming Events - On Thursday, September 8th, there is a legal fundraiser for Hazelwood's Terrell Johnson. He has been wrongfully imprisoned for 17 years. It's taking place at the Shadow Lounge at 5972 Baum Blvd. Suggested donations are $7-$15, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. There will be performances by Vanessa German, Jasiri X, Raisaunya Jones, Krunk Jazz Band, Andrew King, plus a silent art auction, DJ, 50/50 raffle, and more! To find out more, check out www.justiceforterrell.blogspot.com.
- Also, in a couple of weeks, Robert King is coming to Pittsburgh. He is a part of the 'Angola 3,' a group of three men held in solitary confinement at Angola Prison for several decades. Robert King is free now, but the other two are still in solitary confinement, and now King is speaking out about the situation. He will be at Pitt Law on Wednesday the 21st to screen "In the Land of the Free." If anyone wants to help with flyering, they are welcome to take part!
- Finally, in a few weeks, the group would like to plan an event raising awareness about solitary confinement for the law school. Anyone wishing to help with this event is also welcome to volunteer!
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