In This Edition:
Executions
In the News
Upcoming Events
Announcements
Executions
The State of Texas executed 13 people this year. While no further executions are scheduled for 2011, 6 executions already have been scheduled for 2012.
In the News
Thank the Governor of Oregon for Stopping Executions!
On November 22, 2011, the Governor of Oregon, John Kitzhaber, announced a ban on executions during his time in office. In a prepared statement, he declared “It is time for Oregon to consider a different approach. I refuse to be a part of this compromised and inequitable system any longer; and I will not allow further executions while I am Governor.” Under his authority, Governor Kitzhaber granted a reprieve to Gary Haugen, who had been scheduled for execution on December 6, 2011. This would have been the first execution in the state in 14 years. Read more and take action today to thank Governor Kitzhaber for his principled leadership on this issue.
Upcoming Events
Bexar County Campaign Community Activist Training
The training will take place this Saturday, December 3 from 10:00-2:00pm. It is open to all community members who want to learn more about the death penalty and get involved in efforts to end this practice in Bexar County.
The Community Activist Training will include a panel discussion about the state of the death penalty in Texas and our strategy for change, an interactive messaging workshop, a special lunch time program, and afternoon breakout sessions to strategize about local opportunities for engaging and educating other concerned community members through faith outreach, civic outreach and campus organizing. Get more information and register today.
Austin Area: Join TCADP for a Special Screening of “Incendiary”
Described as “equal parts murder mystery, forensic investigation and political drama,” the new documentary film “Incendiary” focuses on the case of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was executed by the State of Texas in 2004. At least nine fire experts have questioned the evidence used to convict him of arson, and the case created quite a stir within the Texas Forensic Science Commission.
Please join TCADP for a special screening of this film at the Cinemark Cedar Park on Wednesday, December 14 at 7 PM. The filmmakers, Steve Mims and Joe Bailey, will join us for a Q & A after the film to discuss the most recent developments in the Willingham case. Tickets must be purchased in advance by December 13.
Texas Death Penalty Developments in 2011
TCADP will release its annual report, Texas Death Penalty Developments in 2011, on December 15, 2011. The report presents information on new death sentences, executions, and stays; legislative developments; and other issues affecting the criminal justice system in the nation’s most active death penalty state. Updated maps depicting death sentences by county also will be available. See www.tcadp.org for more details.
Announcements
TCADP Announces Annual Award Winners to be Recognized at Annual Conference
The TCADP Board of Directors is pleased to announce the following 2012 TCADP Annual Award Winners, who will be recognized at the 2012 TCADP Annual Conference – Seizing the Momentum… Creating the Climate for Change on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the University of the Incarnate Word Sky Room. Please make plans to join us in celebrating these extraordinary individuals!
Courage: Jan Brown
Media: Jordan Smith, Austin Chronicle
Appreciation: Brother Brian Halderman
Appreciation: Kelly Epstein
Founder’s Award: Bishop Joe Wilson
Individuals and organizations are invited to place an ad in the conference program to promote your work or congratulate the award winners. We also invite you to exhibit at the conference. Download Form.
In addition to the annual awards luncheon, the conference features:
- General membership meeting
- Workshops
- Networking with TCADP members and allies
- Panel discussion: Impact of Texas’ Changing Demographics on the Death Penalty
Pre-register for the conference today and book your hotel! Special rates for TCADP members and students.
Remember TCADP in Your Year-End Giving!
Check your mailboxes later next week for TCADP’s year-end appeal, which includes reflections on another momentous year for our movement to end the death penalty. We are grateful for the contributions that so many of you have made already this year and ask for your additional support so that TCADP can continue to engage the citizens of Texas – and our elected officials – in a critical conversation about the death penalty. Save a stamp by making an end-of-the-year, tax-deductible donation today using our secure online system! Thank you for your support and generosity.
Calendar
December
1 TCADP Table at Dallas Peace Center Annual Dinner
3 Community Activist Training in San Antonio https://tcadp.org/bexar-county-campaign/
4 Odessa Chapter Meeting, 4 PM
7 Anniversary of the Resumption of Executions in Texas in 1982
10 International Human Rights Day
14 Screening of “Incendiary” and Q & A with Filmmakers
15 TCADP Annual Report Release
19 El Paso Chapter Meeting, 7 PM
January
30 Last Day to Book Block Rate Hotel rooms for TCADP Annual Conference
February
1 Last Day to Receive TCADP Annual Conference Registration Early Bird Rates
For more information about these events or to volunteer, email info@tcadp.org.