Grassroots Leadership Blog

EXPOSED: 6 types of abuse reported by women from inside for-profit Laredo detention center, DHS still reviewing ties to private prisons

October 12, 2016 by Bethany N. Carson

As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) investigates its use of private prisons, women currently and formerly detained in two CCA-operated immigrant detention centers in Texas are speaking out against abuses in the facilities. 

Their letters from inside are exposing grossly inadequate medical care and health conditions; unsanitary facilities; sickening food; verbal abuse & harsh, punitive treatment; re-traumatization of survivors of violence; interference with phone conversations. 

Translation: “Just like you want to support us, we too are willing to support ourselves and will not stay quiet about the abuse of our rights that we have been victims of.” Read more about EXPOSED: 6 types of abuse reported by women from inside for-profit Laredo detention center, DHS still reviewing ties to private prisons

Police Chief Acevedo, join us in calling for an end to private immigrant prisons

October 7, 2016 by Bethany N. Carson

Private immigrant detention facilities are notorious for their long list of abuses: inedible food, inadequate medical treatment, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, lack of due process, death due to denied medical treatment, poor hygiene, unsafe living conditions, etc. Last month the Bureau of Prisons announced they will be phasing out private prisons within their department. Read more about Police Chief Acevedo, join us in calling for an end to private immigrant prisons

Watch our new film, (In)Securus Technology: An Assault on Prisoner Rights

September 27, 2016 by Holly Kirby

One year ago today we celebrated the announced return of in-person visitation to the Travis County Jail here in Texas. The news came after a nearly 2-year fight led by those who had experienced video jail visits first-hand, and not only brought in-person visits back to Travis County, but also passed state legislation that will prevent other counties from replacing in-person visits with video chats.  

Though we are happy that we could celebrate a victory in Travis County and Texas, we know this company continues to reap massive profits while countless individuals across the country are denied access to see their incarcerated loved one face-to-face. Read more about Watch our new film, (In)Securus Technology: An Assault on Prisoner Rights

Don’t be fooled — Support the REAL Grassroots Leadership, NOT the Koch Brothers!

September 13, 2016 by Rebecca Sanchez

Last week, the New York Times ran a story about how Charles and David Koch, the notorious billionaire brothers and funders of many right-wing causes, are starting an organizing training of conservative community activists who reinforce ideals including a reliance on fossil fuels.  The name of that training?  The Grassroots Leadership Academy.  

Read more about Don’t be fooled — Support the REAL Grassroots Leadership, NOT the Koch Brothers!

Congrats and good luck, Cate!

September 9, 2016 by Holly Kirby

Cate Graziani, our mental health campaigns coordinator, will be completing a Fulbright fellowship in Portugal from September 2016 to May 2017. Though we will miss her over the next eight months, we are excited to see what she uncovers! Here is a brief description of her project: Read more about Congrats and good luck, Cate!

Welcome Our New Young Adult Volunteer!

September 7, 2016 by Rebecca Sanchez

Jake comes to us as a Young Adult Volunteer. Originally from Clemson South Carolina, Jake studied Spanish and International Health at Clemson University. During this time, he gained a great appreciation for community development, and the desire to work with individuals who have been marginalized by our society. While at Clemson, he began to explore and learn more of the pain and issues that U.S. policy had caused both in Latin America and among Latino communities in the U.S. Read more about Welcome Our New Young Adult Volunteer!

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