On September 21st, Seattle City Council passed a resolution making the goal for the city Zero Juvenile Detention. That resolution was only possible because of the organizing of many in community, especially Ending Prison Industrial Complex, Youth Undoing Institutional Racism, Seattle King County NAACP, Stop Blaming Hookah Lounges, Washington Incarceration Stops Here, and European Dissent. The unanimous yes vote shows that when we work together we can make things happen that seemed impossible not so long ago. There's still work to do. To actually achieve Zero Juvenile Incarceration it will take resources, prolonged commitment, and continued direction from youth and the African American community.
Now is the time to stop the New Youth Jail. Join us in flooding the Department of Planning and Developments email with reasons the jail should not be built and related permits not approved. We have until 10/22/15 to get our point across.
Got Green rejects the New Youth Jail for the following reasons:
1. We believe in building healthy spaces for community. The New Youth Jail does neither. Not only does it lock up young people of color and impacts their futures, it is also situated on a site that is contaminated with hazardous chemicals which will harm the health of young people and those who work there.
2. We support community-controlled development, and based from the continuous community outcry a youth jail is NOT what people want. Government officials should listen to their constituents, not the whims of developers.
3. Instead of spending $210 million dollars on a building, these resources should be going towards making our communities strong and healthy! We agree with others that we should be funding social and health services, education, housing and youth programs that address barriers for communities facing economic instability.
To us, Climate Justice means No New Youth Jail, because it means that communities of color can be resilient in the face of climate crisis and displacement.
After you have sent your message, forward this email to your 5 family and friends who are most likely to participate.
EMAIL KING COUNTY COUNCIL to Say NO NEW YOUTH JAIL!
