Advocacy

Action Plan
Jus

Empowering Disenfranchised
Communities

Email: A message from our president:

Justice@advocacy I am glad to have you on this journey of community empowerment with
project.org
the anticipated result of reinforcing the constitutional norms of
representation, liberty, justice, and equality. These norms have been
Website: utterly buried and as we can see, societies across the nation are paying
Advocacyproject.org
for it. Rather than focusing on division, we believe communities should
be focused on empowerment. Figuring out what the problems are and
how to solve them, together.
Mission:
While the U.S. federal government is not meant to be democratic, local
To provide
governments are. Local governments are where we have the highest
empowerment
tools to concentration of issues between the community and law enforcement
disenfranchised and the government at large. By engaging you and other individuals in
individuals for communities across the nation, we hope to motivate individuals to take
better self-
their communities back, the right way.
determination.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, comments, or
concerns.
Sincerely,
Thomas D. Allison, Esq., President

Self-Empowerment Progress Community Healing

 Advocacy Action P lan
Contents
August 2016

Advocacy Action Plan: 7 phase plan to follow as you advocate for

meaningful community reform.

15-Point Reform Platform: A non-exhaustive list to use as a starting

point for discussing policies that have been used on local, state, national, and
international levels to affirm the equality granted to every individual under the
constitution.

Code of Conduct: When partnering with Social Justice Advocacy, Inc. and
Email: using the provided materials, it is necessary that this code of conduct be
Justice@advocacy adhered to.
project.org
Outline for Police Meetings: A rough outline to use as a guide for a
meeting with law enforcement on our 15 point plan.
Website:
Advocacyproject.org 5 Steps for Calling Representatives: A 5-step guide for calling
representatives to voice your concerns and advocate for reform.

Mission:
Letter to Representatives: A fillable form to complete and mail to
To provide representatives.
empowerment
tools to Letter to Council Members: A letter to introduce our organization and
disenfranchised
invite council members to join and support our advocacy.
individuals for
better self-
determination.
City Council Script: A script to speak at city council meetings, updating on
progress and requesting support.

Letter to Business Owners: A letter to introduce our organization and

invite business owners to join and support our advocacy.

15-Point Platform Flyer: A flyer to be used at rallies, round-tables and

community events.

Self-Empowerment Progress Community Healing

 A dvocacy A ction P lan
7 Phases to Start Community Reform
1. Meet with police departments regarding our 15 point platform. What are they doing?
What could they be doing? How can the community, especially those with troubled
relationships with the department, assist in bringing about the changes needed for reform
and peaceful co-existence? TAKE NOTES.

2. Meet with city councils and contact representatives regarding our 15 point platform
and what police had to say about it. What can be done in light of the responses of the
police department? What role do they play in what can be done? What roles do the
citizens play? What are potential barriers and what can be done to overcome them? TAKE
NOTES.

3. Meet with local businesses to see how they can help our council and citizens bring
about the needed community change. What role do businesses have in the community
and how does that help the goals of your community? What resources and support can be
given to assist the community in bettering itself? TAKE NOTES.
Email:
4. Hold community meetings to determine the next course of action. Report what the
Justice@advocacy police, city council, representatives and businesses had to say about reform. These
project.org meetings should indicate to you where the problems are. TAKE NOTES. If the police
don't wish to engage or are not willing to provide ways they can be assisted to help your
community, they are not working for the community. If the city council or a
Website: representative is not willing to respond and make the necessary changes, they are not
Advocacyproject.org
working for the community. If a business has no interest in bettering the community, then
the community is not that businesses target customer. Police not working for the
communities they serve should be fired. Council-members and representatives not
working for their communities should not be reelected. Business who ignore you should
Mission:
be ignored. Politicians cater to the vote; businesses cater to the dollar.
To provide
empowerment 5. Establish a plan for community action. Form community groups and organizations
tools to that work to oversee implementation of these goals by police, city council, or local
disenfranchised businesses. If your community is not willing to act or insists on acting in ways that are
individuals for not productive to your community's goals, then the problem may in fact be the
better self- community.
determination.
6. Create effective community educational programs and opportunities. You may be
part of a stuck community; however, your children or your children's children do not have
to remain stuck. Effective, practical, and applicable education is their liberation. Don't
give up on tomorrow, because people have given up on today. Provide programs that
foster independence rather than dependence.

7. Register individuals to vote. This will give your community the tools to make the
changes where the problems are. If the problem is with the police, vote out district
attorneys and those that are elected at the highest levels of law enforcement. Vote out
representatives who are not sensitive to assisting the community and law enforcement in
reaching necessary reform.

Contact us for support in accomplishing these action steps in your community for effective reform.
Justice@advocacyproject.org www.AdvocacyProject.org
 15-Point Reform Platform
2016

Preamble: The work of the civil rights movement was arguably stalled by
government corruption and an acceptance of violence on some parts of the
movement. This platform is intended to continue the work of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. who prescribed a four step nonviolent direct action plan, in formal
rejection of the use of violence and corruption: (1) collection of fact to ensure
injustices exist; (2) negotiation; (3) self-purification; and (4) direct action.
It is our position that a non-exhaustive list of things to pursue in negotiation are
the following 15 items. This list is a starting point for discussing policies that
have been used on local, state, national, and international levels to affirm the
equality granted to every individual under the constitution.
1. Community Civic Groups Investment in these groups empowers the community to control
themselves. If individuals want to better their communities, they should have the support of law enforcement
to do so.
2. Diversification of law enforcement agencies Law enforcement officers should be members
of the communities they serve and departments roughly represent the demographic of their communities.
3. Training Law enforcement should undergo cultural sensitivity training, unique to the communities
they serve. Civic and driver education courses should include training on law enforcement interactions.
4. Civics courses These courses should be restored to teach individuals how to be civic-minded and to
diminish the us vs. them culture
5. Education on law enforcement encounters Law enforcement should publish codes of conduct
during traffic stops. Acting within this code should exonerate civilians from any wrongdoing.
6. Body and vehicle recording systems Every law enforcement officer with a gun, should have to
wear a recording device. Officers should be immediately sanctioned for circumstances where a recording
would exonerate them, but is unable, due to unreasonable activity on behalf of the officer.
7. Police-civilian task forces Law enforcement and citizens should participate in task force think-tanks
to increase the connectivity between community and law enforcement. Engaging civilians is the only way to
have optimal law enforcement performance.
8. Citizen Review Panels Cases involving lethal force by law enforcement should be reviewed by a
panel of members of the community and various decision-makers for transparency. Review panelist should
represent the demographic of the community and should undergo training in police tactics and procedures.
The panel would review evidence and make findings to be reported to the prosecutor.
9. Department of Justice review The DOJ reviews cases the Citizen Review Panel recommends.
10.Law enforcement reporting Law enforcement should be required to report all available
demographic and statistical information of civilians involved in all incidents where lethal force or force
likely to cause great bodily injury is used.
11.Research Communities should enlist researchers to assess the magnitude of lethal force used by
law enforcement and available non-lethal force alternatives.
12.Truth and Reconciliation Communities with torn histories with their law enforcement agencies
should have the effective engagement of law enforcement to begin the healing of our history.
13.Voter access Access to voting should be easy. Postage paid absentee ballots, internet voting, library,
etc. Employers with more than a certain amount of employees could/should create in-house polling places
for their employees or permit adequate, paid-time to vote during the shift.
14.Opt-out voter registration Citizens should be automatically registered once they reach voting age
15.Prohibition of voter disenfranchisement laws All free citizens in this democracy
have a constitutional right to participate in choosing their representation.
 Code of Conduct
1. Be Blameless Blame only gets used as a distraction by our opposition. Follow the
law and be a positive member of your community so when you pick your battles you
can fight them effectively and appropriately. Do all things in love and understanding,
even if you cry in anger about it later.
2. Be Consistent Do not preach one thing, but do another. The purpose of this
organization is to empower individuals and communities. The intent of empowerment
should be present in all of your words, statements, and actions. When publicly
presenting arguments, the logic of your arguments should be well-considered before
expressed. If you have not thought about it, then do not say it.
3. Be Educated Gain a firm basis of your philosophical, ethical, factual, cultural, and
historical position on things. A house built on sand will fall, but a house built on
cement will stand. No one is persuaded by someone repeating complex ideas, unless
that individual is able to articulate their basis for believing those ideas. At the end of
the day, action is about persuasion. Nothing is more persuasive than knowledge and
Address:
336 S. Glendora ability.
Ave. 4. Be Polite No matter the opposition, always maintain a respectful posture. No
West Covina, individual is worth receiving the power of controlling your emotions. If you are
California getting emotional, the discussion has likely outlived its purpose, unless the emotion is
91790
productive. Although it can sometimes be persuasive, anger and yelling are rarely
productive. Talk to others the way you would want them to talk to you.
Telephone: 5. Be Informed Your advocacy must be based on a factual understanding of the nature
1 (888) 407-4101 of the problem and how it impacts you and your community. Understand the root of
community issues and what the community and its stakeholders may already be doing
to solve it.
Email:
Justice@advocacy 6. Be EngagedParticipate in community events and take opportunities to interact with
project.org police and community stakeholders in a meaningful way. It is much more effective to
enact change when we realize what we have in common and that we often have the
same goals.
Website:
Advocacyproject.org
7. Be IntentionalBe the smallest voice in the time of confusion, but be the LOUDEST
when it matters, this leads to a greater impact.
8. Be Open The best thing for you and your community may not be what you initially
Mission: think it is. Be open to having your opinion changed based on legitimate facts or
To provide information. We are human and to error is human. Do not be afraid to error and admit
empowerment tools
to disenfranchised when you have done so.
individuals for better 9. Be Persistent It is a big task to change your community. It takes a lot of dreaming,
self-determination. audacity, risk-taking, and patience to be successful at what we are attempting.
However, the task is great because the reward is forever. Do not give up, no matter
how far-fetched your efforts may seem to others.
10. Be Grateful You are taking on something that requires a lot of bravery. The fact
that in you is placed a spirit of change is a blessing. If not a single result is witnessed
by you of your work, just know that many of the people before you did not witness the
success of their efforts, but you did. So in all things, be grateful. A no today, could
be a resounding yes tomorrow.

Self-Empowerment Progress Community Healing

 Outline for Police Meetings
The point of these meetings are not confrontation, but conversation. There is no
room in this meeting for emotion, the point is to meaningfully discuss ways forward
to accomplish community policing. Additionally, the point of this platform is to get
the communities involved in helping law enforcement better serve them. Any
confrontation in these meetings denies the ability for meaningful dialogue and
community partnership. This is a rough outline of how to progress through a meeting
with law enforcement on our 15 point plan. Use it as a guide, but go in honest and
natural. Go with the flow!

Introduction :
Introduce who you are profession, family, brief history.
Identify the purpose of the conversation link your interests with
their interests; identify the goals of the meeting for all partiesyou,
Email: the police department, and the community.
Justice@advocacy Give a brief description of the concerns you have in your
project.org
community.

15 Point Plan :
Website:
Advocacyproject.org Provide the officer(s) with a copy of the 15 point platform as well a
copy of Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc. booklet.
Inform them you are speaking with them in regards to a platform for
Mission: community reform and that you believe by working together,
To provide communities and police, we can come up with meaningful ways of
empowerment solvinglink back to your concerns.
tools to Take a moment to discuss the points of the plan with them
disenfranchised
Ask questions about what they are doing and what they are willing
individuals for
better self- to do, given the resources and community support needed.
determination. LISTEN! TAKE NOTES! ASK FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS.
Wrap-up

Conclusion :
Thank them for their time.
Ask to take a picture.
Post the picture and commentary of the meeting so the community
(and SJAP) can stay engaged and aware.
 5 Steps to Calling your Representatives
1. Introduce yourself and ask to speak with the person in the office who
handles issues of law enforcements interaction with the community.
Example: Hi, my name is _________and as a member of the community you represent,
I would like to voice my concern and make some suggestions. Would I be able to speak
with the person who works with issues regarding law enforcements interaction with
the community?

2. If that person is not available, ask for a better time to call back.
Make sure to call back at that time.
3. Introduce yourself again and introduce your reason for calling and ask if
they have the time to discuss or if you should set a meeting to call back.
Example: Hi, my name is __________. As you are aware, the tensions are rising
between law enforcement and some of the communities they are meant to serve. I know
that reform is the appropriate route rather than violence so I would like to know what
Email:
is being done and what could be done to help bring about reform. I have a number of
Justice@advocacy reforms that I believe to be in my communitys best interest. If you have a few minutes,
project.org I would like to discuss them to see what your office is doing regarding these points and
how the community could assist you in better accomplishing them.

Website: 4. Briefly describe the reforms you see are needed in your community and
ask what is being done on these matters.
Advocacyproject.org
Example: I believe my community would benefit from:
Establishing community civic groups and police-civilian tasks forces;
Restoring civic courses to teach our youth civic-mindedness;
Mission: Law Enforcement agencies becoming more diverse, receiving cultural sensitivity
training, having body and vehicle recording systems, and publishing codes of
To provide
conduct in order to educate the community on law enforcement encounters;
empowerment Cases involving lethal force being reviewed by a citizen review panel and when
tools to recommended, the Department of Justice should review these cases as well;
disenfranchised Law enforcement agencies being required to report incidents of lethal force
individuals for and research being done on lethal force alternatives;
better self- Having truth and reconciliation opportunities to enable both sides to move forward
determination. from our torn histories; and
Increase civic engagement by increasing voter access, establishing an opt-out voter
registration system, and prohibiting voter disenfranchisement laws.

5. Let them know that you will follow up with a mail/emailed copy of the
reform items and ask when you can expect a response or if you would be
able to set up a time to speak with your representative. Thank them for
their time.
Example: Im going to follow up this phone call with an email of the reform items
and would like my Representative to respond as to what s/he is doing to improve these
matters in my community. Would I be able to set a time where I can speak with
her/him about this? [Either a time is set or request they respond by email] Thank you
for your time, I look forward to seeing reform on this issue.
 Date:

Sent Via

Re: Community Reform

Dear Representative,

I am a member of your constituency and am concerned about the welfare of

my community. As a representative of my interests, I request a brief minute of
your time.

Reform is absolutely necessary in this turbulent time in our nations history.

Many of the nations problems often derive from under-representative, lack of
education, and failing community rehabilitation. Attached is a 15-point
platform to get the discussion started on methods to the healing process as a
nation.

While I know you have other obligations, a response on this issue at your most
practicable time is greatly appreciated. The next phase in this outreach in direct
action includes, economic withdrawal, protests, marches, and other non-violent
ways to ensure our efforts are being recognized. Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Email:
Justice@advocacyproject.org
If you have any questions please contact me at:
Website:
Advocacyproject.org

Mission:
To provide empowerment I look forward to hearing from you.
tools to disenfranchised
individuals for better self- Sincerely,
determination.

___________________________________________

Advocate for Community Reform

ENCLOSURE

Self-Empowerment Progress Community Healing

 Dear City Council Members,

We are reaching out to fellow community leaders like you to introduce

ourselves. It is our hope that this introduction will begin a relationship that enables us
to work together to create a more just and peaceful society. Over time we have seen our
public discourse turn sour, innocent civilians and police officers gunned down, and a
rise in feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and anger. It does not have to be this way;
by building relationships and understanding between citizens, government officials, and
business owners, we can reshape our country to embody its best ideals. Getting there
will require us to embrace education and civic engagement. As a community leader, we
believe you likely share these values.

We are the Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc. a group of professionals and
public servants concerned about the welfare of our communities, seeking to empower
the disenfranchised. We appreciate the service you do for our community and we know
Address: it is difficult to make tough choices and lead communities that have suffered the effects
336 S. Glendora of economic downturn and crime. But, by creating and reviewing legislation, organizing
Ave. community projects, or simply being there for community members in troubled times,
West Covina, you put service first and set a positive vision for the future.
California
91790
It is because you are willing to serve and lead that you are in a unique position
to partner with citizens, business owners, and police to ensure that our communities
Telephone: thrive. The Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc. believes creating a more perfect union
1 (888) 407-4101 starts locally. Thats why we created a 15-point platform and action plan that prescribes
specific actions we believe will reduce the tensions that plague our society. We have the
Email:
endorsement of your police department as well as departments in neighboring cities and
Justice@advocacy would like to discuss ways of moving forward.
project.org
We need your help. Troubles thrive when good people stand by without action.
And thats why we want to schedule a meeting with you to discuss our platform and 15-
Website: point plan. We want to know how you see the problems in our community, and we want
Advocacyproject.org
to help you take meaningful action as leaders to bring about a shared vision of justice,
peace, and prosperity for every member of the community.
Mission:
To provide If you are interesting in getting started, please call or
empowerment tools email to set up a meeting. Thank you for your time,
to disenfranchised
attention, and anticipated participation in this pressing matter.
individuals for better
self-determination.

Sincerely,

Thomas D. Allison, Esq.

Founder & President

Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc.

Self-Empowerment Progress Community Healing

 City Council Script
Hello, my name is , I am an advocate for community reform.
As you are aware, this nation is hurting and divided like never before. Many people and
organizations are talking about the problem; however, very few are putting forth
solutions.

I am here because my organization has created a 15-point platform for reform as well as
an action plan. We are distributing this action plan to individuals and groups all across
the nation in order to help hurting communities better address their social and community
policing problems.

I have met with Chief of the police department

regarding our 15-point platform as well as our action plan. During our hour(s) long
meeting, Chief indicated several ways they could improve, but
needed the communitys support. I believe we can get law enforcement the support they
need as well as meaningfully participate in community programs and events that better
expose law enforcement to the citizens they patrol and introduce the community to the
law enforcement officers putting their lives on the line every day to protect them. I have
the endorsement of your police chief in moving forward with our action plan as a good
way of building stronger communities.

In furtherance of our action plan, individuals from my organization will be actively

engaged in meetings with organizations, businesses, police departments, representatives,
and the community. These meetings will highlight where the problems are within the
community and will allow people to assess meaningful ways forward. Communities
without problems should serve as models for communities seeking solutions. No
community is exempt from what is going on, we all have an obligation to make this
nation the very best it could be.

I am asking to meet with each of you, regarding our 15-point platform and action plan.
Thank you.

1
If using this organizations name, you must adhere to the SJAP Code of Conduct.
 Dear Fellow Business Owner,

We are introducing ourselves to fellow community leaders in order to begin a

relationship that enables us to work together in creating a more just and peaceful society.
We are experiencing soured public discourse, innocent civilians and police officers
gunned down, and a rise in feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and anger. It does not
have to be this way; by building relationships and understanding between citizens, police,
government officials, and business owners we can reshape our country to embody its best
ideals. Getting there will require us to embrace education and civic engagement.

We are the Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc., a group of professionals and
public servants concerned about the welfare of our communities, seeking to empower the
disenfranchised. We appreciate the opportunities business owners afford citizens to
provide for themselves and others, whether it is by hiring someone for their first job or
retraining veteran employees on new technologies and processes, business owners
Address: assume many of the risks that pay off in more stable, competent and self-reliant citizens.
336 S. Glendora As business owners ourselves, we know that entrepreneurs are willing to take risks
Ave.
West Covina,
beyond the walls of their workshops and storefronts to engage in building, rebuilding,
California and bringing hope to communities.
91790
It is because business owners are willing to take these risks that we are in a unique
Telephone: position to form partnerships that ensure our communities thrive. The Social Justice
1 (888) 407-4101 Advocacy Project, Inc. believes creating a more perfect union starts locally. That is why
we created a 15-point platform and action plan that prescribes specific actions we believe
Email: will reduce the tensions that plague our society. We have the endorsement of your police
Justice@advocacy department as well as departments in neighboring cities and would like to discuss ways
project.org
of moving forward.

Website: We need your help. Troubles thrive when good people stand by without action.
Advocacyproject.org
And thats why we want to schedule a meeting with you to discuss our 15-point platform
and action plan. We want to know how you see the problems in our community, and we
Mission: want to help you take meaningful action as leaders to bring about a shared vision of
To provide
empowerment tools justice, peace, and prosperity for every member of the community.
to disenfranchised
individuals for better If you are interested in getting started, please call or
self-determination. email to set up a meeting. Thank you for your time, attention,
and anticipated participation in this pressing matter.

Sincerely

Thomas D. Allison, Esq.

Founder & President
Social Justice Advocacy Project, Inc.

Self-Empowerment Progress Community Healing

 15 Point Platform
A starting point for discussing policies to affirm the
equality granted to every individual under the constitution.

1. Community Civic Groups

2. Diversification of Law Enforcement Agencies
3. Improved Cultural Sensitivity Training
4. Reformed Civics Courses
5. Education on Law Enforcement Encounters
Email:
Justice@advocacy
6. Body and Vehicle Recording Systems
project.org
7. Truth and Reconciliation Meetings between
Website: Police and Community
Advocacyproject.org
8. Police-Civilian Task Forces
Mission: 9. Citizen Review Panels
To provide
empowerment
10. Department of Justice Review
tools to
disenfranchised 11. Law Enforcement Reporting
individuals for
better self- 12. Research Lethal Force Use and Alternatives
determination.
13. Increased Voter Access
14. Opt-Out Voter Registration
15. End Voter Disenfranchisement Laws

Self-Empowerment Progress Community Healing