Dear friend,

Thanksgiving likely looks very different for you this year. With the pandemic entering its ninth month and the number of COVID cases increasing, many of us are skipping a big gathering and instead choosing to enjoy a meal virtually with our families. It’s hard, but it’s what we need to do to stay safe.

Imagine, though, if you were not only isolated, but also unsafe. That’s sadly the case for incarcerated people this holiday season.

Spending Thanksgiving behind bars is bad enough, but being vulnerable and in prison where the risk of COVID spread is at its highest makes it even worse—and it doesn't have to be this way. Our lawmakers have had months to grant clemency to people in need. While many have been released, it hasn't nearly been enough.

Normally, I write to you on Thanksgiving with all that I'm thankful for—and I have a lot to be thankful for today. I'm thankful for the success our compassionate release Clearinghouse has had in helping deserving people go home where they belong. I'm grateful that our staff is safe, and I appreciate each of you for helping us help those whom society has seemingly forgotten during this mess of a year.

I can't express gratitude, though, without also expressing my frustration at how much more needs to be done. This year and beyond, I hope you will stick with FAMM and help us give everyone the chance to be safe. It's something we all deserve—no matter our circumstances and no matter our pasts.

Best,

Kevin Ring
President, FAMM