a second second chance day on the hill

the second annual second chance day on the hill is on -- tomorrow at 10 am, in the minnesota state capitol rotunda. i sure wish i could be there again this year, but i'm booked for a luncheon talk on felon voting rights at the minnversity. i promise to give a shout-out to 2nd chance in my speech to the bigwigs. last year's event inspired me for months. from the organizers:

It doesn’t cost anything to give someone a second chance. Feb. 11 at 10 a.m., hundreds of ex-offenders and their families and supporters will gather at the state capitol for the Second Chance Day on the Hill. Please join us for this opportunity to hear the stories of those who have struggled to move beyond their past, become contributing members of our community and redeem themselves. Sign up to receive e-mails about and/or to help with the 2009 Second Chance Day on the Hill. Join hundreds of others and advocate for change.

Feb. 11 @ 10 a.m. Capitol Rotunda, St. Paul, Minn.
Join hundreds, and advocate for change. Hear the stories of those who have struggled to move beyond their past, become contributing members of our community and redeem themselves.

Wednesday @ 10:00am MN State Capitol Rotunda 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd St. Paul, MN 55155 For more parking information or directions to the state capitol please visit: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/leg/faqtoc.asp?subject=14

Second Chance Day on the Hill principles:
1. End punishment upon completion of sentence
2. Regulate availability of criminal records
3. Diagnose and treat mental health and chemical addiction
4. Include impact of collateral sanctions in plea agreements
5. Limit the impact of incarceration on children and families
6. Increase access to employment
7. Secure detention should be a last resort for youth
8. Restore voting rights upon release from prison