About Virginia C.U.R.E.

Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope . . .

Virginia C.U.R.E. is a membership organization whose focus is on the Virginia criminal justice and prison systems and the people whose lives are impacted by these systems. The organizational meeting was held in Richmond, Virginia on January 15, 1988. In 1992, it was incorporated in Virginia and tax-exempt status was granted by the IRS. Funding is dependent upon membership dues and donations that are tax deductible.

It is a Chapter of International CURE, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Note: name changed from National to International CURE at October 2005 Board Meeting). Virginia C.U.R.E. members automatically enjoy dual membership in International C.U.R.E. and receive newsletters, and an opportunity to attend conferences and meetings.

International CURE sets organizational policy. A Board of Directors elected for 2-year terms sets Chapter policy, aided by an Executive Committee consisting of the Board Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. The director, a full-time volunteer, conducts operations with the assistance of the Executive Committee, the Local Chapter Developer, and a Correspondence Volunteer.

Virginia C.U.R.E is considered to be an effective and respected voice in bringing attention to challenging criminal justice and prison issues that might otherwise be ignored. Accomplishments are dependent upon the efforts put forth by volunteers. To promote its goals, leaders network with organizations and the Executive and Legislative branches of Virginia government.

For the sake of public safety and restoring the lives of offenders, their families, and crime victims, every effort is made to advocate for positive policies and to monitor actions of state and national governments, the news media, official reports and publications. Over 34,000 men and women are incarcerated in Virginia prisons and thousands more are on or have been on probation or parole. It is reported that 95-percent will eventually be released from prison. Most have left families behind.

Activities are organized to provide information, education and support to families, those who are presently or formerly incarcerated, and other concerned citizens. This is achieved through statewide meetings, monthly local chapter meetings, Annual Conference, Advocacy Day at the General Assembly, web site (www.vacure.org), a Yahoo Group (VirginiaPrisoners@yahoogroups.com), an email distribution list, (vacure@cox.net), a newsletter when time and volunteers allow, and by replies to letters, email and telephone inquiries and requests. An Annual Family Day Picnic is organized free-of-charge for children who have an incarcerated parent, their caretakers and others involved in the justice system. The picnic is made possible through donations and/or products from businesses and individuals. The 2007 Family Day picnic will be held at Pocahontas State Park, near Richmond, Virginia, on Saturday, June 2.

There is a C.U.R.E. presence in every city and town where a member lives. Local chapters meet monthly in four areas of the state: Hampton Roads, Harrisonburg, Richmond and Lebanon. C.U.R.E. chapters are encouraged throughout Virginia for family support, information sharing and an advocacy network. Families with an incarcerated loved one and other concerned citizens are encouraged to lend support to each other and join as a collective force to bring positive attention to conditions affecting victims, offenders, and the affected families.

Legislation before the General Assembly is carefully monitored and C.U.R.E. members are updated through email and the web site. A summary of legislation and final report are prepared and available upon request. Over 60 bills and resolutions were tracked in the 2006 session. 2007 legislation that is supported or opposed is available upon request and may be found on Virginia C.U.R.E.‘s web pages: www.vacure.org.

On November 3, 2006, Virginia C.U.R.E.’s 19th Annual Board Meeting and Conference was held at the George Mason University School of Public Policy, Arlington, Virginia. Two Board members were elected to fill vacancies. “Education is Key,” was the Conference theme with keynote speaker, Walter A. McFarlane, Superintendent, Virginia Department of Correctional Education (DCE), and expert speakers on correctional education and learning disabilities that affect the prison population. The evening Reception and Awards Dinner followed with keynote speaker Pat Nolan, President of Justice Fellowship. Awards were presented to Congressmen Frank Wolf (accepted for him by Congressman Tom Davis) and Bobby Scott (accepted for him by a Washington staff member); State Senators Henry L. Marsh III, of Richmond, and Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, of Vienna; Jerrauld C. Jones, Judge, former Director of Juvenile Justice and State Delegate (accepted for him by former State Delegate Karen Darner); Walter A. McFarlane, Superintendent, DCE; Jennie Amison, Executive Director, Gemeinschaft Home, Harrisonburg; John Horejsi, Director, Social Action Linking Together, Vienna, and Donald Gregory Gibson, a Virginia state prisoner (accepted for him by his mother, Mrs. Novak).

To achieve success, all concerned citizens must make an effort to be informed and participate in activities that encourage fair, humane and responsible criminal justice and prison policies.

Remember, there is strength in numbers!