Families That Matter
Thank You from Shawn Hawkins:
I want you to know you are all appreciated in the most genuine way that I can express it, and thank God/Allah/the Creator for each and everyone of you who became part of the team for what was right. Even to those who wished the worst upon me, I express heartfelt thanks; for no other reason than I have love for you too. There are no hard feelings, as I wish you well. This is especially so, though, for all those who have stood by me through these challenging times to help the victory claimed. As I have expressed to my family, every single signature and person who has taken interest and action in this cause, has been considered equally valued and you all should be proud of yourselves for making such a difference. I encourage you all to continue doing so (in all the big & small ways) at every turn and let nothing persuade you otherwise. I am convinced that the ugliness in life can only be tempered by the beauty of those who care enough to be positive difference makers. For what it's worth, I have learned and grown a great deal through all of this and unbeknownst to you you all have been contributers to this personal development. I pay it forward by being a blessing to others through example.
Again, heartfelt thanks to you all. I send out a collective embrace and best wishes to you each and everyone of you. Be sure to follow me on Twitter out there!
Just kidding (laugh). Be good my friends. We did it! Shawn
Who are Families that Matter?
Members of Families That Matter are mothers, fathers, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews who have or had a loved one on Ohio’s death row. Families include those whose loved ones have lost their fight for justice and have been executed, those who have won victories through clemency, and those who are still persevering through the appeals’ process.
What is Families that Matter?
A Network of Support:
Through FTM, members receive the peer support needed through relationships with others who share a common hardship. FTM organizes local and statewide gatherings which provide a safe place for members to connect and be heard.
A Way to Become an Advocate for Your Loved One
Leadership Trainings (chosen by FTM members) strengthen the groups’ collective voice. Through better understanding of the legal system, prisoner rights, lobbying, and activism, family members are better equipped to advocate for their loved one on death row and to advocate for a moratorium on the death penalty in the State of Ohio.
Leadership Trainings have included:
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Self-Care: Taking Care of You Own Needs in Times of Stress
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Lobbying Workshop by Carrie Davis, ACLU Staff Attorney and Lobbyist
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Capital Defense Handbook: Training for Defendants and Their Families by Claudia Whitman from Equal Justice USA
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Consultation with the Chief Counsel of the Ohio Public Defender’s Office
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A Review of the Grievance Process of the Ohio Department of Corrections and Prisoner Rights
