Why I absolutely loved this Book Club session
For this eye-opening Book Club meeting, MPISCC brought on Justin Brooks, co-founder of the California Innocence Project. He founded the organization in 1999 and has since secured the release of dozens of innocent people who otherwise may have spent the rest of their lives wrongfully incarcerated.
From the moment he started speaking, Justin engaged our virtual audience with his story. At just 27 years old, he set out to help Marilyn Mulero, a woman on death row wrongfully convicted of first-degree murder. From that moment on, his desire to help the wrongfully convicted grew, blossoming into the California Innocence Project.
After his presentation, Justin took questions from the audience—most of which were unique, thoughtful and actionable. My favorites being:
1. How can everyday people help make a difference with our judicial system?
2. What happens when someone is released?
Given that we have one of the “least successful criminal justice systems” globally, Justin recommends that we hold people in power more accountable. He encourages us to think about who we vote for and support leaders committed to reform. For the wealthiest country on earth, we need to have better systems. For instance, once someone is released, they often don’t have the means to support themselves. Justin argues that rehabilitation programs and better financial support are needed.
Overall, this presentation was the perfect companion to such an incredible book. Not only have I walked away from this more knowledgeable, but I’ve been given the tools to make real change. Thanks, MPISCC for another phenomenal Book Club session!
Chrissy Thompson is the founder & senior event producer at Dynamo Events. We produce virtual events that build brands and drive business. Book a complimentary 20-minute consultation today.