 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2002 (XXXX 1) |
Sam Chamberlain and I began our big move by faith about three years ago when I was led to Philadelphia to explore, learn, heal and advocate change in drug law because of the effects it has on our society. My leading came out of seven years of personal experience after Sam was arrested for the conspiracy of cultivating marijuana. It was mid-July 1991 and the image of Drug Enforcement Administration agents at my door with lots of guns and my seven-year-old screaming still is alive inside of me. This image along with several others gives me the courage to find ways to educate and advocate for a radical transformation in our society. Sam, my husband, also has had a leading to raise awareness and advocate change after his experience in prison and looking at his history of addiction.
Sam and I have a minute of religious service from Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting and a minute of ministerial support from Athens Meeting in Ohio. We are grateful for the support that we have received from Friends. When Sam was arrested, our neighbor Star Mary Castro (an Athens Friend) had a concern for our family. Star, Athens Meeting and later Central Philadelphia Meeting members became a part of our community. Now, nine years later we use our experience knowing it is a vehicle for change.
Our program Let's Talk About Drugs / Outside the Walls offers presentations, workshops and performances that are based on reality. These take place at schools, Meetings and in the community. Sam and I work closely with the Drug Concerns Working Group of PYM. Sam and I have been sharing our insights and personal experience with Friends and the broader community since Sam's release from federal prison in 1998. People have responded and want more information and tools to take action towards justice for all.
Every time we present to a group at least one person comes up afterwards with a concern about a loved one who has an addiction or is dealing with the law, or with a concern about their own addiction. There are times when Sam and I question moving forward because of the weight on our heart, our finances and the lack of time. Every time we give up and begin to think it's not working, a door opens. We have been blessed and are reminded that God is in charge because we have received spiritual support and financial support from loved ones. During the past year we have spent many hours with our spiritual oversight members discerning how Sam and I could move forward and share our ministry most effectively. The result is that Central Philadelphia Meeting has raised funds so that we can continue to develop our program and make plans for the new year. In addition, PYM's Peace and Concerns Standing Committee contributed funds for our program to continue to grow. I am busy writing grant applications and making contacts where we can share our work.
Last summer we had an interest group at the Friends General Conference Gathering; Friends there saw the need for a change in our criminal justice system. At residential Yearly Meeting Sam spoke to the middle schoolers about forgiveness and addiction. As he spoke every kid was looking at Sam and listening. Once more I witnessed how powerful and effective true stories are.
At the PYM talent show I danced a solo from the performance piece I created called "Outside the Walls." While I was spinning on the grass I was taken back in time. I felt the whirlwind of emotions; I felt my longing for a kiss just as strongly as I did when Sam was in prison. My performance was sharing vocal ministry through movement. Afterwards I felt tender and vulnerable as if I had emptied a message on a Sunday meeting for worship. Friends approached me to discuss the piece. I knew it was another door opened to discuss the effects incarceration has on families. We showed the video of the performance of "Outside the Walls" at PYM and Young Friends shared their concerns and interests in prison policy and the War on Drugs.
In August we performed and were on a panel as part of the Counter Conference Coalition Against the American Correctional Association. We continue to work with students at the Philadelphia Mennonite High School. We have had contact with Friends schools and other venues.
For more information or to schedule a program, contact Melissa Whaley and Sam Chamberlain at ducklove@earthlink.net or (856) 303-0280.
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM