Anti-Death Penalty | South Carolinians For Alternatives To The Death Penalty

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To Learn more about Criminal Justice issues and reform ideas

Wanting to learn more about the death penalty in the state of South Carolina? Join us next week, July 1st, from 6pm-7pm ET for an hour-long online conversation to learn more about the state of the death penalty in South Carolina, the work of SCADP, and how you can get involved. If you want to volunteer or simply connect with others across the state interested in abolishing the death penalty, start here! To register for a free Zoom link, go to:

www.scadp.org/monthly-info-sessions

Wanting to learn more about the death penalty in the state of South Carolina? Join us next week, July 1st, from 6pm-7pm ET for an hour-long online conversation to learn more about the state of the death penalty in South Carolina, the work of SCADP, and how you can get involved. If you want to volunteer or simply connect with others across the state interested in abolishing the death penalty, start here! To register for a free Zoom link, go to:

www.scadp.org/monthly-info-sessions

Our friends in the California Anti-Death Penalty Coalition need your help for their campaign for Governor Newsom to commute all death sentences! SCADP is 1/156 organizations to proudly join this effort! There will be an event with state and national civil rights leader at the CA state house for a rally and a press event. They will present a list of organizations in support to the Governor's office. Details are listed below if you are interested in attending this event!

When: Thursday, June 26th, 2025 at 10am
Where: West Steps of the Capitol, Sacramento, CA

For more updates on this event, please visit their website by using the link below!
https://clemencyca.org/news/

Our friends in the California Anti-Death Penalty Coalition need your help for their campaign for Governor Newsom to commute all death sentences! SCADP is 1/156 organizations to proudly join this effort! There will be an event with state and national civil rights leader at the CA state house for a rally and a press event. They will present a list of organizations in support to the Governor's office. Details are listed below if you are interested in attending this event!

When: Thursday, June 26th, 2025 at 10am
Where: West Steps of the Capitol, Sacramento, CA

For more updates on this event, please visit their website by using the link below!
https://clemencyca.org/news/

Join us tonight, from 6-7 p.m. ET via Zoom for our monthly organizing meetup! You are welcome to attend regularly or drop-in when you have ideas and time to engage. Each session will offer tools and strategies for grassroots organizing as well as updates and opportunities for taking action. This month, in addition to campaign updates, we will be discussing community organizing in Lexington County. We suggest you attend an info session or have some familiarity with the work of SCADP in advance of joining this group, but it’s not required. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just getting started, we need you! Go to scadp.org/organizing-meetups to register for free!

Hillary Taylor and Brandon Fountain will facilitate this month's meet-up. If you are interested in co-facilitating the meetups in the future, please email her at hillary@scadp.org!

Join us tonight, from 6-7 p.m. ET via Zoom for our monthly organizing meetup! You are welcome to attend regularly or drop-in when you have ideas and time to engage. Each session will offer tools and strategies for grassroots organizing as well as updates and opportunities for taking action. This month, in addition to campaign updates, we will be discussing community organizing in Lexington County. We suggest you attend an info session or have some familiarity with the work of SCADP in advance of joining this group, but it’s not required. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just getting started, we need you! Go to scadp.org/organizing-meetups to register for free!

Hillary Taylor and Brandon Fountain will facilitate this month's meet-up. If you are interested in co-facilitating the meetups in the future, please email her at hillary@scadp.org!

South Carolina executed Steven Stanko last Friday. To read what our Executive Director has to say about his execution and executions in general, please use the link below:
https://www.cubnsc.com/post/south-carolina-executes-stephen-stanko-amid-rising-calls-to-end-the-death-penalty

To read SCADP's statement, please use this link below:
https://www.scadp.org/post/press-release-the-execution-of-stephen-stanko

South Carolina executed Steven Stanko last Friday. To read what our Executive Director has to say about his execution and executions in general, please use the link below:
https://www.cubnsc.com/post/south-carolina-executes-stephen-stanko-amid-rising-calls-to-end-the-death-penalty

To read SCADP's statement, please use this link below:
https://www.scadp.org/post/press-release-the-execution-of-stephen-stanko

On June 13, 2025 the state of South Carolina executed Steven Stanko. Rest in peace Stephen. You will not be forgotten.

On June 13, 2025 the state of South Carolina executed Steven Stanko. Rest in peace Stephen. You will not be forgotten.

Call Governor McMaster NOW at 803-734-2100! Use the following script:

"Hi, my name is [Name] and I live in [City and Zip Code]. I am calling today to ask that Governor McMaster stops the execution of Stephen Stanko, who is scheduled to be executed June 13, 2025. Please tell the Governor to use his executive powers and show mercy to Stephen Stanko.

#justiceforstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Call Governor McMaster NOW at 803-734-2100! Use the following script:

"Hi, my name is [Name] and I live in [City and Zip Code]. I am calling today to ask that Governor McMaster stops the execution of Stephen Stanko, who is scheduled to be executed June 13, 2025. Please tell the Governor to use his executive powers and show mercy to Stephen Stanko.

#justiceforstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

One final push to keep the pressure on #HenryMcMaster! You can do that by emailing him now! Here's how you do it!

1. Go to https://bit.ly/scadp-governor
2.Choose “Contact the Governor or Lt. Governor”
Fill out all “Requester Information” Sections and click “Next” at the bottom right-hand corner
4. Choose “Other”
5. Choose “Governor”
6. Write “Stephen Stanko” to the Subject Box
7. Send a message and urge the governor to seek justice for Stephen Stanko and stop his execution on June 13th!

One final push to keep the pressure on #HenryMcMaster! You can do that by emailing him now! Here's how you do it!

1. Go to https://bit.ly/scadp-governor
2.Choose “Contact the Governor or Lt. Governor”
Fill out all “Requester Information” Sections and click “Next” at the bottom right-hand corner
4. Choose “Other”
5. Choose “Governor”
6. Write “Stephen Stanko” to the Subject Box
7. Send a message and urge the governor to seek justice for Stephen Stanko and stop his execution on June 13th!

This week, we have several vigils happening across the state. We encourage everyone to visit our website scadp.org/advocate for more information about parking, accessibility, and event expectations!

Interfaith Vigil for Mikal
Where: Washington Street UMC
Date/Time: Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 7:00pm
Address: 1401 Washington St, Columbia, SC 29201

As for vigils on Friday, June 13, 2025, we now have 2 confirmed locations! Their information is below!

1. Greenville Location: Open Hearts United Methodist Church
Date/Time: Friday, June 13, 2025, at 5:30pm
Address: 2703 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29605

2. Columbia Location: Broad River Correctional Institution
Date/Time: Friday, June 13, 2025, at 4:30pm
Address: 4460 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210

If you are planning to host a vigil in your local area, email us at info@scadp.org so we can advertise it to other followers in your area!

If you're not able to get to one of our vigil sites, SCADP has created an Execution Vigil Toolkit for folks to host their own vigil for Stephen. The toolkit includes educational materials about SCADP's death penalty, instructions for how to create your own vigil (including Catholic-specific resources from our friends at Catholic Mobilizing Network), a list of all the people executed in SC since 1976, and other resources.

#StephenStanko #StopSCExecutions #ShameOnSC #SCADP

This week, we have several vigils happening across the state. We encourage everyone to visit our website scadp.org/advocate for more information about parking, accessibility, and event expectations!

Interfaith Vigil for Mikal
Where: Washington Street UMC
Date/Time: Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 7:00pm
Address: 1401 Washington St, Columbia, SC 29201

As for vigils on Friday, June 13, 2025, we now have 2 confirmed locations! Their information is below!

1. Greenville Location: Open Hearts United Methodist Church
Date/Time: Friday, June 13, 2025, at 5:30pm
Address: 2703 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29605

2. Columbia Location: Broad River Correctional Institution
Date/Time: Friday, June 13, 2025, at 4:30pm
Address: 4460 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210

If you are planning to host a vigil in your local area, email us at info@scadp.org so we can advertise it to other followers in your area!

If you're not able to get to one of our vigil sites, SCADP has created an Execution Vigil Toolkit for folks to host their own vigil for Stephen. The toolkit includes educational materials about SCADP's death penalty, instructions for how to create your own vigil (including Catholic-specific resources from our friends at Catholic Mobilizing Network), a list of all the people executed in SC since 1976, and other resources.

#StephenStanko #StopSCExecutions #ShameOnSC #SCADP

Stand with Stephen! Sign the Petition to save his life:

bit.ly/StephenStanko

#standwithstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Stand with Stephen! Sign the Petition to save his life:

bit.ly/StephenStanko

#standwithstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Keep pressure up and continue to advocate for #stephenstanko! #justiceforstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC
https://bit.ly/StephenStanko

Keep pressure up and continue to advocate for #stephenstanko! #justiceforstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC
https://bit.ly/StephenStanko

Stop the killing. Sign the petition to save Stephen's life:
bit.ly/MikalMahdi
#savestephenstanko#scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Stop the killing. Sign the petition to save Stephen's life:
bit.ly/MikalMahdi
#savestephenstanko#scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Death is NOT Justice! Sign the petition below to STOP the execution of Stephen Stanko:
bit.ly/StephenStanko
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Death is NOT Justice! Sign the petition below to STOP the execution of Stephen Stanko:
bit.ly/StephenStanko
8w

Join us for a book talk and signing with Corinna Barrett Lain for her new book, Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection. This event will take place on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 from 6-8pm at 734 Harden St, Columbia SC 29205.

Corinna Barrett Lain is the S. D. Roberts & Sandra Moore Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law and the author of Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection (NYU Press, 2025). She is one of the nation’s leading authorities on the death penalty and one of the leading voices on criminal justice in Virginia more broadly. Lain is a former prosecutor, former sergeant in the Army, an elected member of the American Law Institute, and a recipient of the University of Richmond’s Distinguished Educator Award.

To read more about the event or to buy the book, please use the link below:
bit.ly/SecretsOfTheKillingState

Join us for a book talk and signing with Corinna Barrett Lain for her new book, Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection. This event will take place on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 from 6-8pm at 734 Harden St, Columbia SC 29205.

Corinna Barrett Lain is the S. D. Roberts & Sandra Moore Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law and the author of Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection (NYU Press, 2025). She is one of the nation’s leading authorities on the death penalty and one of the leading voices on criminal justice in Virginia more broadly. Lain is a former prosecutor, former sergeant in the Army, an elected member of the American Law Institute, and a recipient of the University of Richmond’s Distinguished Educator Award.

To read more about the event or to buy the book, please use the link below:
bit.ly/SecretsOfTheKillingState

Call Governor McMaster NOW at 803-734-2100! Use the following script:

"Hi, my name is [Name] and I live in [City and Zip Code]. I am calling today to ask that Governor McMaster stops the execution of Stephen Stanko, who is scheduled to be executed June 13, 2025. Please tell the Governor to use his executive powers and show mercy to Stephen Stanko.

#justiceforstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Call Governor McMaster NOW at 803-734-2100! Use the following script:

"Hi, my name is [Name] and I live in [City and Zip Code]. I am calling today to ask that Governor McMaster stops the execution of Stephen Stanko, who is scheduled to be executed June 13, 2025. Please tell the Governor to use his executive powers and show mercy to Stephen Stanko.

#justiceforstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

We want everyone to keep the pressure on #HenryMcMaster! You can do that by emailing him now! Here's how you do it!

1. Go to https://bit.ly/scadp-governor
2.Choose “Contact the Governor or Lt. Governor”
Fill out all “Requester Information” Sections and click “Next” at the bottom right-hand corner
4. Choose “Other”
5. Choose “Governor”
6. Write “Stephen Stanko” to the Subject Box
7. Send a message and urge the governor to seek justice for Stephen Stanko and stop his execution on June 13th!

We want everyone to keep the pressure on #HenryMcMaster! You can do that by emailing him now! Here's how you do it!

1. Go to https://bit.ly/scadp-governor
2.Choose “Contact the Governor or Lt. Governor”
Fill out all “Requester Information” Sections and click “Next” at the bottom right-hand corner
4. Choose “Other”
5. Choose “Governor”
6. Write “Stephen Stanko” to the Subject Box
7. Send a message and urge the governor to seek justice for Stephen Stanko and stop his execution on June 13th!

Stop the execution of Stephen Stanko @govhenrymcmaster #StephenStanko #ShameOnSC #stopexecutions #abolishthedeathpenalty #scadp

Stop the execution of Stephen Stanko @govhenrymcmaster #StephenStanko #ShameOnSC #stopexecutions #abolishthedeathpenalty #scadp

Ways to continue advocating for Stephen Stanko!

1. Sign this petition and share it with 3 friends: bit.ly/StephenStanko

2. Use our Digital Toolkit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QXyxClOtbKaNSxEQy_UQv0AeX5sxG3UhIf1Nt_02ev4/edit?usp=sharing

3. If you haven’t given to SCADP yet, now is the time! Donate by clicking https://bit.ly/Donate2SCADP

Ways to continue advocating for Stephen Stanko!

1. Sign this petition and share it with 3 friends: bit.ly/StephenStanko

2. Use our Digital Toolkit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QXyxClOtbKaNSxEQy_UQv0AeX5sxG3UhIf1Nt_02ev4/edit?usp=sharing

3. If you haven’t given to SCADP yet, now is the time! Donate by clicking https://bit.ly/Donate2SCADP

Wanting to learn more about the death penalty in the state of South Carolina? Join us tomorrow night, from 6pm-7pm ET for an hour-long online conversation to learn more about the state of the death penalty in South Carolina, the work of SCADP, and how you can get involved. If you want to volunteer or simply connect with others across the state interested in abolishing the death penalty, start here! To register for a free Zoom link, go to:

www.scadp.org/monthly-info-sessions

Wanting to learn more about the death penalty in the state of South Carolina? Join us tomorrow night, from 6pm-7pm ET for an hour-long online conversation to learn more about the state of the death penalty in South Carolina, the work of SCADP, and how you can get involved. If you want to volunteer or simply connect with others across the state interested in abolishing the death penalty, start here! To register for a free Zoom link, go to:

www.scadp.org/monthly-info-sessions

Stop the June 13th Execution of Stephen Stanko! Sign the petition below:
bit.ly/StephenStanko
@govhenrymcmaster #StephenStanko #ShameOnSC #stopexecutions #abolishthedeathpenalty #scadp #justiceforstephenstanko

Stop the June 13th Execution of Stephen Stanko! Sign the petition below:
bit.ly/StephenStanko
@govhenrymcmaster #StephenStanko #ShameOnSC #stopexecutions #abolishthedeathpenalty #scadp #justiceforstephenstanko

Seek justice for Stephen Stanko. Sign the petition below to save his life:
bit.ly/StephenStanko

Seek justice for Stephen Stanko. Sign the petition below to save his life:
bit.ly/StephenStanko

Today, we learned that Stephen Stanko will be executed by the state of South Carolina by lethal injection.

Sign the petition to save his life: bit.ly/StephenStanko

As a reminder, lethal injection is based on Nazi junk science. It's designed to look like a medical procedure, but it is far removed from medical treatment. In fact, most pharmaceutical companies have put a moratorium on selling lethal injection drugs to states because they want their drugs to be used to heal people, not kill them. #abolishthedeathpenalty #justiceforstephenstanko

Today, we learned that Stephen Stanko will be executed by the state of South Carolina by lethal injection.

Sign the petition to save his life: bit.ly/StephenStanko

As a reminder, lethal injection is based on Nazi junk science. It's designed to look like a medical procedure, but it is far removed from medical treatment. In fact, most pharmaceutical companies have put a moratorium on selling lethal injection drugs to states because they want their drugs to be used to heal people, not kill them. #abolishthedeathpenalty #justiceforstephenstanko

One final push to tell Governor McMaster NO MORE DEATH ROW!! There are 2 things you can do to complete this right now:

1. Email McMaster - go to https://bit.ly/scadp-governor, choose “Contact the Governor or Lt. Governor”, fill out all “Requester Information” Sections and click “Next” at the bottom right-hand corner, choose “Other”, choose “Governor”, write “Stephen Stanko” to the Subject Box, send a message and urge the governor to seek justice for Stephen Stanko and stop his execution TODAY!

2. Call McMaster - 803-734-2100! Use the following script:
"Hi, my name is [Name] and I live in [City and Zip Code]. I am calling today to ask that Governor McMaster stops the execution of Stephen Stanko, who is scheduled to be executed June 13, 2025. Please tell the Governor to use his executive powers and show mercy to Stephen Stanko.

One final push to tell Governor McMaster NO MORE DEATH ROW!! There are 2 things you can do to complete this right now:

1. Email McMaster - go to https://bit.ly/scadp-governor, choose “Contact the Governor or Lt. Governor”, fill out all “Requester Information” Sections and click “Next” at the bottom right-hand corner, choose “Other”, choose “Governor”, write “Stephen Stanko” to the Subject Box, send a message and urge the governor to seek justice for Stephen Stanko and stop his execution TODAY!

2. Call McMaster - 803-734-2100! Use the following script:
"Hi, my name is [Name] and I live in [City and Zip Code]. I am calling today to ask that Governor McMaster stops the execution of Stephen Stanko, who is scheduled to be executed June 13, 2025. Please tell the Governor to use his executive powers and show mercy to Stephen Stanko.

Stand with Stephen! Sign the Petition to save his life:
bit.ly/StephenStanko
#savestephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Stand with Stephen! Sign the Petition to save his life:
bit.ly/StephenStanko
#savestephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Stop the killing. Sign the petition to save Stephen's life:
bit.ly/MikalMahdi
#savestephenstanko#scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Stop the killing. Sign the petition to save Stephen's life:
bit.ly/MikalMahdi
#savestephenstanko#scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Call Governor McMaster NOW at 803-734-2100! Use the following script:

"Hi, my name is [Name] and I live in [City and Zip Code]. I am calling today to ask that Governor McMaster stops the execution of Stephen Stanko, who is scheduled to be executed June 13, 2025. Please tell the Governor to use his executive powers and show mercy to Stephen Stanko.

#justiceforstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Call Governor McMaster NOW at 803-734-2100! Use the following script:

"Hi, my name is [Name] and I live in [City and Zip Code]. I am calling today to ask that Governor McMaster stops the execution of Stephen Stanko, who is scheduled to be executed June 13, 2025. Please tell the Governor to use his executive powers and show mercy to Stephen Stanko.

#justiceforstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC #StopExecutions #EndTheDeathPenalty

Stop the execution of Stephen Stanko @govhenrymcmaster #StephenStanko #ShameOnSC #stopexecutions #abolishthedeathpenalty #scadp

Stop the execution of Stephen Stanko @govhenrymcmaster #StephenStanko #ShameOnSC #stopexecutions #abolishthedeathpenalty #scadp

We want everyone to put pressure on #HenryMcMaster! You can do that by emailing him now! Here's how you do it!

1. Go to https://bit.ly/scadp-governor
2.Choose “Contact the Governor or Lt. Governor”
Fill out all “Requester Information” Sections and click “Next” at the bottom right-hand corner
4. Choose “Other”
5. Choose “Governor”
6. Write “Stephen Stanko” to the Subject Box
7. Send a message and urge the governor to seek justice for Stephen Stanko and stop his execution on June 13th!

We want everyone to put pressure on #HenryMcMaster! You can do that by emailing him now! Here's how you do it!

1. Go to https://bit.ly/scadp-governor
2.Choose “Contact the Governor or Lt. Governor”
Fill out all “Requester Information” Sections and click “Next” at the bottom right-hand corner
4. Choose “Other”
5. Choose “Governor”
6. Write “Stephen Stanko” to the Subject Box
7. Send a message and urge the governor to seek justice for Stephen Stanko and stop his execution on June 13th!

Keep pressure up and continue to advocate for #stephenstanko! #justiceforstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC
https://bit.ly/StephenStanko

Keep pressure up and continue to advocate for #stephenstanko! #justiceforstephenstanko #scadp #shameonSC
https://bit.ly/StephenStanko

Get mobilized with SCADP and the SC Christian Action Council with our Virtual Book Club, tonight at 7pm! Our May selection is Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah. This is a dystopian novel about a near-future America where prison systems were transformed into a brutal sport called the Criminal Action Penal Entertainment (CAPE) Program.

Bring your favorite beverage as we discuss this compilation of real-life stories. You are not required to read the book for the event but are encouraged to purchase the book at your local bookseller or borrow it from your local library!

If you would like to purchase your book and you live in the Midlands, we recommend ordering from Liberation is Lit! They are great partners with our mission and we love supporting them! To register for this event, use this link: scadp.org/virtual-book-club

Get mobilized with SCADP and the SC Christian Action Council with our Virtual Book Club, tonight at 7pm! Our May selection is Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah. This is a dystopian novel about a near-future America where prison systems were transformed into a brutal sport called the Criminal Action Penal Entertainment (CAPE) Program.

Bring your favorite beverage as we discuss this compilation of real-life stories. You are not required to read the book for the event but are encouraged to purchase the book at your local bookseller or borrow it from your local library!

If you would like to purchase your book and you live in the Midlands, we recommend ordering from Liberation is Lit! They are great partners with our mission and we love supporting them! To register for this event, use this link: scadp.org/virtual-book-club

In case we missed you last night! We hosted our Advocacy Campaign Launch for Stephen Stanko, the video is now posted on YouTube! Please use this link to check out the video: https://youtu.be/nL8NPhJLa7Q

In case we missed you last night! We hosted our Advocacy Campaign Launch for Stephen Stanko, the video is now posted on YouTube! Please use this link to check out the video: https://youtu.be/nL8NPhJLa7Q

Get mobilized with SCADP and the SC Christian Action Council with our Virtual Book Club, this Thursday at 7pm! Our May selection is Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah. This is a dystopian novel about a near-future America where prison systems were transformed into a brutal sport called the Criminal Action Penal Entertainment (CAPE) Program.

Bring your favorite beverage as we discuss this compilation of real-life stories. You are not required to read the book for the event but are encouraged to purchase the book at your local bookseller or borrow it from your local library!

If you would like to purchase your book and you live in the Midlands, we recommend ordering from Liberation is Lit! They are great partners with our mission and we love supporting them! To register for this event, use this link: scadp.org/virtual-book-club

Get mobilized with SCADP and the SC Christian Action Council with our Virtual Book Club, this Thursday at 7pm! Our May selection is Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah. This is a dystopian novel about a near-future America where prison systems were transformed into a brutal sport called the Criminal Action Penal Entertainment (CAPE) Program.

Bring your favorite beverage as we discuss this compilation of real-life stories. You are not required to read the book for the event but are encouraged to purchase the book at your local bookseller or borrow it from your local library!

If you would like to purchase your book and you live in the Midlands, we recommend ordering from Liberation is Lit! They are great partners with our mission and we love supporting them! To register for this event, use this link: scadp.org/virtual-book-club

Join us tomorrow, from 6-7 p.m. ET via Zoom for our monthly organizing meetup! You are welcome to attend regularly or drop-in when you have ideas and time to engage. Each session will offer tools and strategies for grassroots organizing as well as updates and opportunities for taking action. This month, in addition to campaign updates, we will be discussing community organizing in Greenville and York counties. We suggest you attend an info session or have some familiarity with the work of SCADP in advance of joining this group, but it’s not required. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just getting started, we need you! Go to scadp.org/organizing-meetups to register for free!

Hillary Taylor and Brandon Fountain will facilitate this month's meet-up. If you are interested in co-facilitating the meetups in the future, please email her at hillary@scadp.org!

Join us tomorrow, from 6-7 p.m. ET via Zoom for our monthly organizing meetup! You are welcome to attend regularly or drop-in when you have ideas and time to engage. Each session will offer tools and strategies for grassroots organizing as well as updates and opportunities for taking action. This month, in addition to campaign updates, we will be discussing community organizing in Greenville and York counties. We suggest you attend an info session or have some familiarity with the work of SCADP in advance of joining this group, but it’s not required. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just getting started, we need you! Go to scadp.org/organizing-meetups to register for free!

Hillary Taylor and Brandon Fountain will facilitate this month's meet-up. If you are interested in co-facilitating the meetups in the future, please email her at hillary@scadp.org!

Today, the South Carolina Department of Corrections issued an execution warrant for Stephen Stanko. Stephen has spent nearly 20 years on South Carolina’s death row for the murders of Laura Ling and Henry Turner. Experts diagnosed Stephen with brain damage, likely from numerous brain injuries including from a troubled birth, a blow to the back of the head as a teen while shielding a classmate from an assault, and repeated traumas from serious sports-related head injuries. The brain damage resulted in tissue loss in the left frontal lobe and medial brain structures that place him in the bottom 2.4% of the population. The problems resulting from his brain damage are well controlled in the structured environment of prison. Stephen has not been a danger to prison staff or other inmates and has productively used his years on death row to repent of his crimes and seek God’s forgiveness, help other inmates, and write about his experiences.

Here’s what you can do to advocate for #JusticeForStephenStanko:

1. Sign this petition and share it with 3 friends: bit.ly/StephenStanko

2. Use our Digital Toolkit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QXyxClOtbKaNSxEQy_UQv0AeX5sxG3UhIf1Nt_02ev4/edit?usp=sharing

3. Attend our Clemency Campaign Launch on Tuesday, May 20 at 7pm. We will host a virtual gathering for those who want to know more about Mikal’s case, the death penalty in South Carolina, and the timeline from now until execution day. https://actionnetwork.org/events/stephen-stanko-advocacy-campaign-launch/?source=direct_link&

4. If you haven’t given to SCADP yet, now is the time! Donate by clicking https://bit.ly/Donate2SCADP

Today, the South Carolina Department of Corrections issued an execution warrant for Stephen Stanko. Stephen has spent nearly 20 years on South Carolina’s death row for the murders of Laura Ling and Henry Turner. Experts diagnosed Stephen with brain damage, likely from numerous brain injuries including from a troubled birth, a blow to the back of the head as a teen while shielding a classmate from an assault, and repeated traumas from serious sports-related head injuries. The brain damage resulted in tissue loss in the left frontal lobe and medial brain structures that place him in the bottom 2.4% of the population. The problems resulting from his brain damage are well controlled in the structured environment of prison. Stephen has not been a danger to prison staff or other inmates and has productively used his years on death row to repent of his crimes and seek God’s forgiveness, help other inmates, and write about his experiences.

Here’s what you can do to advocate for #JusticeForStephenStanko:

1. Sign this petition and share it with 3 friends: bit.ly/StephenStanko

2. Use our Digital Toolkit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QXyxClOtbKaNSxEQy_UQv0AeX5sxG3UhIf1Nt_02ev4/edit?usp=sharing

3. Attend our Clemency Campaign Launch on Tuesday, May 20 at 7pm. We will host a virtual gathering for those who want to know more about Mikal’s case, the death penalty in South Carolina, and the timeline from now until execution day. https://actionnetwork.org/events/stephen-stanko-advocacy-campaign-launch/?source=direct_link&

4. If you haven’t given to SCADP yet, now is the time! Donate by clicking https://bit.ly/Donate2SCADP

Tell South Carolina Lawmakers to investigate Mikal Mahdi's BOTCHED execution! Use bit.ly/MikalsBotchedExecution to write to our legislators that this needs to be investigated!

Tell South Carolina Lawmakers to investigate Mikal Mahdi's BOTCHED execution! Use bit.ly/MikalsBotchedExecution to write to our legislators that this needs to be investigated!

South Carolina botched the execution of Mikal Mahdi. To read this story and hear from SCADP Executive Director Hillary Taylor, please use this link: https://bit.ly/WPDEArticle

South Carolina botched the execution of Mikal Mahdi. To read this story and hear from SCADP Executive Director Hillary Taylor, please use this link: https://bit.ly/WPDEArticle

Happy Belated Mother's Day to ALL of the moms! To those mother's on the inside and those out, we see you, and you are appreciated.

Happy Belated Mother's Day to ALL of the moms! To those mother's on the inside and those out, we see you, and you are appreciated.

An autopsy of Mikal Mahdi suggests that shooters did not hit the designated target in South Carolina. To read more about this, please use this link https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/08/south-carolina-firing-squad-execution?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

An autopsy of Mikal Mahdi suggests that shooters did not hit the designated target in South Carolina. To read more about this, please use this link https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/08/south-carolina-firing-squad-execution?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

A powerful op-ed from Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty Community Outreach Director Rafiah Muhammad-McCormick. Please take the time to read and hear from a murder victim family member. To stay up to date with the Tennessean coalition, please follow their social media which is tagged!

A powerful op-ed from Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty Community Outreach Director Rafiah Muhammad-McCormick. Please take the time to read and hear from a murder victim family member. To stay up to date with the Tennessean coalition, please follow their social media which is tagged!

Thank you to everyone who attended our Charleston event last month to hear from our guest speakers! For more events like these, make sure to check out scadp.org to register!

Thank you to everyone who attended our Charleston event last month to hear from our guest speakers! For more events like these, make sure to check out scadp.org to register!

Wanting to learn more about the death penalty in the state of South Carolina? Join us next tonight, from 6pm-7pm ET for an hour-long online conversation to learn more about the state of the death penalty in South Carolina, the work of SCADP, and how you can get involved. If you want to volunteer or simply connect with others across the state interested in abolishing the death penalty, start here! To register for a free Zoom link, go to:

www.scadp.org/monthly-info-sessions

Wanting to learn more about the death penalty in the state of South Carolina? Join us next tonight, from 6pm-7pm ET for an hour-long online conversation to learn more about the state of the death penalty in South Carolina, the work of SCADP, and how you can get involved. If you want to volunteer or simply connect with others across the state interested in abolishing the death penalty, start here! To register for a free Zoom link, go to:

www.scadp.org/monthly-info-sessions

Get mobilized with SCADP and the SC Christian Action Council with our third Virtual Book Club of 2025 on Thursday, May 22nd, at 7pm! Our May selection is Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah. This is a dystopian novel about a near-future America where prison systems were transformed into a brutal sport called the Criminal Action Penal Entertainment (CAPE) Program.

Bring your favorite beverage as we discuss this compilation of real-life stories. You are not required to read the book for the event but are encouraged to purchase the book at your local bookseller or borrow it from your local library!

If you would like to purchase your book and you live in the Midlands, we recommend ordering from Liberation is Lit! They are great partners with our mission and we love supporting them! To register for this event, use this link: scadp.org/virtual-book-club

Get mobilized with SCADP and the SC Christian Action Council with our third Virtual Book Club of 2025 on Thursday, May 22nd, at 7pm! Our May selection is Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah. This is a dystopian novel about a near-future America where prison systems were transformed into a brutal sport called the Criminal Action Penal Entertainment (CAPE) Program.

Bring your favorite beverage as we discuss this compilation of real-life stories. You are not required to read the book for the event but are encouraged to purchase the book at your local bookseller or borrow it from your local library!

If you would like to purchase your book and you live in the Midlands, we recommend ordering from Liberation is Lit! They are great partners with our mission and we love supporting them! To register for this event, use this link: scadp.org/virtual-book-club

Join us May 20th, from 6-7 p.m. ET via Zoom for our monthly organizing meetup! You are welcome to attend regularly or drop-in when you have ideas and time to engage. Each session will offer tools and strategies for grassroots organizing as well as updates and opportunities for taking action. This month, in addition to campaign updates, we will be discussing community organizing in Greenville and York counties. We suggest you attend an info session or have some familiarity with the work of SCADP in advance of joining this group, but it’s not required. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just getting started, we need you! Go to scadp.org/organizing-meetups to register for free!

Hillary Taylor and Brandon Fountain will facilitate this month's meet-up. If you are interested in co-facilitating the meetups in the future, please email her at hillary@scadp.org!

Join us May 20th, from 6-7 p.m. ET via Zoom for our monthly organizing meetup! You are welcome to attend regularly or drop-in when you have ideas and time to engage. Each session will offer tools and strategies for grassroots organizing as well as updates and opportunities for taking action. This month, in addition to campaign updates, we will be discussing community organizing in Greenville and York counties. We suggest you attend an info session or have some familiarity with the work of SCADP in advance of joining this group, but it’s not required. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just getting started, we need you! Go to scadp.org/organizing-meetups to register for free!

Hillary Taylor and Brandon Fountain will facilitate this month's meet-up. If you are interested in co-facilitating the meetups in the future, please email her at hillary@scadp.org!

Last Thursday, Second Chance Day was held at the State House in Columbia. Second Chance Day was a day of advocacy and awareness to highlight the challenges faced by people impacted by the criminal legal system and to promote policies that support successful reentry and second chances. For more information on events like these, visit scadp.org. #SecondChanceDay

Last Thursday, Second Chance Day was held at the State House in Columbia. Second Chance Day was a day of advocacy and awareness to highlight the challenges faced by people impacted by the criminal legal system and to promote policies that support successful reentry and second chances. For more information on events like these, visit scadp.org. #SecondChanceDay

Wanting to learn more about the death penalty in the state of South Carolina? Join us next week, May, 6 from 6pm-7pm ET for an hour-long online conversation to learn more about the state of the death penalty in South Carolina, the work of SCADP, and how you can get involved. If you want to volunteer or simply connect with others across the state interested in abolishing the death penalty, start here! To register for a free Zoom link, go to:

www.scadp.org/monthly-info-sessions

Wanting to learn more about the death penalty in the state of South Carolina? Join us next week, May, 6 from 6pm-7pm ET for an hour-long online conversation to learn more about the state of the death penalty in South Carolina, the work of SCADP, and how you can get involved. If you want to volunteer or simply connect with others across the state interested in abolishing the death penalty, start here! To register for a free Zoom link, go to:

www.scadp.org/monthly-info-sessions

This week, we invite you to join TCADP and faith leaders in the movement at 10:00 AM CT on National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 1, 2025, for a virtual gathering of prayer and reflection. We'll stand united across faiths, affiliations, and cultures with one shared purpose: to intercede for life, mercy, and justice, and to put faith in action against capital punishment. Use the link below to register for free!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefb1iDTR661j0rx5PgOJD1cFwmInYGNOkMmLG2PCfFpOxVZw/viewform?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadlZ8yOzXkxEOmK7HKNXuorPsYQrt-tGASYvwVbH1a1c-fVTHnFJ5a-iBl5MQ_aem_ZhfADnpYoAuJYzt0bYG_L

This week, we invite you to join TCADP and faith leaders in the movement at 10:00 AM CT on National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 1, 2025, for a virtual gathering of prayer and reflection. We'll stand united across faiths, affiliations, and cultures with one shared purpose: to intercede for life, mercy, and justice, and to put faith in action against capital punishment. Use the link below to register for free!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefb1iDTR661j0rx5PgOJD1cFwmInYGNOkMmLG2PCfFpOxVZw/viewform?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadlZ8yOzXkxEOmK7HKNXuorPsYQrt-tGASYvwVbH1a1c-fVTHnFJ5a-iBl5MQ_aem_ZhfADnpYoAuJYzt0bYG_L

SCADP is always proud to support our partners! On April 3rd, we have the great pleasure of attending the "Bridging Worlds" Storytelling Event put on by the SC Restorative Justice Institute, Project READ, and Restorative Media! We were also excited to support our very own Rev. Jimmy MacPhee, who was one of the featured storytellers!

Back row, left to right: Troy Williams, Kareem Harry, Christina Plakas, Aparna Polavarapu, Jimmy MacPhee, Lyn Ludlam.
Front row, left to right: Sienna Wilbur, Jada Cochran, Anna Gregory

SCADP is always proud to support our partners! On April 3rd, we have the great pleasure of attending the "Bridging Worlds" Storytelling Event put on by the SC Restorative Justice Institute, Project READ, and Restorative Media! We were also excited to support our very own Rev. Jimmy MacPhee, who was one of the featured storytellers!

Back row, left to right: Troy Williams, Kareem Harry, Christina Plakas, Aparna Polavarapu, Jimmy MacPhee, Lyn Ludlam.
Front row, left to right: Sienna Wilbur, Jada Cochran, Anna Gregory

Join the SC Justice Partners Coalition as we go to the SC State House, host a press conference, and tell our legislators about bills that impact returning citizens and their families! This event will take place TODAY from 10am-3pm.

Come to the Statehouse wearing white clothing, and we will provide buttons, lunch educational materials, and instructions for how to connect with your legislator!

To register for the event, use this link: bit.ly/2ndChanceDaySC2025

Join the SC Justice Partners Coalition as we go to the SC State House, host a press conference, and tell our legislators about bills that impact returning citizens and their families! This event will take place TODAY from 10am-3pm.

Come to the Statehouse wearing white clothing, and we will provide buttons, lunch educational materials, and instructions for how to connect with your legislator!

To register for the event, use this link: bit.ly/2ndChanceDaySC2025

Join the SC Justice Partners Coalition as we go to the SC State House, host a press conference, and tell our legislators about bills that impact returning citizens and their families! This event will take place tomorrow, April 24, 2025 from 10am-3pm.

Come to the Statehouse wearing white clothing, and we will provide buttons, lunch educational materials, and instructions for how to connect with your legislator!

To register for the event, use this link: bit.ly/2ndChanceDaySC2025

Join the SC Justice Partners Coalition as we go to the SC State House, host a press conference, and tell our legislators about bills that impact returning citizens and their families! This event will take place tomorrow, April 24, 2025 from 10am-3pm.

Come to the Statehouse wearing white clothing, and we will provide buttons, lunch educational materials, and instructions for how to connect with your legislator!

To register for the event, use this link: bit.ly/2ndChanceDaySC2025

Join us for a discussion at Bethel UMC Fellowship Hall (57 Pitt Street) on Sunday, April 27th from 4pm-5:30pm! Speakers will include our Executive Director, Rev. Hillary Taylor, Yvonne Patterson Johnson (a death row family member), and a death row survivor!

For more information about the event, contact admin@bethelcharleston.com!

Join us for a discussion at Bethel UMC Fellowship Hall (57 Pitt Street) on Sunday, April 27th from 4pm-5:30pm! Speakers will include our Executive Director, Rev. Hillary Taylor, Yvonne Patterson Johnson (a death row family member), and a death row survivor!

For more information about the event, contact admin@bethelcharleston.com!

We are thrilled to announce that some of the books from our most recent #InLieuOfViolence Initiative will be housed in home libraries at Soteria Community Development Corporation! Soteria CDC advocates for economic and social justice for those and their families impacted by the criminal justice system. They work to create opportunities for previously incarcerated individuals to reenter society through transitional housing, life skills, and job training. What's more, over the past 4 years, for those who completed the full 12-month program, 0% recidivated. Thank you, Soteria CDC, for partnering with Liberation Is Lit and SCADP!

We are thrilled to announce that some of the books from our most recent #InLieuOfViolence Initiative will be housed in home libraries at Soteria Community Development Corporation! Soteria CDC advocates for economic and social justice for those and their families impacted by the criminal justice system. They work to create opportunities for previously incarcerated individuals to reenter society through transitional housing, life skills, and job training. What's more, over the past 4 years, for those who completed the full 12-month program, 0% recidivated. Thank you, Soteria CDC, for partnering with Liberation Is Lit and SCADP!

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