Roundtable 3:

Beating Parole Boards with Mutual Aid

Saturday 17 April 2021 ~ 1:10 - 2:10pm Pacific

Recording available here (62 mins)

This roundtable discussion will introduce the work of the Parolee Support Network. We will explore how mutual aid may be mobilised to demonstrate to parole boards that incarcerated people have access to community support, and accordingly secure release. The Parolee Support Network has developed in response to our shared understanding that support with no strings attached plays a vital role in enabling formerly incarcerated people to adjust to life in the community and in meeting their licence conditions to maintain their freedom. Our experience is informed by the years of consistent support for individuals affected adversely by indefinite sentences. We will discuss the transformative potential/value of mutual aid within formalized parole board hearings and the strengths and limitations of our strategy. We welcome feedback as well as new members to join us in the network.

Nic Aaron is a PhD Candidate and Teacher in Criminal Law at the University of Bristol Law School.

Eshe Kiama Zuri (they/them) is a 24 year old uneducated Black non-binary disabled grassroots activist. They are the founder of UK Mutual Aid, an intersectional financial and non-financial support network for marginalised people, Notts Activist Wellness and Vegans of Colour UK. They are also a doula, a vegan chef at Yemoja Foods and currently the Vice Chair at The Vegan Society. Eshe is the creator of the term 'full spectrum community care', a concept that not just speaks on, but actively shows, the importance for building communities from the bottom up and tearing down and replacing saviourism and oppressive 'activism' structures with practical, supportive and sustainable alternatives that prioritise marginalised communities. You can find out more about Eshe here: www.eshekiamazuri.com and www.instagram.com/eshekiamazuri

UK Mutual Aid links: www.facebook.com/ukmutualaidgroup and www.ukmutualaid.group

Kelsey M is a feminist campaigner based in London, organising in campaigns against state violence, and working to explore and build alternative support specifically addressing violence experienced by women of colour and other marginalised groups. As a freelance facilitator with grassroots collectives Cradle and Resist + Renew, she delivers trainings on bystander intervention, power, and tools for campaigning and movement building.

Kushal Sood is Solicitor-advocate from Nottingham specialising in prisoner rights. A particular interest in structural and institutional racism, algorithms and the role, if any, of litigation in addressing them all. Was called to the Bar in 2006, and has been in practice ever since, both in Nottingham and London. Was Secretary of the Association of Prison Lawyers, from 2012 to 2015. Continues to study and reflect on how best to participate in the abolition movement, both within his practice, and in spite of it!