Judicial Process Commission Plans With SCORE
The Judicial Process Commission is a grass roots non-profit organization that challenges society to create a just, non violent community. It supports the rights of all people affected by the criminal justice system and promotes changes to that system that helps them achieve their fullest potential.
As a non-political organization that provides support services, educates the public and advocates systemic change, the Judicial Process Commission envisions a society with true justice and equality for all with institutions based on reconciliation and restoration, instead of retribution and violence.
The Judicial Process Commission was founded because of the vision of the Reverend Virginia and John Mackey. The Mackeys were outstanding advocates of criminal justice and social justice in the Greater Rochester area and beyond. Ginny's role was often more public, while John's was more behind-the-scenes, though nonetheless committed and persistent. In the early 1970s, in response to serious problems in the criminal justice system and to the violent conclusion of the Attica Prison Uprising, Ginny founded the Judicial Process Commission, then in affiliation with the Genesee Ecumenical Ministries. The Commission—a volunteer group of educators, attorneys, and clergy, under Ginny's leadership—strenuously addressed a range of major issues involving law enforcement, the courts, and jail and prison reform, including advocacy of needed legislation to strengthen the justice of the system. She also authored a major national document on Restorative Justice: Toward Nonviolence (1990) and was instrumental locally in founding the Task Force on Courts, the Center for Dispute Settlement, community service sentencing, merit selection of the Public Defender, and many other lasting endeavors.
When Ginny died in 2001 and John in 2004, the Judicial Process Commission received a bequest from them that makes possible The Virginia and John Mackey Leadership Award and The Virginia and John Mackey Training Award, both administered by the Judicial Process Commission
Board Chair Fred Schaeffer said, “The vision and commitment of the Mackeys underlies and guides these Awards and provides us with a role model for a relentless devotion to achieving greater justice and nonviolence in the pursuit of the common good, particularly restorative justice.”
In August of 2008, members of the Judicial Process Commission’s Board met with SCORE for planning assistance. Over the next four months, SCORE volunteer Bob Zinnecker helped them address various questions and work out an agenda for a Board planning session held in January of 2009.
Coordinator Sue Porter says, “The result of that meeting was a review of our organizational vision and mission, an analysis of our organization’s strengths and a review of were we are and where we need to improve. With SCORE’s help, we were able to develop a set of strategies and an action plan for both our short range and longer range future.”
Board member Suzanne Schnittman says, “SCORE is an invaluable source of assistance in offering answers to our specific questions, guidance on our overall planning and helping us to focus on the critical issues”
Lisa Moose Kamilah Richardson Sue Porter
The Judicial Process Commission seeks volunteers to assist them in their programs and with various administrative duties.
The Judicial Process Commission can be contacted:
By mail at:
285 Ormond Street
Rochester, NY 14605
By Telephone at:
585-325-7727
On the World Wide Web at:
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