Connecticut's prison population has soared from 3,800 to 17,000 since 1980, filled mostly with nonviolent drug users.

When they are released, they do not have adequate preparation or support to succeed on the outside. More than half will end up back in prison. This revolving door reaps a terrible toll on both the individuals and society.

The Racial Justice Ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church will offer a workshop on how Connecticut's criminal justice system can be reformed. The workshop will be presented on Sunday, June 12, from 5:30 to 7 pm. It will be held in the community room of the church, 36 Main Street.

The session will be presented by John Santa, the former CEO of Santa Energy, a community activist, and the acting chairman of the State of Connecticut Sentencing Commission.

There will be a presentation and then a discussion about solutions to address the injustices and inefficiencies of Connecticut's criminal justice system, which have a disproportional impact on people of color.

Mr Santa's ongoing commitment to social justice and community service is substantial. In 2002 he and his colleagues founded Malta Prison Volunteers of Connecticut - now known as Malta Justice Initiative - to inform and educate the business, faith and academic communities about the opportunities available in criminal justice reform. He was awarded an honorary doctor of law degree from Fairfield University in May 2014 for his work in criminal justice legislative reform.

For more information contact Rick Chamiec-Case at rickchcase@aol.com.

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