Peachtree NORML-A Shining City Upon a Hill

As I sit here pondering the task of writing this article it occurred to me, some readers are too young to remember Camelot … . But those who are not may remember prior to that fateful November day in 1962, on January 9th 1961, President-Elect John F. Kennedy delivered an address to the General Court of Massachusetts, in it he said:"We must always consider …that we shall be as a city upon a hill …the eyes of all people are upon us".

I say the people of this great country are still watching … . They are watching every branch of government, every elected official, and every civil servant.

They are watching the news and reading the newspaper. Indeed, many are becoming quite active in the community and volunteering when asked to serve. In this way we all become our own tiny “city upon a hill.” And together we all become a community of cities upon a hill!

Peachtree NORML, a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit corporation, strives “be a city upon a hill” by “taking off the walls” of the social service delivery system and “filling the gaps” between government, civil servants, law, policy, the business community, and citizenry. We are making positive, substantive, ethical, legal, and sustainable changes within our community. We are pro-active “force agents for change”.

Driven by a growing group of citizen activists, we have a track record of leveraging previously untapped local community based assets and identifying, developing, and nurturing dynamic & mutually beneficial local, regional, and state partnerships between and amongst the nonprofit sector, government, business community. At present we have almost 3,000 members on our facebook page.

Peachtree NORML adheres to a Community Based Asset model of social service delivery. This is a fundamental change in the generally accepted way to address social problems …instead of looking for problems and then seeking solutions we seek potential assets first and find a best fit for maximum effect. Likewise we discourage Cookie Cutter Social Service Delivery Programming Models …one size does not fit all.

We are doing this by collaborating with, and developing positive goal oriented working relationships with a plethora of entities, some include: Cobb Department of Public Safety, Cobb Police, Cobb Public Safety Training Academy, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb County Neighborhood Safety Commission, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities Region 1 Advisory Council (GDBHDD RAC-1), Georgia Carry Organization, Safe America Foundation, WSB-TV, Georgia Overdose Prevention, and Atlanta Harm Reduction.

As a team we have had substantive lobbying input into the following local and state issues: the new GA Grand Jury Bill, which changes court procedures for police testimony in serious use of force incidents, Cobb IACP Report—specifically raising awareness for the need of Body Cameras for CCPD, and Training the Trainers--specifically, training Cobb Police Academy Staff on use of, and information about, Naloxone Opioid Rescue Auto Injector Kits, and policy changes with regard to DRE protocol within CCPD.

To be sure, one of our strengths is effective use of force multiplication principles. We have operationalized this concept is through a “zero budget” Therapeutic Outdoor Recreational & Physical Activity Program. In fact, all Peachtree NORML activities and programs are accomplished, in their entirety, on a “zero budget”. Our work is truly a labor of love.

With the Atlanta Brave’s, Yaraab Shriner Circus, Zoo Atlanta, and the Georgia Library System we have provided, literally, thousands of tickets to those in the community. Recipients of tickets include: The Ronald McDonald House, Seizure Babies & their families, previous offenders, working poor, Disabled Veterans, victims of crime …and yes, Police Officers.

Currently, we are spearheading a collaborative team effort focused on securing funding for development and production of a series of Public Service Announcements (PSA’s). This PSA Campaign will save lives by educating the public on:

• Our Current Opioid Abuse and Overdose Crisis;
• The Georgia 911 Overdose Good Samaritan Law;
• Public Access of Naloxone Opioid Overdose Reversal Kits;
• Georgia Medical Marijuana (MMJ) Law;
• Georgia Medical Cannabis Oil Registry;
• Governor’s Executive Order on Implementation of MMJ Law;

And with regard to social justice issues surrounding the disproportionate numbers of young minority males involved with the justice system, the GA General Assembly should seek to resolve racial disparities in application of marijuana laws that have historically resulted in lower arrest rates across all racial groups, except for black people who are still more likely than other groups to be arrested for marijuana law violations.

Likewise, it is arguable any state liberalization of marijuana should apply retroactively so as to fairly address the thousands of Georgians whose life opportunities have been destroyed by state marijuana convictions. State legislation that would seal or expunge a larger number of criminal convictions, so people with records can more easily obtain jobs, get a loan, and overcome obstacles to leading a productive life after serving their sentence should be pursued as a priority.

And state legislation to make sealing records automatic in order to reduce the bureaucratic and administrative hurdles that often cause unnecessary and burdensome delays in the process should be enacted. Specifically, the GA General Assembly should consider legislation that automatically and immediately seals state marijuana convictions, especially for those convicted of simple possession.

To be sure, information that is not shared helps no one. And if this PSA effort saves lives …how can it NOT be the right thing to do … ?

So, I ask you … what have you done recently to make our community safer …to make our community a “shining city on a hill?” If your answer is “not enough” register to vote, vote, and join a community organization today ...and be the change!

Stephen M. George Jr., MPA,
Member, Board of Advisors, Peachtree NORML
Candidate, GA Ho use District 41