GLIDE Talk with Jim Gilliam and Van Jones: Yes We Code

San Francisco, CA – GLIDE was pleased to continue its thought leaders’ series when CNN Crossfire co-host Van Jones joins NationBuilder CEO Jim Gilliam in conversation in GLIDE’s Sanctuary on Wednesday, October 29. This discussion between two respected thinkers touched on national politics, activism, technology and Jones’ vision of how to close prison doors and open doors of opportunity.

“I am thankful to GLIDE for curating these meaningful conversations in San Francisco, because the most powerful technology is community,” said Jim Gilliam, founder of NationBuilder. “The tech community has so much to learn from GLIDE, which has been at the forefront of building community for decades.”

Jones also discussed California’s opportunity to make history this fall with Prop 47, known as the "Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act,” a voter initiative on California’s November ballot that will convert sentences for low-level, nonviolent drug possession and petty theft from felonies to simple misdemeanors, and redirect savings away from prisons to K-12 education, mental health and drug treatment, and victim resources. "GLIDE has been on the forefront of the social justice movement for five decades now,” said Van Jones. “I hope that the rising generation of young tech wizards can find a home for their souls and healing for their hearts inside that building. To replace the prison system with something worthy of humanity, we will need their genius and creativity, grounded in compassion. Passing California's Proposition 47 should be the next generation's first move in a whole series of bold steps to make society better. As usual, it can all start at GLIDE."

GLIDE’s endorsement of Prop 47 continues its 50-year fight for social justice against unjust and racially biased institutional policies that keep people entrenched in the margins socially, economically (no comma)and spiritually. GLIDE’s radically inclusive, just and loving community is committed to healing the injury and restoring the basic human right to justice. “Every day at GLIDE, we see the impact of discriminatory sentencing laws on people with nonviolent offenses. These laws affect people’s access to public benefits, education, housing and employment,” said Kristen Growney Yamamoto, Co-Executive Director of GLIDE. “We are proud to host this conversation in San Francisco to spread awareness and advocate for social justice.”

The event, which was free and open to the public, began at 6:30 pm,
Co-Founders Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani welcomed audiences following an uplifting performance from the GLIDE Ensemble and the Change Band. Beloved member of the GLIDE family Felicia Horowitz provided a message of inspiration continuing to connect the bridge between technology and community. Co-Executive Director Kristen Growney Yamamoto introduced the speakers and opened up the talk.

SFUSD Board Commissioner Matt Haney shared a few words of support along with Associate Pastor Angela Brown about the upcoming election and endorsing Yes on 47. Co-Executive Director Rita Shimmin closed the program. Guests enjoyed a food and wine reception in Freedom Hall.

[a.wodehouse]

Never! Going to code 4 anybody but me!