Board Survey on VADP Future
RESULTS
1. Is VADP, the organization, still needed now that the DP has been
abolished in Virginia?
Yes 9
No 1
Not Sure 3
Comments:
= But only temporary and with three objectives: 1) to ensure abolition is
not repealed in next year's GA, 2) to archive the organizational history,
and 3) to share our story with other state movements.
Need to stay engaged to combat efforts to reverse abolition.
= Perhaps in the short term, in case a conservative governor is elected in
the fall. After that, no.
The answer depends on the outcome of November's elections. If
Democrats carry the governorship and the House, then I feel comfortable
with VADP ceasing to exist. If Republicans carry those elections
(especially the governorship), then VADP should continue to exist to, at
least, monitor any attempts to reinstate the death penalty.
We need to remain in existence until after the November 2021 election,
and possibly until after the 2022 General Assembly Session.
= Based on what we've learned about efforts to reinstitute the death
penalty in the immediate years after abolition, we should stick around
until after the 2021 election.
For a couple of years, to make sure it isn't brought back.
Because the bill passed essentially on a partisan basis, it will not take
much more than a change in General Assembly composition to start the
“unwinding" process. There should be an organization that can serve as
“spokes group" on the issue moving forward, at least for a couple of
years ...
= At a minimum through the November elections.
2. What should happen to VADP in the coming months?
Dissolve organization 1
Maintain organization and staff as long as possible 2
Maintain VADP with an all-volunteer led effort indefinitely 1
Maintain VADP with a volunteer-led effort and
plan to dissolve organization at a later time 6
Rebrand VADP to meet a new mission 1
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Comments:
= "Few months" = through 2021 and maybe early 2022.
I'd like to see us engage in other areas of criminal justice reform,
especially overhaul of the parole board.
Develop two separate plans; one of which will be implemented based on
the November election results.
I think this is the best option and I hope we can maintain staffing
through the November election. The November election may inform us
whether we need to continue thereafter.
None of the choices quite fit. We need to be prepared to defend the
victory and I am reluctant to try to do that with an all volunteer
organization. If no bills are introduced next year to re-establish, we could
turn to all-volunteer and ultimately dissolve.
I think we may need to go through two cycles (2021 and 2023) to know
whether abolition will survive the whims of the electorate.
Revisit after November elections.
3. What purpose(s) should VADP serve now that Virginia has ended
the DP?
None. Organization should dissolve. 0
Defend the abolition victory in the Virginia General Assembly 10
Write a book on VA abolition story 2
Comments:
= Only next year GA (2022)
= Yes to writing a book.
« And write a book on VA abolition history.
= Defend the victory and write the book.
= It won't let me click book also, but I would support that.
= And continue to be the "go to" group for news stories, communications to
legislators if any issues arise.
= The book as well.
4. What should happen with current staff?
Keep two staff only till September 1st 3
Keep two staff beyond September 1st 2
Lay off one staff member 4
Lay off both staff members 0
Comments:
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= Allow Mike to retire. Retain Dale until we know the outcome of the
November elections, then proceed according to alternate plans outlined
in other comments.
If funds allow...
I don't see this as laying a staff member off, so much as accepting
Michael's retirement and not rehiring a new person.
I believe you want to retire, Mike. I'd keep both you and Dale on until
September 1; keep Dale on after that, until it is clear if we get past the
GA session. During that time, he can work on the book if there are no
threats.
5. What kind of staffing is needed to carry out the purposes (if
any)?
None. VADP should dissolve. 1
None. VADP should be all volunteer led. 1
One part-time person to maintain basic operations. Board does the rest. 6
Maintain both staff as long as possible. 3
Comments:
= Again, the answer depends on what happens in the November elections.
= This response is for post-2022 GA Session.
6. What else would you like to say about VADP's future?
Similar to what we see in Georgia with voting rights, I'm nervous about
pro-DP groups working hard to reinstate it in the next few years. It seems
wise to plan for defensive work and keep abolition in a positive light in the
media and in front of legislators.
« Again, maintain structure until early 2022. Then dissolve. We need to have
a conversation about remaining projects, include book.
Defending abolition is the primary objective until the November 2021
election or 2022 General Assembly Session. Fund raising is going to be
challenging unless there’s a threat to abolition.
There are other projects — mass incarceration, solitary confinement, parole
eligibility. But these are projects for other organizations.
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