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Recovery in the News: Rally for Recovery! 2007
Kentuckians for the commonwealth: Action for Justice
September 20, 2007
Earlier today, an estimated 1,000 people gathered in Louisville from all across the state in celebration of Recovery - Recovery from addiction in their lives that takes many forms for different people. The event was co-sponsored by People Advocating Recovery (PAR), and Addiction Recovery Advocates of Kentuckiana.
"It's a miracle... to see so many people with light in their eyes and hope in their hearts here today. It makes a big difference," said Mitch Ford, a PAR and KFTC member from Louisville and former felon spokesperson.
"This is awesome turnout," added event organizer and PAR president Mike Barry. "Great turnout of people in recovery, family and friends. Every year, we get a little bigger and stronger - and we're talking about a lot of important issues in addition to recovery like Health Care and Restoration of Voting Rights for Former Felons."
One of the most powerful things about the gathering was hearing so many personal stories of substance abuse and recovery - so many people who have managed to turn their lives around and want to help others do the same.
To the end of raising awareness of Restoration of Voting Rights for Former Felons amongst this key constituency, KFTC members from the Central KY Chapter traveled to Louisville for the Recovery Rally to set up an information table about the issue. They managed to get over 250 people to sign postcards to David Williams, encouraging him to support restoration. We also registered voters, recruited a handful of new members, and invited people to come to the next Jefferson County KFTC meeting at our new office.
Of particular note amongst the many speakers at the event was Republican Senate Leader Dan Kelly who spoke of the importance of recovery, but did not mention voting rights.
"Of all of the punishments I received, losing the right to vote is by far the most difficult for me," said Betsy West, another PAR and KFTC Member. "I deserved a lot of my punishment, but not this. Especially as a woman, I treasure my political rights and I truly wish I could vote today. I keep a stack of voter registration cards in my car and drive people to the polls on Election Day. If I can't vote, I can still help those who can."
"I think all people should have the right to vote, no matter what their troubles in the past," added Mitch Ford. "At least give them the chance to do the right thing."
"It's been a beautiful day to celebrate a beautiful thing - recovery," said Charlotte Wethingston, summing up the day. " It's important to put this positive face and voice on recovery. It's a real demonstration of hope and it's a great thing to be a part of."
Check back to this website in a few days to learn about a similar Recovery Rally in Northern Kentucky next weekend that we hope will go just as well as this one.
A big thank-you to the organizers of this event - People Advocating Recovery and Addiction Recovery Advocates of Kentuckiana.