Upcoming Events

10
October
World Day Against the Death Penalty – Ohio Virtual ActionRecord a Video for World Day Against the Death Penalty. This year, for World Day Against the Death Penalty, our partners at Ignite Peace are challenging the misconception that the death penalty makes communities safer. They are inviting people to share what community safety means to them. What does a safe community look like and feel like? Record a Video.
10
October
World Day Against the Death Penalty EventThe Akron Interfaith Advocates Against the Death Penalty, in collaboration with Akron Area Interfaith Council, Akron NAACP, Catholic Commission of Summit County, and Ohioans To Stop Executions (OTSE), are marking World Day Against the Death Penalty by asking people of faith and social justice advocates to gather at noon on Thursday, October 10, in front of the Oliver Ocasek Building in downtown Akron to demonstrate our commitment to ending Ohio’s death penalty.
10
October
Cases of Innocence – Part 2: Ohio and Tony ApanovitchJoin Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona (DPAA) and OTSE for Part 2 of DPAA’s “Cases of Innocence” as we dive into the case of Tony Apanovitch, a man wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. This session will dive into the details of Tony’s case, expose the flaws in the judicial process, and discuss the broader implications of wrongful convictions and the misuse of evidence in the criminal justice system. Register here.
6pmZoom
10
October
National Christian Prayer Call on the Death PenaltyJoin Christians across the nation as we come into a space of power, peace, and prayer to honor this year’s World Day Against the Death Penalty. You’ll hear from death row exoneree Sabrina Butler-Smith and have time to join in prayer over some specific aspects of the death penalty: murder victims’ family members, the federal & state death penalty, people on death row, policy & lawmakers, and the hearts & minds of all in our country. You’ll leave challenged, encouraged, and equipped with resources to take your next steps in moving from awareness to action around the death penalty. No matter your view on capital punishment, come to learn more and consider how Christians can respond to the realities of maintaining the death penalty as a response to harm.
6:30pmZoom
11-13
October
A Crime of ForgivenessCrime survivor and longtime OTSE support Lynette Grace presents here new play, A Crime of Forgiveness at the MadLab theater:
Have you ever searched for something all of your life, and when you finally find it: you realize THAT’S what you’d been looking for? Only to have the thing you finally found, that you had been searching for all of your life, get stolen from you in an instant?
A Crime of Forgiveness is about an unlikely friendship between two people who find forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation through a tragic incident.
A bond of friendship and a journey of healing develop that aren’t readily welcomed with open arms– and that reach far beyond the grave.
Get your free tickets here.
24
October
Dialogue for Action: Systemic Racism and the Death PenaltyJoin Ohioans to Stop Executions in partnership with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of systemic racism and the death penalty in Ohio.

This event will delve into the historical and contemporary issues surrounding racial disparities within the criminal justice system, with a particular focus on capital punishment. Expert panelists, including community leaders, legal scholars, and activists will explore how race influences who is sentenced to capital punishment and how these practices reflect a broader pattern of racial injustices.  
This conversation aims to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action toward a more equitable legal system. Audience members will have the opportunity to engage with the speakers during a Q & A session in addition to open networking after the event. Light refreshments and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be served.  
Register for the event here.
4
November
Regional Grassroots MeetingWant to get more involved in the grassroots efforts to end the death penalty? Join a regional team meeting to hear legislative updates, sign up to collect postcards, and to learn about ways to engage in advocacy action. Meetings are on the first Monday of every month.
Email Bekky Baker for more info.
6pmZoom