Leadership

Central Planning Committee (CPC)
In accordance with our mission, FFLIC seeks to have a democratic organization where power is not vested in one chairperson or in the paid staff, but shared equally among us all. By creating the CPC, we will have a centralized decision making body responsible for the larger direction of the organization while allowing different chapters to work within this framework to tailor their work to the specific needs of their community. The CPC provides a leadership development function as well, guiding those who are new to this work to take on the challenges of running an organization with support and assistance, and also by modeling democratic, fair processes by which to make difficult decisions. We also want to be clear: most organizations, even those that strive for democracy often leave a great deal of decision-making power to paid staff members. We feel that if we seek to one day be a member-led organization, any decision making body should include staff and members, with each person having an equal say: one person, one vote. Staff can thus lend their experience, expertise, opinions and research to assist the group in making decisions, but cannot simply make decisions on behalf of the CPC or membership generally. This structure is specifically developed for the transitional phase of one to two years while FFLIC builds strength and gains independence.

Minoo Bhujwalla, Kenner
Minoo is a parent who had a son in the juvenile justice system and after finding out how unjust the system really is has been fighting for his son and others like him ever since.

Avis Brock, New Orleans
Avis is a life long resident of New Orleans and granddaughter of the late Avery C. Alexander. She had a daughter that was caught up in the juvenile justice system and vowed to make a difference. Avis is also co-founder of FFLIC and was instrumental in organizing the Mock Jazz Funeral.

Eileen Hawkins, New Orleans
Eileen is a native of New Orleans. Although she does not have a child in the juvenile justice system, Eileen has experience the injustice of the system with her husband who is incarcerated.

Ina O’Brien, Lafayette
Ms. O’Brien has been a member of FFLIC since 2002. She has been a strong member advocating for the needs of children after having experiencing the system with a daughter who suffered with mental health issues. “Locking children behind bars, just isn’t right” said Ms. O’Brien.

Flora Watson, New Orleans
Flora is also a native of New Orleans and has been a member since FFLIC’s inception and was instrumental in organizing the Mock Jazz Funeral. Flora’s son was incarcerated at the now closed Tallulah Correctional Center.