You and your Team
If possible, get a team together; trusted friends and family to help you work, understand the case, spread the word and support you.
Losing someone through a miscarriage of justice is extremely overwhelming and it can drain you emotionally and physically, particularly if it is someone close to you.
In my experience some people will try to distance themselves from you because they want to believe that the system is foolproof and always right. Don’t take things personally. Though it can be very difficult not to let the rest of the world influence you, stick to your guns.
Your team doesn’t need to be big, just make sure that you surround yourself with people you can trust and depend on and make sure they understand the case. Their true belief in the case will obviously strengthen their loyalty towards the prisoner and the campaign.
Your campaign is going to take time and you will need people who are prepared to go the distance. Be honest and realistic about the road ahead.
Don’t ever be ashamed or scared to ask as you encounter new issues. Keep in mind the person who is inside. If you are going to be their voice on the outside you will need to keep strong and objective especially if you are going to gain credibility.
From now on you are a rock! Never doubt yourself.
You may need to obtain power of attorney from the prisoner to speak on their behalf. Try keep this limited to one person if you can; decide on a dedicated team member if you have one.
This will prevent miscommunication and will make it easier for people to work with you.
This is not to say that you won’t share the work, just assign someone to act as your point of contact.
Confer with your team and exchange ideas, question each other. Try and meet regularly.
Note: Remember; 2 heads (or more) are better than one and so is a fresh pair of eyes, try not to isolate yourself.
Note: Take a rest in between working; overturning a wrongful conviction is a big piece of work and takes a long time.
