“Education changes you. It instills in us a confident belief that we can reestablish who we are
That’s monumental.
It’s life changing.”
Excerpts from a Sermon on Staying Strong in Persecution.
Ró
Father. Brother. Uncle. Friend. Companion…
What People Are Saying About Ró
“Ró is one of the most selfless and considerate people I ever met. Ever since I’ve known him, he has always been the type of person that would stop anything he’s doing to help out a friend in need. Even if the need was something relatively minor, it didn’t matter, he would treat it like it was the most important thing in the world and give it his full attention. He’s also a really committed teacher that knows how to connect with his students and keep them engaged. As a colleague, there were so many times when I would be watching him engage his students in really fun and authentic ways and would think to myself, “Damn, I’d like to take this class!” Any community would be better off with him in it for sure.”
— Howard“Ro'Derick, a man I have known since 1980's, a young man who grew up eith my children, engulfed and misled by the streets as a kid.
I have followed this kid into manhood and I see and hear the change, growth and a willingness to share the knowledge that has gotten him to where he is today. The proud, upstanding, son, brother snd father that I recognize today is someone who is definitely a necessity to be shared with troubled youth.
His amazing story could truly help others.
If we keep all of the mental and spiritual growth that he now has and is willing to share would be shameful.
Ro'Derick needs only a chance to show that he is and can be a very productive member to a much needed society.
Give him that chance.”
— Cathy“Ró makes me laugh. He has expanded my faith and my perspectives. He models humilty and self-reflection. He challenges me to be better. We want him to be embodied in our lives, to be home.”
— Vickie“Ró is an amazing brother and a very intelligent man extremely smart and always giving me the best and honest advice and throughout the years of me getting older and involving into a man myself and having my own family again he has been helping and guiding me with fatherly advice and telling me that he is proud of me which makes me proud to be a father. Not only is he my oldest brother but he is also the first man I've looked up to despite any mistakes he has made in the past. I wait patiently and I know the day is coming soon for him to be out here with his nieces and nephews and with the rest of the family. Love always!”
— Clyde Mac“Ró is a gifted teacher who communicates in deeply compelling ways to his students. Ró also has the ability to talk with each individual inside and outside of the classroom as if their concerns are the only ones in the world. Ró’s commitment to service and care for others comes through in every interaction. The world urgently needs him to be free.”
— MaryCare to Share About Ró
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Help Us Urge Governor Pritzker to Act on RóDerick Zavala's Clemency Petition
RóDerick Zavala Sr. has served 25 years of a 40-year sentence and has spent that time transforming his life - earning a Master's degree, teaching college courses, and creating peer-led reentry programs that help other incarcerated men prepare for life after prison. His clemency petition has been sitting on Governor JB Pritzker's desk since July 2020 - nearly six years with no decision - even though the Cook County State's Attorney Office formally supported his commutation, calling him "a strong candidate for executive clemency."
Every day this petition sits unresolved is another day of uncertainty for RóDerick and his family. We need YOUR voice to help move this forward.
Below are ways you can help - takes 2 minutes:
Post to Social Media:
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Post your own message or use the one below as an example:
RóDerick Zavala has served 25 yrs of a 40-yr sentence, earned a Master's degree, & now runs reentry programs helping others prepare for life after prison. His clemency petition has sat on @GovPritzker's desk since 2020 - even with the State's Attorney's support. Please share - every voice adds support for Ró to come home. #RóZavala #ReadyforReentry rozavalasr.com
Call Governor Pritzker's Office:
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Phone - 217-782-6830 and press #7 to leave a voicemail
(Give your name and ask Governor Pritzker to grant clemency to RóDerick Zavala - every message logged adds support for a positive decision.)
Submit a comment online:
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gov.illinois.gov/contact-us/voice-an-opinion.html
Sample message : "My name is [Name]. I want to respectfully urge Governor Pritzker to grant clemency to RóDerick Zavala. His petition has been pending since 2020, and he is Ready for Reentry, Thank you."
Call the Illinois Prisoner Review Board:
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Phone - 217-782-7273
Sample message (call or voicemail): "Hi, my name is [Name]. I'm calling to respectfully urge Governor Pritzker to grant clemency to RóDerick Zavala. His petition has been pending since 2020, and it's time for a decision. Thank you."
Email the Illinois Prisoner Review Board:
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Email - PRB.Legal2@illinois.gov
Sample message (call or voicemail): "My name is [Name]. I want to respectfully urge Governor Pritzker to grant clemency to RóDerick Zavala. His petition has been pending since 2020, and he is Ready for Reentry, Thank you."