Drugs Take Another Life

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

It was a normal morning at the East Cleveland Court.  I walked into my chambers with the intention of doing my daily planning and meditation. These are just two of the daily disciplines I use so that I stay focused on my purpose as a Judge.  When I finished my meditation, I opened the door and went to greet my personal bailiff.  After our initial hello he began to tell me about another death by drug overdose that happened that weekend.  It always saddens my heart to hear about a life lost to drug abuse.  In this particular case, the drug of choice was heroin.  My bailiff described the pictures of the victim as a women who was unrecognizable.  Her face was discolored and she was foaming at the mouth.

Drugs have always played a major part in American culture.  There have been a lot of debates, writings and arguments about the origins and causes of drug use.  For instance, many theories have been expressed and explored on the subject of how cocaine made its way into this country and into the inner cities or ghettos specifically.  That being said, people have different views on drugs, the laws, legalization etc. but one thing we all have in common is the sad feeling when we hear of an overdose. 

Today, heroin is making a big come back.  It is available in every city.  When you add its availability to the fact that many people are either selling it in its purest form or adding “extras” to the drug, the combination is deadly. 

There was a time when African Americans believed that heroin was a thing of the past or, at least, that only Caucasians used the drug.  That is not true.  People are constantly finding new ways and reinventing old ways to get high and heroin is on the rise.  As reported by the Associated press on April 6, 2014 “in and around Cleveland, heroin-related overdoses killed 195 people last year, shattering the previous record. Some Ohio police chiefs say heroin is easier for kids to get than beer.”  Further, “in Ohio, the number of heroin-related overdose deaths went to 426 in 2011, up from 338 the previous year, part of a trend that police and counseling agencies have been warning about it for several years. In 2004, 5.8 percent of Ohio drug users named heroin as their drug of choice; that rose to 12.5 percent in 2011.”  Additionally, the average age of new heroin users is 22 years old.

These statistics outline the obvious victims to drug use.  However, there are also other victims to drug use. Families who are affect and sometimes destroyed.  Communities that lose value and prestige and people who are incarcerated based on the the use or sell of drugs.  The DEA reports that there are over 30,000 arrests every year for drug related offenses.  Those numbers are just from the DEA, they don’t include the local level arrests that we see in our communities.  

We have to take action.  As I conducted my research I noticed that many online comments to these facts and statistics called for the government to stay out of the business of citizens.  Some people even stated that we have a human right to be able to drug ourselves to any extent that we want.  To some that position may seem unlikely or extreme, but I have actually had those exact conversations with people asserting their right to use drugs.  Understand, I am not here to debate the issue of government involvement in the lives of people.  However, I do feel that we are born with the seeds of greatness inside of us.  These seeds are waiting to be birthed.  Putting drugs in your body not only has the ability to destroy your seed but can ruin your life.  

So what are we going to do about it?  On April 21, 2014 at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Public Library Judge Michael Astrab will be discussing heroin use and solutions to stop the spread of its violent and deadly effects.  Join us for a Cycle Breaker conversation.

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  April 21, 2014 at 5:30 pm, join us for a forum on “HEROIN IN THE SUBURBS” with Judge Michael Astrab of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas!  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

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DECISIONS DETERMINE DESTINY

We are a generation that is over concerned about getting rich, being popular and having fun. The problem with this attitude is that it will be ultimately passed down to the next generation, that is if we don’t make the decision to positively shape our destiny.   My mother was an old school parent.  She was not concerned about going out.  She was not concerned about getting rich.  She DECIDED to sacrifice and raise her two sons, William & Wayne Dawson, to the best of her ability.

Sacrifice is not a word that many people use in relationship to other people.  Everyday my courtroom is filled with people who are not concerned about their destiny or the destiny of their family.  Instead, the cases I see are full of selfish decisions that lead to petty theft, domestic violence, choosing to drive with out a license and the list goes on.

During my November Cycle Breaker Workshops, I will tackle the subject of decision making and how what you decide to do today will have lasting effects on your future. 

Lesson 1. Every Action Has a Consequence.

As I sit on the bench hearing the charges and things that people are accused of, I am amazed that, before acting, some people don’t think beyond their current situation.  They don’t consider the future consequences.  For example, a young man that decides to break into a home, because he wants to have some money for his birthday, fails to think about the consequence of his actions.  First and foremost when you break into a person’s home you are breaking into their personal space of security.  It can be a very startling experience to have someone come into your safety zone.  The resulting insecurity can create a life time of trust and safety issues.  Second, when you break into the home of another, especially when there is a possibility that the person is in the home, you are very likely to receive jail time as the penalty.  

At some point we have to realize that our actions will have consequences and these consequences will come in the same form as the action.  That means, if you hurt someone, you will be hurt.  If you break into someone’s home and steal their security, your security and liberty will be stolen.  The same applies to every area of our life.  Even if you are not committing crimes, your decisions in your relationships, your education, your values will determine your destiny.

Lesson 2. Decisions Can Change.

I want to make a this point very clear.  If you have made bad decisions in the past.  If you are in a toxic relationship.  If you did not prepare for your future.  All those decisions can be changed.  That’s the great thing about decisions, they are yours and within your control.  Instead of being discouraged by your current situation, make the decision to change it.  

I learned the lesson of changing decisions early in my life and I continue to apply that lesson today.  While I was a young man in high school I dreamed about being a brain surgeon.  The reason I wanted to be a brain surgeon was because I learned that they made a lot of money.  However, all I did was dream about it.  I didn't prepare for the educational requirements of that profession.  I didn’t develop the discipline necessary to succeed in that profession.  Once I realized I was not able prepared to become a brain surgeon, I had to change my decision and move towards a new destiny.  The point is, as every action has a consequence, you can decide to change directions and move positively toward your destiny.  

Lesson 3. Negativity Cultivates Nothing

Talk to some of the people in our community and you may find that their goals and aspirations include a negative way to get rich, to get back at someone or to get over.  At the end of the day, negativity cultivates nothing.  I watch the “American Gangster” series on television with amazement at the men and women who decided to enter and illegal enterprise only to find themselves dead or in jail.  The worst part of the story.  The untold part of the story is about the lives that they leave in shambles, the mental strain on their family and the embarrassment to their children.  

The moral of these lessons is that when you make decisions you are determining the your destiny and the destiny of your family.  I will discuss the topic of decisions and legacy in the next article.  Until then, stay positive, make good decisions and be Cycle Breakers.

East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

To receive a copy of his newsletter reach out by: 

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

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#Leadership
#Striveforgreatness

The Elections Are Over.... Now What?

The election season has passed. The people have spoken, or at least a portion of the people considering that too many decided not to exercise their right to vote.  The current leaders have been placed in their respective positions.  The difference with this election season is that those who voted really have an extremely high expectation for the leaders to lead. 

I watched the campaign season with energetic curiosity because this time there was a large number of young people and non political people (those who never ran for office before) who entered their names as persons who wanted to usher in a new America on all levels.

For those who lost, loosing an election, as well as any loss in life, is an opportunity for growth. When we decide to learn from our losses instead of letting them have control over our body, mind and spirit, or even worse letting them depress or destroy us, we strip the loss of its power.  Here are some lessons that we can learn from the losses this season as well as an introduction to the Judge Dawson Cycle Breaker theories of leadership.

Lesson 1. We Must Learn From The Past In Order To Change The Future.

The current generation of young people are not utilizing the wisdom of those who came before them. I'm not talking about the lip service statement that "we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us." I’m talking about burying your pride and asking someone "how did you do it?"  It's is impossible to be an effective leader if your ego, your past or your distrust keeps you from engaging in positive networking. When I decided to run for Judge I talked to everyone who would give me their time. I didn't care who that person was politically aligned to, I didn't care if the person told me I couldn't win. My goal was to dig for as much wisdom as possible. In my mind, it wasn’t about the other person or their personal agenda, it was about my goal to be a leader. 

Even when I was in high school I understood the value of learning from the accomplished. I remember writing a letter to Jones Day, one of the most successful law firms in the City of Cleveland, with offices around the world. While in high school I sent a letter to the managing partner asking him to give me a chance to meet with him so that I could learn how he became successful.  It was a long shot, a letter sent from a boy in East Cleveland to a top law firm in the country.   As I look back on it, I’m sure the letter was full of grammatical mistakes. Nevertheless, I was granted a meeting and that day changed my life. I truly hope that those seeking to be elected, those recently elected or those serving another of many terms utilize the power of asking others for their wisdom. True leaders know the value of experience.

Lesson 2. True leadership Comes From The Desire To Help Other People as Opposed to The Desire Achieve Personal Gains.

The past has shown us that many people elected to office immediately forget to serve the voters who got them there. For a leader to effect any lasting change, for a leader to leave a positive legacy, for a leader to be a Cycle Breaker, that leader must put the people first.  If you ever want to know if you've gotten off track as a leader, look around and ask your self, or your trusted team, if your actions reflect a concern for people or just yourself. If your actions are more about your personal goals rather than the future of the community your leadership is on the wrong track and you may not be cut out to be a leader. Just because you're popular doesn't make you a leader. Just because you won an election doesn't make you a leader. Leadership comes from the burning desire to help others. 

Lesson 3. Everything Matters.

Leadership is in your walk and your talk. I'm not concerned about people catching a leader saying negative things when they think the microphone is off. I’m not concern about a leader having a drink or two. It’s not the little mistakes, but the overall approach to your leadership position that determines your leadership character.  When you decide to be a leader your life is no longer your own and with that leadership position comes the responsibility to make sure you exhibit leadership at all times. 

Lesson 4. We Are All Leaders, Even Without A Title. 

In today's political climate citizens have the tendency to blame others for all the failures and challenges in this country. Instead of being active in the schools, we blame teachers for our kid’s failing grades or bad behavior. Instead of getting out to vote we talk about not being able to trust politicians. It's time for us to step up to the plate and be leaders.  You were born to lead in your area of gifting. By now we should all be able to identify at least one talent that we have. It's that talent that allows us to be a leader. It’s your talents that give you the opportunity to be Cycle Breakers.

East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

To receive a copy of his newsletter reach out by: 

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

If You Don't Know What You're Talking About....Shut Up!!!

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

There is an old saying that, “If you don’t know what you’re talking about, shut up!”  I’m not the type of person to tell anyone to shut up, but I am amazed at how many people speak on issues, major and minor, of which they have no grasp of the full facts.  I felt compelled to write this article because, speaking without knowledge and acting without knowledge is a very dangerous way to live.

The Affordable Healthcare Act is one example of where people have been speaking and acting with out full knowledge.  I watched with amazement as the United States Government began the shut down process.  As our nation’s news outlets covered the shut down, I noticed interviews of everyday Americans asking if they preferred ObamaCare or the Affordable Care Act.  Over and over again men and women expressed their positions on which of the two policies they preferred.  Not only did people choose which one, but they also gave detailed reasons for liking one over the other.  The most disturbing part of these interviews and the answers given is that ObamaCare and the Affordable Care act are the same.  The confusion exists because the U.S. media gave the Affordable Care Act the nickname Obamacare. In fact, many of Obamacare's numerous provisions have already been enacted and helping Americans. The rest of the program continues to roll out until 2022. Over 100 million Americans have already benefited from the new healthcare law.

Across this country, people are standing firm, picking sides and arguing to the end on issues of which they are not clear.  The example in regard to health care is a national example.  On the local scene we have this happening every day on every type of issue.  We have people voting or not voting for local candidates on misinformation. We have people liking and disliking people on the basis of misinformation.  We have relationships and homes being destroyed on the basis of misinformation.  Just recently I heard very different sides of an alleged criminal event that took place in the City of East Cleveland.  The allegation is that some of the local youth were disrespecting police officers which lead to the youths’ arrest.  While the other side of the story was that the police abused the youth and used unreasonable force.

The worst part of this local example, as evidenced by what’s happening on the national scene, is that people are getting emotionally attached to their positions to the point of being willing to go to battle.  When the members of a community feel that police officers are using unreasonable force to keep the peace, trust between officers and the community is strained.  Sometimes this strain leads to violence.  On the other end, when the police officers believe that youth are out of control and disrespectful, officers will be more willing to use force and use it quickly to maintain peace and order.  

The solution to this quandary is to make sure you know the facts before you get attached to a position.  On a national scale, if you are going to debate the healthcare laws, don’t take a position just to spite President Obama.  To favor the Affordable Care Act while being against ObamaCare when they are the exactly the same thing is simply an embarrassment of your intelligence or lack thereof.  ObamaCare, Obama Care, and health care reform are all the same thing. The official name for "ObamaCare" is the Patient Protection and the Affordable Care Act (or ACA for short), a bill signed into law to reform the health care industry by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. On a local scale, to take a “all police are pigs” position, without being present to witness the alleged abuse, is an irrational act.  As a defense attorney and a Judge, I have come to learn that people only tell you half the story.  In effort to gain your support, they won’t talk about exactly what they did to resist arrest.  They won’t talk about how they obstructed justice and they won’t talk about how they disrespected the police.  Neither will every officer tell you how they may have over reacted when they made a certain arrest and labeled all youth as out of control.  

The moral of the story is to get all the facts before you put yourself, your reputation and your integrity on the line.  That goes for government officials, police officers and community members.  “If you don’t know all the facts then, shut up!”

East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

To receive a copy of his newsletter reach out by: 

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

No One Cares Until It's Too Late!!!

As I sit in my chambers between my morning and afternoon court dockets, I look at the upcoming cases and feel my normal emotion of disappointment.  From people being charged with misdemeanors because they didn’t pay the bus fair to others being charged because of arguing and fighting in the streets over nothing (disorderly conduct), It seems like no one really cares about their future until its too late.  Now of course I can not speak for every person and every situation.  Surely some people care about the consequences of their actions, but even the best of us sometimes fall into the following traps: 1. Driving with out a license – no one cares until they are arrested. 2. Slowly riding through a stop sign or red light – no cares until they are in court facing a fine and points on their license. 3. Over reacting to a domestic situation – no one cares until they are in court charged with domestic violence.   

As Judge of the East Cleveland Municipal Court, I am dedicated to being a “Cycle Breaker.” I will fight to change the careless attitude about destruction of our communities and the destruction of people’s potential and future.  How will I fight?  By educating people through my workshops called “Finish First” and “Emotional Intelligence.”

 In addition to the training that we provide in our Court, I will utilize the power of creative sentencing to drive home the message of responsibility and accountability.  Recently the local Fox 8 news station covered the actions of my Court when I sentenced a man to cut the grasses of empty lots in the City of East Cleveland as a penalty for his crimes.  This man was convicted of stealing lawn mowers in the city and I decided that I had to make him physically and morally pay for his criminal activity.  By sentencing him first to cut grass and then to the Drug Court program headed by Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Anita Laster Mays, I made him take responsibility for his actions while trying to get him the help he needs to fight his addiction to drugs.  If he is not successful in the Drug Court program he will face 6 months in jail. 

 I am expecting a positive outcome and turning point for the offender, however I still dislike the fact that too many people don’t seem to care about their wasted potential or future.  Instead of the man cutting grass as a sentence, he could have pursued employment in that occupation or even started his own business. 

 Is it true the no one really cares until its too late?  Whether its an absolutely true statement or not, one too many people are getting caught in the Legal Matrix thereby destroying their future which effects us all. 

 On Monday night I will conduct the “Finish First/Emotional Intelligence” life skills training in the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  My goal is to empower people so that they will start caring about their future and creating their best life before its too late.  Speaking of creating a best life, my Chief Personal Bailiff, Maurise Sanders, was so impressed with the effort displayed by the man sentenced to cut grass that Bailiff Sanders offered to buy the man a lawn mower once he gets out of drug treatment.  This way, instead of going back to stealing lawnmowers, he can use the experience of his negative interaction with the legal system as a turning point and go from outlaw to entrepreneur. That’s being a Cycle Breaker!  

            

East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers! 

To receive a copy of his newsletter reach out by:

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

http://www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

YOUR ATTITUDE IS NOT MY ATTITUDE!

We’ve been talking about the “Cycle Breaker” movement and specifically about what it takes to be a “Cycle Breaker.”  Keep in mind, it is imperative that we all become Cycle Breakers.  If you care about the future of your country, you have to be a Cycle Breaker. If you care about the future of your community, you have to be a Cycle Breaker.  If you care about the future of your family, you have to be a Cycle Breaker.  As I have said time and time again, to sit on the sidelines and watch our youth fall behind in education, our communities become more violent or our human value to be depleted is not an option.  Our success is connected.  If the community is failing we are all in danger.  So, let’s go Cycle Breakers with part 4:  Tell negative people that “Your attitude is not my attitude.”

Everyday that I’m on the bench I hear at least one defendant say, as an excuse for his or her actions, that “I was mad because.....” or I hear “I was doing o.k. until _____ set me off.”  My response is normally the same, I am shocked and disappointed that people appear in Court and face a $1,000 fine and six months in jail because they allowed someone else’s attitude to become theirs.  

One of my favorite life skills programs, offered at the East Cleveland Municipal Court, is on the development of Emotional Intelligence.  In a nut shell, development of Emotional Intelligence, or the ability to recognize and mange your emotions, will keep you from letting someone else determine your moods and ultimately your actions.

I know that I’m making the ability to control your own attitude in the face of negativity from other people sound easy.  The truth is that it is not easy.  It takes education, dedication and grit.

1. Education: learning about emotionalism.  I’ve spent a considerable amount of time in classes, at seminars, reading and researching on the concepts of Emotional Intelligence.  I believe that you have to take the time to learn about and identify your own inner emotions in order to be able to control out side situations.
   
2. Dedication: being able to maintain a positive attitude in the face other people being aggressively negative.  Being positive, as a constant state, is hard when we are constantly surrounded by people who are negative.  From the clerk at McDonald’s, when you go to get your morning coffee, to the first person to greet you in the morning, some people are purposely negative and they don’t mind spreading their negativity and putting it on you.  Stay dedicated to being a person who spreads positive vibes.  Being able to spread your positive attitude while brushing off the negativity will open many doors and possibilities to you and keep you out of jail.

1. Grit: the ability to stay the course even when it seems no one is on the same page with you. One very important principle to remember when battling the influence of the negative attitudes is that no matter how hard you try, you can not change the attitudes of other people.  We all have independent spirits and free will.  If a person is set on being negative, there is nothing you can do to change them.  Don’t spend your valuable time trying to change other people, just let them be.  As a Judge who is a Cycle Breaker, I have to work on this principle on the daily basis.  My Judicial approach is from the belief that my calling as Judge of the East Cleveland Municipal Court is for me to help people realize their greatest potential.  However, there are times when I have to accept the fact that I can not force people to change.  In fact, there are people who deserve the six months in jail that I sentence.  So take this principle with you in your battle against negative attitudes.  Don’t try to change people, just make sure they don’t infect you with their issues.  

At the end of the day, we all have the potential to control our destiny.  Don’t let another person’s attitude bring you down.  If you allow another person to cause your appearance in my Court, to pay a fine and face the possibility of jail time, not only do you deserve the penalties you get, but you are approaching personal destruction.  Don’t fall into the cycle of being negative.  Instead, be a Cycle Breaker and tell negative people that “Your attitude is not my attitude.”

East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

Judge Dawson offers leadership and life skills training every Monday at 5:30pm.

To receive a copy of his newsletter reach out by: 

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

GET OUT OF JAIL

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

In the East Cleveland Court I make it my business to see people who are arrested and spending time in the city jail on a daily basis.  When people from the jail are brought to my Courtroom  its either for the purpose of setting a bond or to move their case forward.  Most of the time I hear about the horrible the conditions of the city jail.  I acknowledge that jails are not the most comfortable places in the world, in fact they shouldn’t be, but I am always intrigued by the persons who come up from jail with a pleasant and cooperative attitude. I’ve determined that these people understand at least one of the principles of being a Cycle Breaker.

Cycle Breaker Truth: You can bring about the desired improved conditions in your outward life if you commit to improving your inner life.  In other words, you have to free yourself from your mental jail in order to live a free and productive life.

Commit to Improvement:  All of my workshops and seminars are based on the ideal that in order to change your life you have to want to change and then actually commit to changing it.  So many people make a lackluster attempt to change but fail due to their lack of commitment.  When a tragedy strikes people call me and talk about the Cycle Breaker/Finish First programs, but when the hype dies down no one cares to volunteer, no one is interested in self improvement and no one is concerned with helping others change their lives.   Commitment to improvement is a key to breaking free from your mental bondages and jail.

Mental Discipline:  In the workshops that I conduct at the East Cleveland Municipal Court, we have an exercise where we finish this sentence, “nothing great was ever achieved without ____.”  I love when the answer is discipline.  In order to make positive change or break free of your mental jail you have to exercise the practice of discipline every day.  Start with something as simple as making the bed or reading a positive affirmation before you leave the house.  Daily exercise makes your muscles strong and the discipline muscle must be strong in order to be a Cycle Breaker.

Eradicate Your Weakness:  In order to make positive change, you must identify your weaknesses.  Once you identify your weakness you can then fight to get rid of them.  If your weakness is being lazy, get up as soon as your mind wakes up (sometimes that before your eyes open).  If your weakness is poor physical health, resolve to walk during lunch.  If your weakness is the opposite sex, make sure that you stay away from that temptation.  Whatever your weaknesses are, you must destroy them so that you can get out of that particular mental jail.

Tap into the Spirit of Success: We are all born to be great.  In order to break out of your mental jail you first must realize that you have a birthright to be free.  When you meditate allow your mind to travel beyond your current boundaries.  See yourself being in the places you desire to be.  See yourself achieving the goals you want to achieve.  When you realize and tap into this right to freedom and expand your mind, you will never allow your mind to be jailed again.

Understanding that getting out of jail is as much as a mental exercise as a physical one.  I now can appreciate the people who come before me who, after spending time in the city jail, are pleasant and respectful.  They understand that when your mind is free it doesn’t matter where your physical body is located.  Eventually, your body will reach the level of your improved mind.

East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

To receive a copy of his newsletter reach out by: 

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

We Need To Re-Sensitize Our Consciousness

Cycle Breaker Pt.3

We Need to Re-Sensitize Our Consciousness

In my quest to be a Cycle Breaker, I am constantly reading, researching and studying criminal behavior and self improvement.  I recently listened to a presentation where a man analyzed some of the issues in the Black community.  The speaker gave the following assertions: 

1. Blacks have been killed at higher rates than any other group of people in America; 
2. Blacks have committed murders at higher rates than any other group in America;
3. Blacks have the highest population in our prisons;  
4. Blacks are the highest number of people infected with STD’s in America; 
5. Blacks infect people with STD’s more than any other group in America; 
6. Blacks have more unwanted pregnancies and abortions than any other group in America.  

In summary, Black people are 1/8th of the population but 4/8ths of the murder victims, 1/8th of the population but 5/8ths of the killers, 1/8th of the population but 4/8ths of the prisoners. 1/8th of the population but 5/8ths of those infected with STD’s.

I must admit that I feel very uncomfortable with these facts.  I feel uncomfortable because first, these are the same statistics that I have heard my entire life.  Though the Black community has made many advances, our negative and destructive behavior has increased.  To be honest, I felt most uncomfortable with these assertions because the person giving this presentation was a White Male. 

In the last article I discussed that, to be a Cycle Breaker, we have to take a look at ourselves and our community to identify changeable negative situations and circumstances.  I also mentioned that when other people analyze us we naturally go into defense mode. The presentation that I listened to was an analysis of the negativity and destruction that we know exists in our community and, though it was the truth, it was hard to hear.

Here is the Cycle Breaker big picture: the reason that these statistics exist in our community, the reason that we commit crimes at a higher rate, the reason that we go to jail as a natural occurrence, the reason that we have unwanted pregnancies and all other negative and destructive behavior is because we have lowered the standards in our community.  One thing that every one of us can do to avoid the travesty that was Trayvon Martin is to raise the bar of how we respect ourselves and then demand that everyone else raise the bar in their respect for us.  When we accept negative and destructive behavior in our community we are adding to the problem.  

I often discuss the issues of our community with people in my court and I have come to the conclusion that we allow ourselves to get distracted with the distractions. Meaning, the things we barely control become our focus while we ignore the controllable issues that devastate our lives.  I compare it to being concerned about the food burning on the grill when, behind you, the house is on fire.  We have become blind to the fires burning in our community, the negative and destructive behavior, but we get outraged at the issues or events that are subtopics to our major story.  Our major story is to work to better the lives of ourselves and our communities.  

People, we are asleep at the wheel while our cars are heading for the cliff.  We spend so much time in the club, buying clothes, getting our hair done, going on date nights etc. but little to no time helping change our community.  Yet at the first chance we get, we point our fingers at “racism” or the “ghetto people” as a source of the problems we face.  When are we going to take action on the second step of the “Cycle Breaker” system and take a long hard look at ourselves to determine if we are part of the change we want to see, part of the problem or just sitting on the sidelines watching? 

Let me shed some light on one thing, of many, that I’m doing through the East Cleveland Municipal Court to raise the bar of what we expect from ourselves and our community.  First, I started by sentencing people to come to my life skills program “Finish First” aimed at stopping negative interaction with the legal system. Then I started teaching about “Emotional Intelligence” and “How to Be a Cycle Breaker.”  Now I give out a pre-sentence worksheet where I have people discover and identify their values.  These exercises are aimed at getting offenders in my court to re-sensitize their consciousness.  Once we are able to identify our values, we will set our behavior and expectations in line with those values. When we live up to our values, our behavior, expectations and the activity that we allow to occur in our lives will change.  When we change our community and raise our standards not only will everyone have to raise their level of respect for us, we will saves lives.

To look at yourself and identify your own negative situations takes courage. See 12 Things You Can Do Now to Be a Cycle Breaker, available on www.judgedawson.com.  However, it’s even harder to swallow when other people analyze what’s wrong with you, either way, to live your best life, change the community and be a Cycle Breaker, we must all take a look within.

Over the next few articles I will further define and break down the principles of what it takes to be a Cycle Breaker.  These articles will highlight the instructions I set out in the manual, 12 Things You Can Do Now to Be a Cycle Breaker, available on www.judgedawson.com. I believe that with the right focus and direction we can all pursue the greatness that lies within us.    

East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

To receive a copy of his newsletter reach out by: 

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Being a Cycle Breaker Part 1.

The East Cleveland Municipal Court is on a mission to be a team of  “Cycle Breakers.”  In fact, my life is dedicated to the calling of being a “Cycle Breaker.”   My vision as a Judge is to use this position to help empower people to become the leaders that they are destined to be, but it takes work. Everyday that I sit on the bench as Judge of the East Cleveland Court I am dedicated to using this opportunity to help people change their lives and be the best that they can be.  I am proud to say that I developed this desire as early as my days as a student at Kent State University when I wrote these words on my mirror: “My mission it to positively change lives and affect policy.”  Though my mission has been adjusted over the years, the underlying purpose is the same, helping people live their best lives, or as my mother used to say, help people to “Better Their Lives.”  It is with that background that I began my mission as a “Cycle Breaker.” 

Over the next few articles I will define and break down the principles of what it takes to be a Cycle Breaker.  These articles will highlight the instructions I set out in my recently created  manual for the community, 12 Things You Can Do Now to Be a Cycle Breaker, available on www.judgedawson.com. I believe that with the right direction we can all pursue the greatness that lies within us.    

What is a Cycle Breaker?  I first heard the phrase “breaking cycles” from State Senator Nina Turner.  That one phrase not only defined my life’s journey but also my life’s purpose.  After meditation and prayer I came up with the following statement that I presented to my staff and then incorporated in my training material: "If you help and inspire people to better their lives, you are a Cycle Breaker. It doesn't matter how much you do or how long you’ve been doing it. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been helping change lives for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just help and Inspire people to Break Cycles." This quote comes directly from the manual, 12 Things You Can Do Now to Be a Cycle Breaker.

It’s from this statement that I will begin to define Judge Dawson’s “Cycle Breaker” movement.  

Inspiring People to Better Their Lives.  We are all born to be leaders.  I will discuss leadership in detail in later columns but for now take my word for it. Furthermore, there is a distinct difference between “a born leader” and people who are “born to be a leader.”  The distinction is important because so many people in the African American and other minority communities believe that to be a leader you have to belong to a club that is exclusive to the rich, famous and the well educated. When I hear the position that some people are born as leaders I firmly reject it.  We ALL are born to be leaders but to reach that potential we must work to become that leader.  We have to purposely develop the character and qualities of a leader.  

One quality of a leader is the ability to inspire people to live their best lives.  In fact, if you think you are a leader but you are not inspiring people then you are not truly leading.  You may be a dictator or a pretender but you are not a leader.  Inspiration is a key to leadership and once you become a leader, you will naturally inspire the people around you.  The next level, once you inspire people to better their lives, is becoming a Cycle Breaker.  Keep in mind that breaking cycles can also be a personal effort.  For example, If you recognize that drug abuse has been an issue in your family but you decide to change that behavior, you are a Cycle Breaker.Whether you are inspired to break cycles in your own life or in the lives of others, you are a Cycle Breaker.    

"If you help and inspire people to better their lives, you are a Cycle Breaker.”

In the upcoming columns I will further break down the principles to become a Cycle Breaker.

East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

To receive a copy of his newsletter reach out by: 

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

The Art of Staying Out of Jail

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

“Hello, my Name is Judge William L. Dawson and I’m a man from East Cleveland who has endured life’s temptations, its’ ups and downs and its’ tragedies.”  That’s normally the introduction for those involved in treatment programs across this country.  I submit that we all, at one time or another, need treatment.  Whether we are dealing with a life changing event or the ripple effect of someone else’s actions, we all can use some words of wisdom every now and then. This column, “Real Talk with Judge Dawson” will be a treatment and empowerment tool.   After more than 11 years as a criminal defense attorney and now as a Judge, my mission is to use every ounce of my body to help people be the best that they can be.

With that in mind, in the year 2013, staying out of jail has become a science. It truly takes knowledge and action to avoid the untimely event of an arrest.  So as Judge of the East Cleveland Municipal Court I have created programs and procedures that will aid in the ability to avoid negative interaction with the Legal System.

The Science of Staying Out of Jail:

1.  Do The Right Thing - The easiest way to stay out of jail is this, “Don’t break the law.”  Sounds simple but as we all know, it’s easier said than done.  From driving charges, to relationship charges staying out of the legal system is getting harder but if you aim to do the right thing you’ll be on the right track.

2.  Finish First - Finish First is my favorite theory.  In fact, you’ll be hearing a lot about “Finish First” in future columns.  The bottom line is that you must “Begin with the End in Mind”!  That means, think about the future outcome or result of your actions before you begin.

3.  Know Who Holds The Ball - In every sport the person holding the ball is the person in control.  The other team is forced to play defense or try to take the ball.  In the science of jail avoidance the same holds true.  The people with the ball are in control.  So who’s holding the ball?  The police officers (who have the power to charge and arrest you), the prosecutor (who prosecutes you for the offense) and the Judge (who can put you in jail).  It doesn’t matter how much you want to control your legal situations, you don’t.  Understanding that you don’t control the ball will keep you from unnecessary negative results. 

4.  Comply, comply, comply - When an officer or the Court tells you to do something, it is always in your best interest to do it.  Now of course we all have rights, but the key is to know when to assert those rights or, in other words, when to fight the “I have rights” battle.  When an officer or the Court tells you to do something, just do it and fight it later.

Judge William L. Dawson

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Do People Really Get Second Chances?

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

So you’ve been in trouble.  You’ve paid your debt to society and even repented to God.  Now you’re ready to re-join the community, but everywhere you turn the doors are closed in your face.  You listen to the advise of people who tell you to try a few of the options available to you, so instead of getting discouraged you try, what I call, the non-option options:

Non Option #1 Expungement: Expungements are available for some people, but not the masses.  The expungement law has requirements that many people are unable to meet. (Future articles will focus on the pros and cons of the new expungement laws).

Non Option #2 Jobs who hire felons: There are some jobs that hire felons, but when you think of the fact that 1 in 30 American’s are under some form of correctional supervision the competition for these few jobs is getting very stiff.

Non Option #3 Back to the Streets: This is the “granddaddy of all non-option’s).  The fact is that returning to hustling will lead right back to the dead end of death or prison.

The sad fact is that, many of the doors that claim to be open are really closed. 

So with all of the “non-options” what’s left for a person seeking redemption to to?  Unfortunately there is no easy way to restore the trust and employability in today’s job market.  In fact, the one way to get back to your rightful place in society is to aggressively forge your on path. 

As for me, I’m a Cycle Breaker.  I ran my campaign for Judge on the platform of “second chances.”  I know first hand what it’s like to be stripped of everything that you thought was important, to be forced to re-connect with your basic self.  So after I was elected as Judge I’ve kept two campaign promises:

1.                 I am extremely committed to helping people realize their greatness and to become the best that they can be.  I do this through my training, disposition of cases and outreach.

2.                 I am committed to giving people second chances.  I promise not to judge a person based on their past record.  I make sure that the person’s past alone does not determine their future with the East Cleveland Court.  In keeping that promise, I hired two young men who have records.  Why would I take the political risk of hiring people with a criminal history?  First, because I don’t consider myself a politician, I am a servant of God and as Judge I am here to do God’s will. Second, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes.  Growing up in East Cleveland I experienced and dealt with the same temptations that our youth are experiencing today.  It would be hypercritical of me to become Judge and then turn my back on those who have paid their debt to society.  I was given a change at redemption and I will continue to give those opportunities. 

Story after story I hear of people with past criminal records being promised all types of jobs and opportunities.  This especially occurs with elected officials who need immediate help on a campaign.  I could not be that type of person.  I have been told, advised and counseled against hiring a person with a past record.  I choose to reject the normal tendency to stereotype and discriminate against people who have made mistakes.  Instead, I take the opportunity to get to know the person behind the record.  If the person has proven himself trustworthy and dependable, I will give them a second chance, even if that decision is not popular.

So If you have a criminal record and you are trying to get back into society, what should you do?

1.  Be an entrepreneur.  Find a niche and fill it.  In other words, start your own enterprise.  Don’t let the mistakes of your past determine your future.  In doing this, make sure you keep your positive attitude and motivation when the doors are closed in your face, believe me it’s going to happen.  The critics will come.  I’m still dealing with those who criticize my hiring decisions, but staying the course will change the community.

2.  Go back to school and load up on so many certifications and degrees that you can not be denied.

3.  Find an employer who is serious about second chances.  Be honest about what you experienced in the past, and make sure to highlight how those experiences will make you the perfect match for that particular company. 

When working either option, be sure to plan and execute on that plan.  Remember Cycle Breakers Finish First.