NORWAY – Cumberland County Sheriff Mark Dion will be the guest speaker at the Norway Unitarian Universalist Church at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26.

Dion was elected to office as the county’s first Independent sheriff on Jan. 1, 1999. His particular contribution to the goals of public safety has been in his work involving civil rights. He was the state’s first hate crimes investigator where he developed the protocols and strategies now employed by police and sheriff departments across Maine. He has testified before legislative bodies, corporate institutions and classrooms across New England on the challenges facing communities as they embrace unique opportunities contained within emerging multiculturalism.

Dion has been honored by Parade Magazine and the International Association of Police Chiefs for his civil rights advocacy. The U.S. Senate and President Bill Clinton have also recognized the sheriff for his leadership in community building and peacekeeping. The NAACP, the Jewish Federation and the Maine Lesbian Gay Political Alliance have all acknowledged his contribution to civil liberty.

At its General Assembly in June, the Unitarian Universalist Church voted Criminal Justice and Prison Reform to be a Study Action Issue for 2003-2005. Its focus is on how UUs can successfully advocate for reform of the criminal justice prison systems, even as the prison industry expands to accommodate more people and becomes increasingly inhumane and unjust.

The public is invited to hear Dion’s message. Childcare is provided, and a social hour follows the service.