You can make a difference

There's a divide a big as the Grand Canyon between the public's desire to reduce crime and the public's understanding of the most important components necessary to reduce re-offense by Michigan prisoners. Michigan's solution to crime has been to grow the prison industry to the point where Michigan prisoners now serve nearly 17 months longer on average than other states. Also, from 1980 to 2010 Michigan's prison population increased 191% while the state's population increased only 6.7%! (MI-CURE, May 2013).

Unfortunately, Michigan has also significantly cut or eliminated programs that would reduce the rate of re-offense. Federal budget cuts have further reduced the opportunities available to Michigan prisoners. Some may believe that it's pointless to advocate for prisoners, but groups ilke MI-CURE (www.mi-cure.org), and others, advocate for prisoners because they know that to reduce crime, especially re-offenses, that prisoners must be rehabilitated, not just housed. 

Some ways that you can make a difference in the life of a Michigan prisoner include:

* Stay in touch. A steady connection with family, friends, and the community is proven to reduce the re-offense rate. Existing prison phone rates in Michigan make this hard for most prisoners. 

* Support self-directed growth opportunities. Provide feedback and assistance when a prisoner takes initiative on his own for self-improvement. Encourage them to pursue opportunities for spiritual, emotional, and psychological growth and maturity. Recommend or purchase books and ask for feedback. 

* Connect with advocacy groups to stay abreast of issues in Michigan prisons. Check out MI-Cure (www.mi-cure.org) for more information.

* Ask specific questions. General questions, like "how are you?" will likely not tell you what's really going on in a prisoner's life. 

* Provide financial support or help in finding financial support for education. Prisoners have time to educate themselves (college degrees or certifications), but Pell Grants are no longer available to prisoners. Prisoners do not have access to research scholarships, grants or foundations to apply to.

* For prisoners being released soon, help with employment  housing, and other issues to help the prisoner succeed on parole.

* Celebrate achievements. Whether it's getting a GED, completing a vocational training class, finishing a bible study program, or taking a college class, show enthusiasm for the accomplishment. Most prisoners are serial failures and the encouragement goes a long way. 

Although the state has become more focused on the retributive nature of prison, you can help Michigan prisoners remember that they are people with value and potential. you can help someone keep hope on the inside alive.

The Phoenix Collection

Sometimes prison can make people delve deeply into their creativity. Trust me, there are a LOT of people in prison full of creativity. 

Recently I made arrangements with my brother to sell items I'm making in my spare time. It might seem laughable that a middle-aged man is crocheting, but frankly, it's a way to support myself while in prison. It also occupies my spare time with something useful. I'm just starting so there aren't many items listed yet, but check it out: 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PhoenixCollection

Be sure to check back regularly for new items, and fee free to share this link on Facebook or Twitter if you like it. I hope to add other things that other prisoners have made too.