You know that summer is nearly here when you look around and see the courtyard basketball games drawing crowds of spectators, joggers running the track, and handball and softball games in full swing (yes, lame pun intended). And while for some it's all about just fun and games, for others it's a much needed distraction from the oppressive depression prison can bring.
The activity might remind others of games played in the park at home, or family reunions, or church picnics, and so they avoid the pain of the missed good times by staying indoors or keeping to themselves. For me, I enjoy going outside and watching the activity, participating in some, but mostly investing in developing relationships with those God has put in my path for now. I'm not a socially outgoing person in general, but I've come to value relationships more than ever.
I realize that people in our lives are not just characters in our play (comedy, tragedy...you decide), but people with stories. People with hurts, and needs. People with dreams and aspirations. People in need of healing and a kind word of encouragement. I don't always step outside of myself, but when I do I know that I'm being Jesus to others, and that is so rewarding!
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Understanding Diversity
I had an interesting, and long, discussion with a couple of guys the other day in the prison library about philosophy, politics, and the impact of both on the different socio-economic segments of our society.
As I sat there asking questions, making comments, and practicing 'Seek first to Understand, then to be Understood' (from Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People") it occurred to me that much of our differences were a result of our own unique experiences. Our goals and desires were much the same and even many of our philosophies, but our unique experiences have colored our views on how to achieve these goals.
This prison experience has helped me to understand that many of the ideals I've held for years are sometimes held by others from other cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, but because of our different experiences our ideas of achieving these ideals often differ. I've come to value different opinions and to seek common ground with others I don't appear to have much in common with.
While society (and prison) seeks to divide by focusing on what separates each from the other, a few brave people can make a difference by looking for common ground and seeking to understand the experiences that make us different. Are you brave?
As I sat there asking questions, making comments, and practicing 'Seek first to Understand, then to be Understood' (from Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People") it occurred to me that much of our differences were a result of our own unique experiences. Our goals and desires were much the same and even many of our philosophies, but our unique experiences have colored our views on how to achieve these goals.
This prison experience has helped me to understand that many of the ideals I've held for years are sometimes held by others from other cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, but because of our different experiences our ideas of achieving these ideals often differ. I've come to value different opinions and to seek common ground with others I don't appear to have much in common with.
While society (and prison) seeks to divide by focusing on what separates each from the other, a few brave people can make a difference by looking for common ground and seeking to understand the experiences that make us different. Are you brave?
Monday, May 12, 2014
Education Not Incarceration
I haven't posted in a while because I've been busy typing out a book for another prisoner, and because I've been busy with education.
Recent research done by the RAND Corporation has shown a direct correlation between education, and incarceration and re-incarceration rates. The less educated one is, the greater their chance of incarceration, and for those already here, the greater the chance of coming back.
The federal government failed to acknowledge this connection when it eliminated access to PELL grants for prisoners. This despite the fact that the majority of prisoners would have qualified for PELL grants pre-incarceration. Additionally, Michigan has traditionally taken the approach of making education behind bars a difficult task. But things are slowly changing.
I'm involved here with a group of prisoners who are taking a grassroots approach to education behind bars. Our college group is involved with helping tutor GED students, developing and facilitating college-prep classes, and researching and providing information and help to inmates that want to start college while incarcerated.
It's very rewarding to be a part of helping others empower themselves and plan for a better future. I myself am now in college (through correspondence) thanks to the generosity of a couple of friends. I am currently taking a philosophy class and loving it! My goal is a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (business and psychology) so I can continue to pursue my passions of entrepreneurship (business) and lay counseling (psychology).
If you're interested in getting updates about both my personal college in prison experience, and my participation in the college group here at this facility please write me (see my contact info in my profile) and let me know.
Success doesn't occur in a vacuum and I need others who will advocate for, and support and encourage my efforts for myself and in helping others. I believe that everyone has value and potential, regardless of their past poor decisions.
I hope you do too. Please find out how you can get connected with advancing education in prison. I hope to hear from you.
Recent research done by the RAND Corporation has shown a direct correlation between education, and incarceration and re-incarceration rates. The less educated one is, the greater their chance of incarceration, and for those already here, the greater the chance of coming back.
The federal government failed to acknowledge this connection when it eliminated access to PELL grants for prisoners. This despite the fact that the majority of prisoners would have qualified for PELL grants pre-incarceration. Additionally, Michigan has traditionally taken the approach of making education behind bars a difficult task. But things are slowly changing.
I'm involved here with a group of prisoners who are taking a grassroots approach to education behind bars. Our college group is involved with helping tutor GED students, developing and facilitating college-prep classes, and researching and providing information and help to inmates that want to start college while incarcerated.
It's very rewarding to be a part of helping others empower themselves and plan for a better future. I myself am now in college (through correspondence) thanks to the generosity of a couple of friends. I am currently taking a philosophy class and loving it! My goal is a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (business and psychology) so I can continue to pursue my passions of entrepreneurship (business) and lay counseling (psychology).
If you're interested in getting updates about both my personal college in prison experience, and my participation in the college group here at this facility please write me (see my contact info in my profile) and let me know.
Success doesn't occur in a vacuum and I need others who will advocate for, and support and encourage my efforts for myself and in helping others. I believe that everyone has value and potential, regardless of their past poor decisions.
I hope you do too. Please find out how you can get connected with advancing education in prison. I hope to hear from you.
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