#Connect

One of our toughest challenges is to overcome the mental barriers of people who might otherwise help. Fear is THE biggest barrier when enlisting mentors for the incarcerated. Raising awareness and empathy among people on "the outside" can be a daunting task.  We've questioned if we should post images of our inmates as children - to connect you to their potential and to remind you that this is not where they wanted to be.

The reality is that these individuals might be your neighbor, coworker, nephew, uncle, brother, and father. And, for the most part, they aren't what you see on CSI or Law and Order.  Approximately 60% of those incarcerated are in for non-violent offenses. [1]   

However, rather than manipulate you with images, we decided to share their thoughts, in their own words. We handed the prisoners a piece of paper with questions and retrieved their responses a week later.  They were not coached or directed and were given very little instruction.  And of course, their responses vary.

These are the questions we asked:

• Tell us about one of your favorite memories from childhood.  
• What is one of the hardest things that you dealt with growing up?
• Describe some activities that give (or gave) you a sense of fulfillment or joy (hobbies/activities).
• Share an insight into what got you into prison.
• What does your ideal life look like?  
• What are some specific challenges that you could use assistance with?
• Is there anything else you want people to know about you or your journey?

For the next week and a half we will post their responses on Facebook as well as share some inspiring thoughts on connection. At the end of the month we'll compile them and share it all in our newsletter. As we do this we err on the side of caution, attempting to distance ourselves from the possibility of exploiting their stories.  They, as much as anyone, have a right to a certain level of privacy.  We share these pieces in hopes to remind you that they are relatable and not to be feared.

As you are reading these individuals' thoughts, please keep in mind a few things for us….

1. These are our friends.  Guard against making assumptions and judgements. They have willingly shared with us, with you, and are expecting nothing in return but to be heard and valued just as you would wish to be.  
2. These are their words, what they felt like sharing in this way, and not our interpretation of them - though we made a few slight edits for clarification.  
3. We are asking for a measure of trust on your part.  A single sentence or a few sentences are not going to capture the whole of the person. It is merely a glimpse.  Nevertheless it's a start to bridging the gap.  

Here are their responses.

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#Connect

1. "According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), the total number of violent crimes was only about 3 percent higher in 2008 than it was in 1980, while the violent crime rate was much lower: 19 per 1,000 people in 2008 vs. 49.4 in 1980. ...The growth in the prison population mainly reflects changes in the correctional policies that determine who goes to prison and for how long." reason.com