WE SHOULD TRY A DIFFERENT APPROACH
A Delivery System is a profound way to understand human needs in order to EFFECTIVELY deliver
services and solutions to people. Getting tools to people who need them in ways that encourage people TO USE THEM.
It requires getting around barriers that have been relevant for a long time. Barriers that include:
Poverty Fear
Addiction Stigma
Distance Religion
Ignorance Gender & Racial Bias
Doubt Chidhood Trauma (ACES)
It means listening to people who have been trying to function while dealing with these barriers. Learning
what they want , what they are doing, and what they BELIEVE. It means paying attention to how people live their lives.
” The Great Thinkers Society”, is in a position to begin developing life-saving tools and techniques that will make PRACTICAL APPLICATION METHODS UNDERSTANDABLE AND EFFECTIVE. Because of our connection within our current community ; we speak the same language. These women’s cups are not empty ; you cant pour ideas into a cup that’s already full. When the end result is incarceration, how do we find out what’s in it ?
If you don’t understand the meaning and belief behind a community’s practices ; you wont present your ideas in in the context of their values and concerns. PEOPLE WONT HEAR YOU. “GTS”, wants to initiate change in prison culture from the inside. False and misdirected information is disempowering . Evidence based programs that were developed ten years ago are not EFFECTIVE in 2024. We see this evidence by the rapidly growing recidivism rates. Programs that have been developed by men may not prove to be EFFECTIVE for women.
WE HAVE TO CHANGE WITH CHANGE. We are capable, motivated women that have weathered the storms
of life and we are determined to create a CULTURE OF SUPPORT around justice impacted women and their families. What “GTS” understands is change begins when you’ve made a choice and “CHOICE”, is a free gift of grace from God. You don’t get behavior change unless a NEW practice is TRANSPARENT, works well, and gets people talking.
Incarcerated women want to feel essential and relevant. This attitude adjustment will prove to be immensely
empowering and transformative. With practices that cost little or nothing and can be done by the community , we believe
this will prove to be a win/win situation. That belief is built on one simple truth:
WHENEVER YOU INCLUDE A GROUP THATS BEEN EXCLUDED YOU BENEFIT EVERYONE
We all have a role to play in this time space experience. Most people need help finding out what role they play.
Understanding this link between women’s empowerment, wealth, and health of societies is crucial to humanity. What do I know now in a deeper way than I knew before? Well, wen learn and grow. Wisdom isn’t about accumulating more facts; its
about understanding big truths in a deeper way . Its a delicate thing to initiate change in a traditional culture. Transparency is crucial. Grievances must be heard. Failures must be acknowledged and shared goals have to be emphasized. Messages have to appeal to peoples experiences because experience forms perception.
Delivery and cultural awareness is how we become effective in changing the narrative. The existing conversations
are old and grounded biases that don’t easily go away. We can continue habitually talking about problems or we can start putting in INTENTIONAL EFFECTIVE EFFORT to achieve tangible solutions.
Restorative Justice is necessary and keeping our communities safe is a priority. Developing new and improved delivery systems will: Emphasize setting attainable goals
Improving appropriate data
Being more strategic in our approach
These conversations will be led by women who have been left out , women who want change , who need change, and who’s families are suffering because they can’t break the cycle. The members of the “Great Thinkers Society”,
believe we can achieve social change from behind the wall. We don’t’ intend to stop or give up until every facet is accomplished.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Chairwoman Nickole Stafford
Reg# 55192510
