Reflect on a policy issue that resonates with you. Develop a simple action plan outlining steps you can take to advocate for change.
Programming within prisons is a problem if the inmate is not eligible for FSA time credits, within 2-3 yrs from release or have a PATTERN need in their file.
Who needs to be made aware about this oversight?
~ Senators who wrote the First Step Act;
~ Other legislators who cosigned the bill or are actively trying to work toward prison reform;
~ Local politicians who can influence their constituents to push for more reform since ppl will be releasing into their districts;
~ BOP Warden/Director/Regional Directors
What are my points about this oversight?
* The idea that inmates with long or violent sentences should not be able to program is the opposite of what legislators and rehabilitators want/need within the prison population
* If long term inmates program early they become a valuable resource for prison officials b/c they can serve in a mentoring position as well as helping to giving them a sense of purpose w/in prison instead of stagnating
* Violent inmates should be offered MORE programming, not less, in an effort to help them learn how to deal with problems without violence
What am I going to do to educate people about this oversight?
~ Letters to senators and BOP directors
~ Approach each individual staff member who facilitates a class I need to take for my parole hearing
~ Speak with Warden after the staff refuse to even consider putting me on the waiting list
~ Submit Administrative Remedies regarding programming that should be offered here but is not
