Michael and Prison Professors,
Thank you, again, for all that you are doing for the justice impacted of America, specifically here at Aliceville.
We will be having our PEER SUCCESS TRAINING EVENT in the first week of September. Here is how I have it structured:
The back of they gym will be turned into a gallery space, and installation. I have three amazing artists, myself and two others, who will each have space to feature their work, as this is part of our re-entry plan.
In the corner to the north, there will be an artistic display of the earth and a plan for a non=profit that benefits the earth.
On the other side of the installation, on the south corner, there will be a culture diversity display.
Once upon a time, I attended events at posh hotels for re-estate projects. I think of this vibe when I am planning the event for the peer success program training event. I am planning to have a RE-Entry Exhibit, where the mentors can pick up resources like a package with lists of companies who hire folks like us; a collection of Michael Santos workbooks dazzling the center, a sign that says, ” are my actions today, in line with my goals for tomorrow?”
Our Re-Entry Co-Ordinator will be there so I am sure she will have some Social Security info etc..
This exhibit will be bordered by three circles of chairs:
1) the circle which represents the occupational spoke of the wheel, in this workshop two of our think tank members will sit ready, showing the mentors in training, how to take a composition notebook and create a small business planning in their book. The bio being the very beginning.
2) in the next representing the intellectual spoke, this workshop will also have two think tank members who will introduce the mentors in training to the ” word of the week ” and to demonstrate how to break down an email from Santos, write a book report or how to journal in a way that demonstrates self reflection, positive change and transition.
3) another with resumes and re-entry plans; which can go in the very same book.
In another space in the gym there will be a display with lovely charts, graphs and budgets.
I met with the Peer Success Leadership Team last week to workshop the workshop.
I have made peace in my heart with the fact that each individual is on a different level and where as I have very high standards for myself, I must make SOME allowances for those I am working with. I find that being encouraging and positive, trying to motivate them to realize their potential in this program.
The method is simple, train the mentors ( 90 ) how to do the work on themselves and then, helping someone in their community to do some cool, future planning stuff, will be a breeze.
Another circle is for PARENTING FROM PRISON: the family spoke. There are two lovely moms working on this circle. They have submitted 4 beautiful, CREATIVE SOLUTIONS on how to parent from here. My favorite is targeting situations where the child is in the care of someone with whom you have a difficult relationship.
The very best new of all is that Ms.. Trotman ( AW of Programs ) told me yesterday that Ms.. Dooly ( Re-entry ) is working to get you here for a visit. All the girls are talking about it, ” is it true, our guru is coming?”
My hope is that Michael will come and the visit will overlap with a program I am doing, the ARC Tank, where we present our very best business ideas. I plan to have the Peer Success Teams working in the units to help the participants to begin to rough out their ideas and then we will have ARC Tank in each unit, then begin to find the best of the best…which is what we would present in the arena with you. ??????
We will be grateful to see you and hear what you have to say.
We are grateful for you, more than you can know.
I will be walking with my guy, along the beach of Southern California, sooner than I know.
READ NEWSLETTER ARTICLE HERE: https://prisonprofessors.com/journal-entries/pledge-to-you/
