9September24
I Am In Awe
Today was so beautiful. I was prepared for snags to come along in the final stages of planning the PEER SUCCESS TRAINING SIMINAR, but they never came. I believe this is due to my positive ATTITUDE, and the healthy, respectful communication, I maintain with staff here at Aliceville FCI.
I successfully engaged 24 Peer Team members in the facilitator training. I believe I was able to give them clear, detailed instructions on the role I saw for them, but without ignoring the vision they had for themselves.
A good leader says things like this:
“This is the vision I have for you, and this what I think you bring to the table, but what do you see?”
-in two situations I changed my mind mid stroke because I felt they would serve their community better in another way.
(they agreed)
I sketched it out- creating a diagram of the gym for the event / including each workshop circle: Remember, our goal is total wellness and re-entry.
1) Re-entry- resume and M. Santos workshop- Think Tank Member, Brook Beckley will be giving the mentors in her circle fresh ideas on how to create a resume, and how to use a composition notebook to begin their master plans. (30 copies were made but we only used 15 so we have material stored for coming workshop- win )
2)Occupational Spoke- TTM Nabi shall demonstrate and workshop, ” how to start a small business “
Ms.. Palacio and Ms.. Leyba created a vision board with the breakdown of the business presentation. ( 40 copies made of tow papers -20 used )
3)Intellectual Spoke- TTM McMurry and TTM Barrera will facilitate a circle where mentors shall workshop creative solutions to foster intellect ,i.e… Ms.. McMurry used a paper, titled, GETTING UNDERSTANDING /PRISON AND IDELNES /BEST OPPORTUNITY TO OVERCOME/ BECOME A NEW YOU ( 30 copies made, 15 used )
4) Physical- Valenzuela/Harlin used 15 copies of the 2page paper, “EATING HEALTHY PRISON” from the LET’S GET FREE FOUNDATION MAGAZINE
Harlin also used packets of exercise moves for any level of need, beginning with a chair routine to very challenging workouts. She made 30 and used 15
5) Spiritual Spoke- used only creative solutions- the leader of the group, my bunkie, McKeon, ran the circle beautifully with the help of Kingrassaphone and Pollard
6) Parenting used CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
7) Cultural Diversity used CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
Now we have inventory and stock.
Friday morning, I submitted several things to the AW:
-A flyer reminding the Mentors to be in full uniform with pen and paper at both events on Wed.
-an overview of the program for population and staff – outlining what we are about
-a detailed schedule of the training event, down to the minute
-a roster of all PEER SUCCESS MEMBERS to be included in the event
*highlighted for those who need to be placed on callout
* highlighted for those
Friday we had a meeting for last minute business.
Today we met for the art team to paint together and at that time, I was able to work with the social worker who is our lesion for the program.
We got so much accomplished, but in truth, I see need to sharpen team skills stronger commitment and focus from many but I was impressed by just as many.
12Sept24
First, let me say that the women hosting the circles, mentioned above, far exceeded my expectations for their roll in the workshops.
Finally having gotten past the PEER SUCCESS TRAINING SIMINAR, we can move forward.
In hindsight, I know what to do.
The first thing I am going to do is get permission from Captain Mosby to allow my 4 strongest think tank members to go unit to unit to meet with each mentor group in the ice rooms for a REVEIW, REALIZE AND COMMIT meeting.
Here is what we accomplished:
PEER SUCCESS TEAMS now have:
– a shared vision of not only what we will due as mentors but more importantly, what they need to do for themselves
-more clear understanding of the program and who is backing it
-an idea of their current role in the unit
-motivation
-connection
I now have a better understanding of:
-how I can utilize the weekly think tank to execute the following goals to further the agenda
all to run consecutively utilizing groups of diverse talent
.plan the DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EVENT
– clothes line project for the entire population
– workshops for the mentors and a “plus one “- survivors of D.V.
( workshops on healthy relationships, boundaries, mourning and self esteem )
.host workshop roundtable with composition notebooks to, ” manuscript the vision “
-in rec
-smaller circles
-only one hour each
-to run for three hours: groups one, two and three
( mindful to schedule the unicor mentors at a time that is respectful for their job )
.plan parenting from prison project where TT will host card making and friendship bracelet for the holidays
– at rec for mentors plus one
.plan grief groups
.ARC TANK DEVELOPMENT
– mentors in units developing ideas and sending the “best of ” to the think tank to develop further
-planning of the event
The first think tank meeting will be to review the Seminar:
-all members will assess their teams by skill assessment sheet
( the person hosting the circles will have the ability so see the skill and talent that each mentor brought to the workshop- with the goal of how to best utilize their talent in future )
-review the CREATIVE SOLUTIONS to put into play
( we will make create a calendar of chosen solution and assign mentors to execute )
– SET OUR AGENDA BASESD ON THOSE OUTLINED ABOVE
This is a schedule that will allow for a fair percentage of AIC’s here at Aliceville to be PROACTIVELY ENGAGED
through the upcoming holiday season.
ON a more personal note:
I was able to see the ways in which my skills have been negatively effected by 10 years here, 5 which were pretty stagnate .
Today, I make a conscious effort to:
– delegate more effectively
-reconnect my master skills of articulation and communication
( by reading out loud and having actual conversations more )
-smile more and be courteous
I recognized that chronic pain has made me cranky, I need to attempt to go to the doctor again.
-if I don’t have anything nice to say, I should remain quiet
” smile and nod “
-outsource the actual problem
Federal prison has made me ” harder “, with each disappointment.
What I most appreciated was my ability to bob and weave as the event shifted and veered off course-
I was able to see the beauty in the way it rolled.
I saw it as organic as opposed to how I was prior to prison; when things didn’t go my way before I had a bit of a fit- an internal struggle to be certain. I have matured in that way. I believe due to yoga and meditation and age. Wisdom.
