Is it Possible for Former Felons to Return to their Community and Really Make a Difference?

On 8/27/16, here at Adrain Correctional facility the NLA sponsored an event which invited two guest speakers: Willis X harris and Shirley Bryant of the Michigan Lifer's Reporter. This event was amazing. The turnout of prisoners was surprising to me. I would have never epected some of the people that were present to have an interest in isues dealing with corrections, changing laws, legislations, legislators, and them (legislators) being uninformed when it comes to corrections. Should we view them being uninformed as a lack of interest, is a question that we must ask ourselves.

This event was very informative. One thing that was highlighted was the need for people in prison and in society to be a voice when it comes to something that you are passionate about. Being a voice by, writing letters by mail or on social media, and even peaceful assembly. Most of us will get offended if someone tells us; "sit down and shut up". However this is what we do through our actions and lack of action, most of us just: "sit down and shut up." This is the case even with someone that needs a job, they don't try to find one, they don't ask a friend, do you know someone that's hiring? They just sit down, sit around, and shut up. How many people do you know that have accoplished anything doing that?

I'm hoping that many of them men that were present in the event left feeling inspired to make some sort of change in their personal life, the system, or a change that could have a positive impact on somone else's life. I'm hoping that the men who's hearts were already filled with the desire to make a positve change left feeling recharged. Sometme we need that. There's a question that I really need answered. How can someone returning to your community have a positve impact. How can they contribute? This is a question that needs to be answered, so I'm one to hearing what anyone have to say. Give your honest opinion. Maybe I can be the voice that shares these needs with the guys that will be coming to your community.