Thursday, September 19, 2019

Social Interactions Contributing To Prison Reform



Today on September 18, 2019 students from Central Michigan University came into the Saginaw Correctional Facility located in Freeland, Michigan. These students were brought in by Ms. Raquepaw and Professor Ed Hinck to be apart of the debate workshop. A lot goes into the planning of these workshops on both ends. Prison staff must do lien clearances and searches and the students must experience these necessary security measures.

Today the CMU students were given a tour of the facility and collectively we were given a brief overview of the debate workshop and the intended schedule. Then the men were given the chance to introduce themselves to the students. This brief interaction was an opportunity for the men inside to take a deep breath and feel human for a few minutes. The truth is that a small social interaction such as this can contribute greatly to preparing someone inside to return to the community.I say this because a lot of men in prison have visits and interactions with people from society, but then there are also many  men who don't have these regular interactions with people from the community. For both groups of men, being in this prosocial environment can give the courage and confidence needed to later pursue opportunities like employment, education, and community outreach when released from prison; settings that otherwise they might find intimidating.

I am now looking forward to the debate experience and seeing all of the other men and students hone their oration and critical thinking skills. Skills that are important to be happy and successful. These skills that we will be learning and practicing can be helpful when working through conflict in the home, community, and office. A great deal of issues are rooted in individuals having the inability to communicate and think effectively and being impulsive.

This debate workshop will give us the chance to learn how to focus, mentally process our thoughts, listen, and then respond, which are all qualities needed to be productive citizens. If anyone has had an awkward social encounter with someone just returning home from prison please share the story with me in the comment section so I can encourage men to work on these issues. 

To be continued...Robert

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