Armed or equipped? | Spencer O. | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Every prisoner who occupies a bunk in our prisons is being armed for failure or equipped for success. Our current paradigm of warehouse incarceration arms those reentering our communities with the equation for failure; higher education inside prison equips those same people with an equation for success. Spencer emphasizes the importance of education in prison by sharing some of his transformative journey. Caring, kind, driven and joyful: just a few of many words I identify with. I'm a lover and a fighter: I love people and enjoy creating positive social connections, and I'm not inclined to back down from a constructive challenge. I have a strong entrepreneurial spirit that I utilize every day to foster an atmosphere of enthusiasm and success for myself and everyone around me. I believe life is about learning, growth and prosperity in every area: spiritual, relational, physical and mental—I do my best to live each day accordingly. Life truly is beautiful!
Ready, willing and enabled | Sean Hosman| TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
In order to address "the ways we think about prison and how that can change prison," the focus must be on how we think about prisoners and prison staff, and employing the most advanced and scientifically-proven methods for creating sustainable behavior change in both. Professionals, or Pros, should be the only ones dealing with Convicts, or Cons. Cons we have, Pros are what we need. Sean Hosman is a leading voice in criminal justice advancements through his advocacy of --and expertise in—implementing evidence-based practices in U.S. probation and corrections. An active and engaging presenter and trainer, Sean has 15 years of experience working with over 85 public and private juvenile and adult justice agencies. He has expert knowledge in the areas of automated risk and needs assessments, case planning systems, evidence-based practices, principles of effective intervention and motivational interviewing. Sean received his law degree from Brigham Young University. He is a member of the Utah State Bar, The Colorado State Bar and the American Bar Association. He is also a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and has participated as a member of the Board of Directors of the International Community Corrections Association and a corporate member of the Board of the American Probation and Parole Association.
Maximum opportunity | Ryan Quirk | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Maximum security units have long been places of containment. With the majority of the offenders housed in maximum custody one day releasing to the community, there is both a need and an opportunity to provide therapeutic programming. The Washington State Department of Corrections is currently offering such programming in a manner that demonstrates that safety and security need not be compromised. Ryan Quirk, Ph.D., is a psychologist who has worked with the Washington State Department of Corrections since 2009. He is the supervising psychologist for the maximum custody units located in the Monroe Correctional Complex. In the units, Ryan works with a multidisciplinary team to provide programming and other opportunities to offenders in an effort to decrease recidivism. Such interventions are also designed to assist in offender transition to less-restrictive settings, including the community. It is his hope that individuals pursuing a career as a mental health professional will consider working in the field of corrections.
Yoga and meditation | Subtle practices for change | Rosa Vissers | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
What changes occur when we practice yoga and meditation? And how can these practices be used to support prisoners' successful rehabilitation? In 2010, Rosa Vissers made a life-changing decision for herself—she became a volunteer with the organization Yoga Behind Bars. Her commitment to service, her love of yoga and her career experience as an international dancer combined to make a great foundation to her becoming the organization's development and communications director in 2013. Fueled by her convictions, Rosa believes that together, we can create a compassion revolution.
The power of sustainability | Nick Hacheney | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
From the unique perspective of a worm farmer behind bars, Nick shares how sustainable programs have the power to unlock untold potential. Nick has been a resident of Monroe Correctional Complex for the past 11 years. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. A self-described environmentalist, he has been known to hug a tree or two. After taking a permaculture class a few years ago, Nick shifted his career track into sustainable practices and is currently employed as a worm farmer.
Examining executive clemency | Nicholas Brown | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Nick Brown speaks to how our country has historically viewed clemency and pardons and presents thoughts about how we can move forward with a new approach. Nick is a graduate of Harvard Law School, an army veteran and is currently the principal legal advisor to the Governor of Washington state, Jay Inslee. He advises the Governor and his senior staff on an array of legal matters. His primary responsibilities include: Managing the Governor's judicial appointment process; advising the Governor on clemency and parole decisions; providing policy and political guidance, reviewing legislation; and serving as the lead ethics advisor.
The value of the voices behind prison walls | Kim Bogucki | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
A discussion on the unique collaboration of convict and cop working side by side to reduce incarceration in younger generations; done by using voices from both inside and outside the prison walls. Detective Kim Bogucki has more than 25 years of experience with the Seattle Police Department. She is currently assigned to the Community Outreach Unit. She has two goals: foster community outreach and reduce the cycle of crime. Six years ago, Kim co-founded the IF Project after forming an unlikely partnership with prison inmates that led to the development of an innovative program that utilizes writings and experiences from inside the prison walls to affect positive change. She also launched another nonprofit organization: Tithe One on which aims at re-messaging anti-bullying and creating communities of kindness.
Houses of healing | Kathleen Macferran | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Are we really safer when we put those who harm others behind bars and forget about them? Explore turning our prisons into houses of healing and creating connections that lead to greater safety for our communities. Kathleen Macferran holds a vision for a peaceful, just and sustainable world. She works as a certified trainer and assessor for the Center for Nonviolent Communication and offers communication, conflict resolution and restorative justice system exploration to organizations and individuals. She is a lead trainer for the Freedom Project, an organization that strengthens community safety by supporting the transformation of prisoners into peacemakers. Kathleen is on the faculty of Seattle Central Community College. In addition, she has spent two decades as a music conductor and seven years as a public school teacher.
Turning prisons into schools | John L. | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Amidst high incarceration and recidivism rates, John believes we can do better. His vision for transforming prisons into schools will challenge and inspire. John's mother and father would say he was a good kid. His siblings would affirm he's a great brother. His friends would declare he's loyal to a fault. Those who don't know him mention that he's deeply flawed, but those who know him well attest his flaws are outweighed by the depth of his character. He would say he's all of the above and so much more.
The future of our society | Jarrelle M. | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Children are the future of any and every society. Not some children, but all. Jarrelle shows that our present investment in our youth dictates the future return. Jarrelle is a purpose-driven young man, intent on progressive change and positive future. Not only is he a dedicated husband to an amazing wife, he also is a proud (and protective) older brother to five younger siblings. Having spent the greater part of his life unaware of his own voice and the positive impact it has, Jarrelle strives to uplift and inspire those around him. He is currently enrolled in numerous college and independent-study courses.
The scarlet "F" | Honey Jo Herman | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Honey Jo Herman presents a talk that examines the reality of an offender's life beyond being released, and how the stigma of being a felon can seep into all aspects of life. Honey Jo is honored to have worked with The IF Project since 2010 and Pioneer Human Services since 2013. She is motivated to share the story of her successful transition from prison back to her community as a means of inspiring others who are going through transitional periods of their lives. As the mother of four children, she is empathetic to the painful difficulties that incarcerated parents face when separated from their children. She is at her happiest when she sees others take steps to improve their lives and realize their potential.
How prisons can help inmates lead meaningful lives | Dan Pacholke | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Through personal experiences and observations, this story examines how small changes have profound impacts on incarceration. It suggests how incarceration and its story can continue to evolve with a greater connection to humanity and meaning. Dan Pachooke has worked for the Washington State Department of Corrections since 1982 holding every position from correctional officer to his current role as assistant secretary for Prisons Division. He's known for implementing innovative programs in staff education and training and for developing emergency response operations training academies; his statewide emergency response system is still used today. Dan's leadership with the Sustainable Prisons Project and his partnerships with higher education have brought prisons into focus as major community resources. He is widely recognized for innovative prison change and for running safe, humane prisons.
Transforming prison with nature | Carri LeRoy | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
This is a story about bringing science and nature into prisons and the remarkable transformations that can take place. Carri LeRoy, Ph.D., is a member of the faculty at The Evergreen State College and has co-directed the Sustainability in Prison Project (SPP) with Dan Pacholke since 2011. As an ecologist, Carri studies interactions between forests and streams and has worked in riparian systems in Washington, Arizona and Utah for the past 15 years. She has published over 25 scientific research articles with students and collaborators in the fields of stream ecology, ecological genetics, riparian forest ecology and prairie plant community dynamics.
A Montessori prison education | Brian Walsh | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Prison is one of the most un-fun places one can live and work. Preschools are all about fun. But both are about preparing people for the real world. Brian argues that we can unlock the future of prison education by relearning the lessons of preschool. Brian leads the offender education program for Peninsula College at two state prisons in the northwest corner of Washington state's Olympic Peninsula. As Associate Dean of Basic Skills and Corrections, Brian started the first prison-based Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (IBEST) program, a nationally recognized curriculum for adult education in Washington state. He began five new vocational programs including Sustainable Horticulture, Artisan Baking, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Green Building and Computer Programming and Development. In November 2013, Brian was recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change, one of "10 local heroes who are taking creative approaches in using technology to enhance learning for students in communities across the country."
Expand -- expand -- expand | Brandon P. | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
All children need some sort of guidance, which anyone may be able to give them, but it is the love and instruction of their parent(s) that will be the most profound in their lives. No matter where a child's parent(s) reside, it must always be recognized that their influence can greatly impact the child's life in the present and future. In my childhood years I didn't know exactly who I was, yet I knew what I was opposed to. That is inequality in its many shapes and forms. Knowledge of self is my greatest asset. That encompasses my strong cultural roots of both African and Hispanic origin. I also maintain a healthy spirituality with prayer, meditation and laughter.