Prisons don’t like for volunteers to come to prisons to teach classes because they demonstrate a level of concern and care that the paid staff do not. So administrations make it almost impossible for willing volunteers to enter prisons, because the truth they see hurts

The Prison Industrial Complex has enslaved our neighbors, family members, and loved ones; moreover, it has enslaved our imaginations and our minds and deceived society into thinking that the only response to harm is the caging of humans WE MUST DO BETTER

We all have a past, but someone who has been incarcerated must start every conversation with the circumstances that brought him to prison, and then try to explain that he is now worthy of love and acceptance.

Gangs run Tennessee prisons. Why doesn't Gov. Lee sent the National Guard there to help the understaffed and overworked guards? Read Tony's latest Filtermag article. National Guard Sent to "Fight" Gangs in Memphis—But Gangs Run Tennessee's Prisons

I decided to write a book when I realized how difficult it was for my friends to talk to loved ones about their emotions concerning incarceration. I hope this will help them understand our experience.

Check out my latest @Filtermag_org The Sex Offender Registry Shouldn't Mean We're Unwelcome at Church

24 year old William is taking his GED soon. He has been in prison a short time. He could really use an encouraging pen pal. Please write him and give him some encouragement: William Read, #610462 SCCF PO BOX 279 CLIFTON, TN. 38425

Sometimes I worry that the pictures I paint for you of prison are so dark & grim that it's emotionally too much to see. I understand, because experiencing it is almost too much to bear. Please know, that good people are here with me, and we are simply trying to survive PEACE ☮️

In the solitude of prison, if we allow ourselves, we can discover a meaning of life that we've never considered. The loneliness can create space for self reflection. It's easier to commune with God alone.

The right word, at the right time, in the right place, can change a person's life. Are you the one to say it or hear it?

Loneliness in prison has a way of slowly bleeding away your hopes & dreams. You don't realize it at first - then one day you wake up & wonder why get out of bed. So it's important to build community wherever you are, to drag your ass out of bed when necessary.

Finding joy in prison is possible. But you must resist the constant dehumanization that prevails. Please check out my latest story. What Decades in Prison Have Taught Me About Resisting Incarceration

I have to walk outside the distance of about 2 blocks to get to my prison job site. It's the most glorious part of my day. It's still dark outside, the air is fresh, the moon gleaming down, a reminder that I'm only a small element in a larger plan. It brings me comfort & peace.

We work hard to change the trajectory of the INJUSTICE system. But we can't wait for change before we work on changing ourselves in prison. If we have skills, we need to teach them. If we have faith we need to share it. We are all teachers & students who can build each other up.

Prison Administration doesn't like volunteers to visit prisons & teach classes because they demonstrate a level of concern & care not seen by the paid staff. So hurdles are placed in the way of easy access for volunteers. Their truth about what they see HURTS.

Those of us who have caused harm, we must be able to have hope for the future and regret for the past, sit at the same table. Attempting to ignore one while experiencing the other is a recipe for bad mental health.

“Thank you for calling prison customer service, how can I help?” Hello –could you start some programs to help me improve myself. “Sir, you’re in a gov't program–money is spent on things that look good on paper but not real, let me transfer you to someone who gives a damn”

I realized after yrs in prison, that it was my responsibility to look for my own joy. I'm always on the hunt - watching a bird outside my window, adoring a full moon, laughing at book club, or getting dizzy in a weird yoga pose - all these help me remember to smile

Well, the officers didn’t do their job again- all the chairs for our church services were stolen, so we’ll have to stand during our services. When volunteers asked what they could do to help , we said tell the warden and look the other way while we take back our chairs.

I deserve the nightmares, shame & guilt for my actions that brought me to prison. My punishment was prison (separation from society & loved ones). Not inhumane treatment from the INJUSTICE SYSTEM that uses methods to ensure failure and often tragedy.

My friend Mateo, is about to get out of Prison after 14 yrs. ICE will be deporting him. He doesn't know what to tell his wife and child, both US citizens, about where he will be or if he will ever see them again.