Why Bother With Inmate Education? /

People ask me all the time, “Why do you even bother with inmate education?  You’re wasting your time and tax payer money teaching Life Coaching classes at Old Folsom State Prison.”  Here is part of the reason why.  The book “Sam I Was,” got published earlier this year by 916ink.  The Gavel Club Toastmasters wrote letters to their former selves so 916ink can use their stories to encourage At Risk Youth to think before they act.  (“Sam I Was” can be purchased @ www.916ink.org  ALL proceeds benefit At Risk Youth.)

Last week the guys in my class presented me with an autographed copy of their book.  I have attached a few of their messages.

I teach and I coach because I care about people and I am hoping to make a difference.

Lately, I have been told that I am “Interestingly different, hard to figure out, and impossible to forget.”

I definitely cause people to get out of their comfort zones and think about things differently.  I believe in second chances when people take personal  responsibility for their behavior.   We all benefit from working on personal issues and personal development.

I don’t make excuses for bad behavior.  You do the crime, you  need to do the time!

Here is the question I started asking myself,  “What happens when their time is done and the inmate gets released back into the community?  What if they are not ready to be a healthy active member of community?  What if I could have contributed something helpful before the release date to help with the transition?  How can I help AFTER inmates get released from prison to make the transition easier?” 

Oprah said, “When you love what you do it is not work.”  Dr. Phil said, “Do you want to spend 20 years trying to figure out why you did what you did, or do you want to try doing something different?”  Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better.  Then when you know better, do better.”  Julie @ www.woodworkerlifecoaching.com said, “Find The Keys To Being The Best You-You Can Be!”

I bother with inmate education because hopefully when they know better they will do better!