Kalliopeia, one of the most exciting frontline philanthropic foundations in the field, has launched Beyond Prison, a new website that highlights transformational programs in our prison system. GRIP is featured with an article and a video, among 7 other great programs.
Barely launched, Beyond Prison’s website has already been nominated for a Webby Award in the category of activism! Only 5 websites from all over the WORLD were nominated in each category. The nomination will raise awareness of transformative rehabilitation programs as an essential aspect of criminal justice reform.
Take 10 seconds to sign up and vote here:
click button below: before Thursday, April 21st.
Vote for prison reform.
Beyond Prison's website is a dynamic,
interactive, multi-dimensional experience.
Find it here: BEYOND PRISON
My Dearest Compassion
As part of the GRIP curriculum, participants write letters of unfinished business that they read aloud to the rest of the Tribe. Most often they are written to people that they have hurt or who have hurt them. A 21-year old prisoner, a red-haired, wide-eyed youngster, revealed his gift with language. He came up with a surprising choice for his letter. He chose to address compassion as an abandoned aspect of his soul, calling it back to himself, much like a prayer. We share his letter with you today:
My Dearest Compassion,
Whatever has happened to your luster? Being once a fool of great understanding and flawless in your expression of agape love, now dead within me.
Have you been hiding your face out of the fear of being hurt, of rejection? You have put your trust in so many, but the Great God has never forsaken you. Only have you ceased to see him when you turned away. And not you, but I. And this pains you, I know.
I have allowed your death; I have killed you violently with hand and foot many a time to seek out my own selfish desires. Never coming to grips with this, I have suffered many cruel days and have allowed others to suffer, sometimes being the cause. For this I am sorry, so sorry.
But I am not done with you. Many have told me to keep you 6 feet down to survive this time alone. But without you I realize I am but a shell of a man driven by a violent wind. I am ever put low for what I have done to you.
Without you here by my side, I have gone astray to call anger, hate, jealousy, and mistrust my friends; evil friends you used to keep at bay. Listen to me now as I call you back to life with the words of my heart.
Arise from our casket. Be dead-alive no longer. Awaken within this heart that you may once again set the day afire with your love and wisdom.
Please come back to me. I am empty without you….
Sincerely,
CJ. Rood
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