Simon Pearson’s Post

PRISONS ARE THE NEW SLAVE PLANTATIONS (BUT YOU PROBABLY ALREADY KNEW THAT) For anyone who ever says "If I was living back in the slave days, I would burn it down/revolt/fight/support efforts to change things...," well, now's your chance because these ARE the slave days. So, please tell me in the comments what you are doing about it so that we can work together. At L.O.V.E. Is The Answer, we are doing something about it by teaching, making meaningful media like the film WALKING WHILE BLACK: L.O.V.E. Is The Answer (https://lnkd.in/gzy9V2X), advocating and pushing for legislation, policies, and practices to change -- and more! The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution includes this: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." In other words, if they can find a way to lock you up, SURPRISE, NOW YOU'RE A SLAVE! Hickman’s Family Farms, McDonald’s, Target and Albertsons are among some of the many corporations that use SLAVE LABOR. From the AP article: "Prison labor began during slavery and exploded as incarceration rates soared, disproportionately affecting people of color. As laws have steadily changed to make it easier for private companies to tap into the swelling captive workforce, it has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry that operates with little oversight. Laws in some states spell it out clearly: Prisoners aren’t classified as employees, whether they’re working inside correctional facilities or for outside businesses through prison contracts or work-release programs. That can exclude them from workers’ compensation benefits, along with state and federal laws that set minimum standards for health and safety on the job. It’s almost impossible to know how many incarcerated workers are hurt or killed each year, partly because they often don’t report injuries, fearing retaliation or losing privileges like contact with their families." READ THE REST HERE: https://lnkd.in/e2UNjpzh

Great to be included in this article!

Fantastic article in this month's Pro Landscaper about partnering with prisons to kick start training and recruitment opportunities with landscaping industries. Great to see Sally Smith mentioned for her collaboration with Glendale and the work she does as part of her employment advisory board role at Warren Hill Prison. Take a look at the article on page 61 - the link to the article is in the comments #landscaping #prison #partnering #consultants

Over 20% of our shop workforce consists of prison leavers and individuals at risk of offending. We are proud to announce that, as of June 2024, we have achieved a 0% reoffending rate over the past 12 months. Last week, Max, co-founder of Redemption Roasters, spoke with Lucy Burton, Employment Editor at The Telegraph, about the importance of providing employment opportunities to individuals upon release. Without access to training and employment, the likelihood of reoffending increases significantly. The national reoffending rate (within 12 months of release) currently stands at 38%, making the positive impact of our work both inside and outside of prisons even more significant. As we continue to expand, with two new shops opening in the next six weeks, we are excited to offer even more employment opportunities and further our mission to create lasting change. For the full article from The Telegraph, see the comments below. ⬇ #socialimpact #coffeeroasters #thetelegraph #reoffendingrates #ukprisons

‘Our model for prison education could be key to reducing re-offending’ 🔑 Andy Moss, Chief Customer Officer at City & Guilds, spoke to FE Week on the life-changing link between skills development and social mobility. We know that the relationship between high-quality skills training, access to employment opportunities and community integration is obvious, and has significant impacts on reducing reoffending. Through our work in prisons, such as our partnership with HMP Highpoint and their Rail Centre of Excellence, we have seen first-hand the impact of skills development on prison leavers, with over 75 per cent of our graduates are still in employment six months after release. Read the full article here https://lnkd.in/gBiCZsVe, and find out more about City & Guilds work in prisons here https://lnkd.in/egHbfZA9 #CityAndGuilds #ReducingReoffending #SkillsChangeLives

Need more initiatives such as this

Hidden gem In Construction? We have seen significant investment in prisons and detention facility construction is underway across North America. The federal government has allocated billions of dollars to fund new facilities, expansions, and renovations. This investment is driven by factors such as overcrowding, aging infrastructure, and evolving correctional standards. Key states like California, Texas, and New York are leading the way with major projects, including the construction of new, state-of-the-art facilities. These investments are expected to address overcrowding issues, improve security, and enhance rehabilitation programs. Are you a construction professional specializing in correctional facilities? Let's connect and discuss how you can contribute to these important projects. #construction #prison #detention

🌟 **Unlocking Potential with Soft Skills at Unlock Drama** 🌟 At Unlock Drama, we firmly believe in the transformative power of soft skills for rehabilitation. Aligned with HM Prison and Probation Service's commitment to offering second chances through skill development, our programs prioritise the cultivation of essential soft skills among participants. Why Focus on Soft Skills? Soft skills like communication, empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving are crucial for enabling individuals to engage effectively in prison regimes and rehabilitation processes. These skills are not just about personal development—they are vital for preparing participants for successful reintegration into society. Our Approach: Through our innovative drama-based methods, Unlock Drama provides a dynamic environment where participants can explore and develop these skills in a supportive setting. Our workshops are designed to: - **Enhance Communication**: Participants learn to express themselves clearly and listen to others, fostering better relationships and understanding within diverse groups. - **Build Empathy**: By stepping into different roles, participants gain insights into other people's experiences and perspectives, crucial for personal and social rehabilitation. - **Strengthen Teamwork**: Collaborative exercises reinforce the value of working together, which is essential in both custodial settings and the outside world. - **Promote Problem-Solving**: Engaging in drama challenges participants think creatively and find solutions, preparing them for future challenges in education, training, or employment. Impact: Our commitment goes beyond workshops; it's about embedding these soft skills into participants' lives, helping them navigate their journeys within custody and upon release, effectively reducing the risk of re-offending. By aligning with the HM Prison and Probation Service's strategies, Unlock Drama contributes to a rehabilitation culture that not only supports participants during their sentence but also empowers them for future success. #UnlockDrama #Rehabilitation #SoftSkills #PrisonReform #Education

✒ "A learning-focused environment encourages personal responsibility, positive behaviour, and constructive use of time. It can also improve relationships and create a more rehabilitative atmosphere, ultimately contributing to safer communities." Read this FE News article from Revolving Doors member David about the ways in which high-quality educational opportunities in our justice system and prisons can help reduce reoffending and foster safer communities ⬇ https://lnkd.in/dtfH9iab

Leadership at its finest!!