Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I'm Going Back to Prison


Before you get too excited (some of you gasping in horror...others clapping enthusiastically), I am returning as an invited guest and speaker. I have been given the opportunity to walk through the gates of EOCI (Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution) and leave on the same day. I will be speaking on the steps a person can take to ensure that they stay out once the date of their release arrives. The reality is that only a very small fraction of incarcerated individuals are serving "Life Without".

I realize that, for some, there is a popular idea that a person should never see the light of day once they walk through those gates. Here are just a couple of "naughty" Americans factoids. According to the Prison Bureau statistics, 1 out of every 142 Americans is now sitting in prison; 1 out of 32 is either in prison or on probation from prison. Recidivism remains at about 40%. I am not going to soap box anything here about reform or other topics along those lines.


In September, during the week of my birthday, I will be going inside to tell the men who attend that they are the only ones who can change those last numbers. My speech will talk about making changes in thought and action. I will tell them that the deck is stacked against them...and that it is a product they created. The task now is to be dedicated to working ten times harder just to break even...if they are lucky. There won't be rainbows and sunshine...but they will also hear that it can be done if they commit to working EVERY SINGLE DAY to be a better person.

One of the main talking points will center on the fact that they can't wait until they get out to make their changes. It has to be done right now and just a bit better. Just over two years ago, as many of you know, I came home. I have been classified at the lowest risk score on the grid, completed a rigorous program that demands constant accountability, and remain vigilant about complying with all the rules. Guess what? It was easy. Why? Because I started making changes in my life the day that door slammed shut. I used my time to become a better person. I have faced numerous attacks on my character based on the past and refused to let it derail me. Why? Because I knew they would come. I accepted the fact that there will always be those who stand against me. If I fall because of those moments, then I have failed myself AND all those who believe in and support me.

When I go inside this September, it will be with a message. That message will be hard but simple. You can make it. Obstacles exist, but you helped place them. How will you overcome them? If you are going to do so successfully, you need to begin long before you walk out those gates. 

Yes, I am returning to prison. But this time, I will leave on the same day. I do not expect to change the world, but this is one of those cases where helping just one person can send a ripple of goodness through society.


14 comments:

  1. Good for you, Todd! Both on sharing the secret to your success and for getting to go home that same day. Personally, I don't know if I could walk back in. You're one of the real-life tough guys. And I mean that as a compliment.

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    1. Thanks. I am really excited about this event. It has been in negotiations for a few months and to get this chance is a thrill. Just as when I was a tutor, if I can help just one guy find the tools that keep him out and on the right path, that is the reward.

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  2. Wow, way to go Todd. That's awesome. :) Seriously, though, you almost gave me a heart attack when I read the headline.

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    1. Yes, well, I sort of stole from my old journalism and radio days...using a headline to draw the reader. Dirty trick, but this was a message I really wanted to share. Very exciting.

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    2. Me too, Amber! Good one, Todd. ;-)

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  3. Pay it forward my good friend..... of course if they change their minds (about letting you out) I will be with Denise at the tunnel entrance with my spoon!

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    1. Always good to have a backup plan. It is almost as important as remembering to always bring a towel. (Long overdue Hitchhiker's Guide ref)

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    2. I have a couple of posters ready to mail. Do you prefer the Velvet Elvis or Detroit Rock City?
      ... I think I know.

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  4. Good on you Todd! That is a great thing to do, and a wonderful way to show those doubters out there that you are not hiding from anything.

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    1. I feel good about it. And nobody can hide these days...to much tech. Besides, it is nice keeping that closet open so that your skeletons get plenty of air.

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  5. I think it's awesome that you're doing this, Todd. I'm of the opinion that if you can make a difference and help even one person, you're doing a good thing. Best wishes for the event!

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    1. That is the mindset I am using with this and I do feel really good about being able to do this.

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  6. I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm proud of you for going back and talking to those folks. It's probably a lot easier to just walk away and never look back, but the man walking the easy road won't accomplish much. I believe you'll get through to some of them and make a difference in their lives and the lives of those around them.
    ...btw, great use of the headline ;-)
    Cheers brother

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    1. Thanks on the headline. As for the other, I try to live my life now thinking what sorts of things would make a difference for me. When I was booking music acts to come in and perform, one of the comments the bands ALWAYS made was that they never played in front of such an appreciative audience. While there are certainly some really bad guys inside, there are also ones who do genuinely want to be better...they just need a nudge and for one person to believe in them.

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