CNVC Freedom Project (Prisons)
Purpose of the Project
To transform prisoners into peacemakers through training in Nonviolent Communication and the practice of mindfulness.
History and Background
Mission: The Freedom Project strengthens our community through supporting the transformation of prisoners into peacemakers. We offer trainings in concrete skills of nonviolent communication and mindfulness leading to reconciliation with ourselves, our loved ones, and the community. Our work addresses the healing of relationships ruptured by violence and the forging of community founded on genuine safety through connection.
The Freedom Project began with two individuals, one inside prison and one outside, both inspired by the power of Nonviolent Communication to transform prisoners into peacemakers. They held the conviction that returnees (those returning to the community from prison) have the capacity to offer genuine safety and strength to our ruptured communities. The Freedom Project was founded in 2001 to provide trainings and support for those who have been incarcerated to recognize and grow beyond past mistakes and to find their way home as full contributing members of our community.
Current status of the project
Governed by a Board of Directors, we have ongoing programs in three prisons in Washington state, two men’s prisons at the Monroe Correctional Complex and in the women’s prison at Purdy. We introduce inmates to the basics of Nonviolent Communication through 2-day workshops and offer more extensive 3-day theme-based trainings in areas such as. anger, reconciliation, etc. Our curriculum also emphasizes the practice of mindfulness. At the Twin Rivers Unit, participants meet weekly over a period of 14 weeks, applying the principles of NVC and mindfulness to create a living community based on mutual honesty and empathy. In 2004, we offered approximately 1300 days of training (one training day consisting of one attendee for 3–8 hours of trainer-facilitated Nonviolent Communication and mindfulness practices).
Outside of prison, we have just launched the SAFE RETURNS Program. SAFE RETURNS offers returnees (people returning to the community from prison) a community-based support team that provides ongoing connection, friendship, honest feedback, and customized learning (in areas such as money management, consumer savvy, nutrition, public transportation, community resources, etc.), as well as regular workshops and practice sessions in a supportive peer-returnee setting. These trainings in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and mindfulness aim at deep and enduring transformation to replace old patterns with consciously chosen life-affirming behaviors.
In the past, the Freedom Project has offered assistance in establishing NVC programs in other prisons as well as consultation and training for the correctional community. We have supported prison programs and/or offered 3-day trainings in England, Denmark, California, Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, and British Columbia, Canada. In April 2005, we offered a 10-day residential retreat for colleagues who are establishing or strengthening NVC and mindfulness programs in prisons in their own regions. For the coming year, we have chosen to focus our resources on expanding our programs in the Puget Sound area.
Plans for the coming year
As part of making the transition to a full-fledged community-supported non-profit organization, we have assembled a board of directors in July of 2004. The board is currently in the process of creating a strategic plan for 2006.
how can you contribute to this project?
- Donate to this project.
- For further information, please go to our website: www.freedom-project.org or e-mail us at freedom_project@hotmail.com (note the underscore in this e-mail address: freedom_project@hotmail.com).