5/16/2024
On April 19, 2024 Capital Toastmasters, a Toastmasters International (TI) club, hosted a first ever event within the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP). In a collaborative effort with TI District 7 and OSP leadership, 34 individuals from academia, government officials (Governor’s office and Legislatures), non-government organizations, non-profit organizations, restorative justice advocates, and victim advocates met with 74 Adults-In-Custody (AICs) in what was named TI District 7 Community Safety Conference. For a little over four and one-half hours, these individuals sat with each other to discuss three topics: Beyond Rehabilitation – Restorative Justice, Credible Messengers, and Survivor of Harm.
This conference was inspired by a similar conference held twenty years ago at the Graterford State Correctional Institution in Graterford, PA. Similar to their ideas, the vision and mission statements of this conference were: “To promote amends, heal harms, and value all communities” and “To build shared perspectives and community partnerships” (respectively).
Five objectives were also given:
1. Develop working relationships between Adults-In-Custody (AIC’s) and community leaders in promoting the reduction of crime and violence.
2. Enhance the awareness of the circumstances by which crimes occur, identifying behaviors and attitudes that predispose individuals to commit criminal acts.
3. Develop prevention / intervention treatment and training strategies aimed at reducing youth crime and violence.
4. Explore and develop meaningful ways in which transformed AIC’s can make meaningful contributions to outside communities.
5. Increase access to peer mentors and credible messengers.
The conference was opened up by TI District 7, Capital Toastmasters, and OSP leadership. Each speaker discussed what this conference meant, in terms of first steps in bringing all to the same room at the same time to start the process of healing.
The first hour introduced several speakers – both from outside the OSP walls and from within – on what the vision, mission, and objectives of the conference were; what these above mentioned topics mean; and a little of their personal stories. These speakers included a victim advocate whose children’s father was murdered, former AICs who have transformed their lives and were granted clemency by former Governor Kate Brown, current AICs who are transforming themselves in becoming productive members of society, and an academia who heads restorative justice programs. What did each of these individuals have in common? The courage and willingness to openly talk about harms – to start the process of turning challenging, hard conversations into meaningful dialogue so true healing can begin within all individuals.
The next two and one-half hours, individuals broke into smaller groups and conducted workshops. These workshops facilitated open communication and dialogue in which every individual’s voice was heard. Additionally, individuals were able to network and start the collaborative process of bringing resources together to promote the multidirectional approach of restorative justice practices. As part of the ice breakers, a
plant was placed in the center of the circle and participants were asked what it meant to them. Responses included “Life”, “Anything is possible”, “Physical substance is what we call ‘plant’; carbon, water, dirt. But it is what’s unseen that makes a plant a plant, makes it more than just dirt, air, and water. Meaning is in the unseen.”, “Beauty, Resilience, Wisdom, Life”, and “I see something that needs to continue to grow, just like me.”
The last hour brought forth a closing round of speakers – again, inside and outside the walls of OSP – to summarize the day’s event, give testimonial of true transformation, and ask the question, “What’s next?” These speakers were comprised of similar individuals as the first hour, lending strength that true transformation and healing can occur in all if given a chance. This day promoted the idea of changing the culture and mindset on all sides, that a better approach to healing harms is by including those who have been harmed along side those who have harmed.
Overall, the conference has been touted as a success – it brought individuals from all sides together for the first time. As it stands now, no one knows the full effect this event may have on the future. Based on the many positives, which came out of Graterford, there is plenty of optimism that actionable items will result,
Plans are in the works to hold another conference next year – though it will likely be held in the community in hopes in scaling the many challenges associated with hosting such an event within a prison. Regardless of where it will be held, we have taken the initial steps of engaging in meaningful conversations. As stated, “Hurt people hurt people but healed people heal people.” The time to move is now.
Albert Wright
Oregon State Penitentiary
VP – Education
Capital Toastmasters
Oregon CURE 
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