Literacy and Prison Outreach
So far, one of the most rewarding experiences that I have had during my graduate studies has been the opportunity to tutor at a state prison. As I searched through the DALN, I was somewhat surprised to find a very limited number of literacies that discuss the intersection of literacy and working in the prison. I did, however, find these two narratives. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Melodie Mcgee is a fourth-generation educator who, at the time of this recording, works in a prison as a GED teacher. For her, working in the prison is rewarding because she enjoys making a difference in her students’ lives. These students all have different education levels, which makes the work a bit more challenging, but not any less enjoyable.
Mark Dennis discusses in his literacy narrative how important it is for him to work on his professional writing, since he “lacked the formal education on the English subject while growing up.” As an IT consultant, he has had little exposure to writing rhetorical compositions. At the time of his narrative, he had volunteered in prisons for twenty years, giving motivational and encouraging speeches. He desires to improve his writing skills “so as to be able (in this social networking day and age) to express and tell the world about the glimmer of hope that lie in these cities within these walls via Restorative Justice Programmes.”
Check out the respective links to further read and hear about the wonderful work these two have done via prison outreach programs.
photo credit: ninniane