When putting these thoughts together for my friends on “X” (formerly known as Twitter), I am left to consider the words of Dr. Angela Davis: 

“I am no longer accepting the things that I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

Although we cannot change everything about ourselves, there are things that we can accept about ourselves.  As a returning citizen, there are things that we cannot accept and society will not accept.

In order for society to be willing to accept us, we must change those things.  How, you might ask?  Many prisons offer programs and courses that are aimed at allowing us to change those things about us that neither us nor society find acceptable

Several courses can help you delve into accepting personal responsibility for your crime and demonstrate genuine remorse, which can be crucial for your parole or early release application. Here are some examples: 

1. Restorative Justice Programs: These programs focus on understanding the harm caused by crime and seeking to repair the damage through victim mediation, community service, or other initiatives. Engaging in these programs demonstrates active efforts to make amends and contribute to healing. 

2. Moral Reconciliation Therapy (MRT): MRT helps individuals examine their choices and motivations behind their crimes, understand the impact on victims and society, and develop pro-social values. By participating in MRT and showing your understanding of the consequences, you can showcase sincere remorse and commitment to change. 

3. Character Development Programs: These programs explore concepts like integrity, accountability, and empathy. They provide tools for self-reflection, ethical decision-making, and building positive relationships. Completing such programs demonstrates your efforts to improve your character and reduce the risk of recidivism. 

4. Victim Impact Programming: Courses that delve into the emotional and psychological effects of crime on victims can help you understand the true scale of your actions. This understanding can lead to genuine remorse and a motivation to prevent future harm. 

Applying Courses to Parole/Early Release: 

Highlight your participation in relevant courses: Clearly list the programs you’ve participated in your parole/early release application. Briefly explain the program’s focus and your key takeaways, emphasizing your understanding of your culpability and commitment to change. 

Provide concrete examples: Don’t just state your remorse; provide specific examples of how your participation in these courses has changed your perspective or behavior. Did you participate in victim impact programs? Volunteer in the community? Share these impactful experiences. 

Show continued efforts: Don’t stop your journey of personal growth with the course completion. Demonstrate your ongoing commitment to rehabilitation by seeking additional resources, mentoring others, or participating in support groups. 

Additional Courses for Parole/Early Release: 

Vocational Training: Learning valuable skills through trade programs or educational pursuits can improve your employability and demonstrate your focus on rebuilding your life positively. 

Substance Abuse Treatment: If applicable, successfully completing addiction treatment programs shows your commitment to overcoming past challenges and living a healthy life. 

Mental Health Programs: Addressing any underlying mental health issues can promote stability and reduce the risk of recidivism. 

Applying Additional Courses: 

Showcase acquired skills: Highlight the skills you learned through vocational training or educational programs in your application. Demonstrate how these skills can contribute to your success upon release and reduce your dependence on others. 

Emphasize positive changes: Share how participating in programs like mental health or substance abuse treatment has improved your well-being and reduced the risk of relapse. 

Remember, genuine remorse, consistent effort, and a clear plan for the future are key to a successful parole/early release application. By proactively taking courses, acquiring skills, and demonstrating positive changes, you can increase your chances of reintegration into society and rebuild a meaningful life. 

As I said in the first session a couple of days ago, don’t worry.  

You’ve got this!

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NOTE ON 1-9-24, I received the following from Beth Shelburne, Investigative Reporter, in relation to the “missing heart” case from Alabama:

“Attorney Lauren Faraino is representing Dotson’s family (the missing heart case) and the judge was supposed to review the autopsy report this week. Lauren is also representing Mr. Singleton’s family. So they have a good public interest lawyer on their side. She’s fearless. “