In the United States, nearly 1 in 3 adults has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, housing, voting, and other things necessary for a full and productive life. Even after their debt to society is paid, these men and women face some 44,000 documented legal restrictions, in addition to widespread social stigma. This is sometimes called the "second prison."
Prison Fellowship founded Second Chance Month in 2017 to raise awareness of this "second prison," improve perceptions of people with a criminal record, encourage second-chance opportunities, and drive momentum for policy change throughout the country.
WHAT IS SECOND CHANCE MONTH?
We all wish to be treated with dignity and have the opportunity to reach our potential. And after making a wrong choice, we want a chance to make it right and rebuild. Second Chance Month, observed during April, is a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. Spearheaded by Prison Fellowship—the nation's largest nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families—this effort aims to unlock second chances for people who have paid their debt to society to become contributing citizens.
'America is a place of dreamers, second chances, and redemption. Millions of Americans in this country have criminal records, and those who have paid their dues and served their time deserve the opportunity to be contributing members of society. … With Second Chance Month, we look to shine a light on ways to unlock opportunities for those in search of new life.'
Rep. Tony Cárdenas, D-Calif
TIMELINE
2017
Prison Fellowship observes April as Second Chance Month for the first time in 2017. More than 77 organizations join the nonpartisan effort as official second chance partners. Throughout April, Prison Fellowship mobilizes individuals, businesses, organizations, legislators, and other supporters to sign petitions, post to social media, attend special events, and amplify the call for second-chance opportunities in the United States.
March 30—Prison Fellowship, the NAACP, the Heritage Foundation, ACLU, Koch Industries, and the NACDL declare April 2017 as Second Chance Month
Throughout April—Colorado, Maine, Michigan, and St. Paul, Minnesota also proclaim April 2017 as Second Chance Month.
April 8—Prison Fellowship hosts the first Second Chance 5K at Sloan's Lake Park in Denver.
April 23—Prison Fellowship and Minnesota partners host a Second Chance 5K at Concordia University's Sea Foam Stadium in St. Paul; in solidarity, prisoners at Lino Lakes, Shakopee, and Stillwater facilities run their own 5Ks behind bars.
April 26—The United States Senate unanimously passes a resolution declaring April 2017 as Second Chance Month.
2018
For a second consecutive year, Prison Fellowship declares April as Second Chance Month. More than 200 businesses, congregations, organizations, and supporters join with Prison Fellowship as official second chance partners. (Partnership does not indicate support for any particular legislation or policies).
Prison Fellowship's President and CEO James J. Ackerman and Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy Craig DeRoche meet with Vice President Mike Pence to discuss Prison Fellowship'’s work and the nation's readiness for second chances.
March 30—The White House issues proclamation recognizing April as Second Chance Month.
Throughout April—The U.S. House introduces a Second Chance Month resolution for April 2018. Thirteen states and six other jurisdictions also recognize April as Second Chance Month.
April 7—Prison Fellowship organizes the first Road to Second Chances Prayer Walk in Washington, D.C.
April 22—The second annual Second Chance 5K is held in St. Paul, Minnesota; various organizations and individuals host additional Second Chance 5Ks throughout the country.
April 27—The U. S. Senate passes a resolution declaring April 2018 as Second Chance Month.
2019
The White House, along with 23 states and the District of Columbia, declares April as Second Chance Month for a second consecutive year. Prison Fellowship partners with more than 300 other organizations—like the NAACP, the Heritage Foundation, ACLU, and Koch Industries—who are leading the charge to unlock the potential of formerly incarcerated people.
March 28—Prison Fellowship kicks off the third annual Second Chance Month, alongside a coalition of over 320 Second Chance Month partners, at the historic Watergate Hotel—a fitting reminder of the second chance story of our founder, the late Chuck Colson.
March 29—For the second consecutive year, the White House issues a proclamation recognizing April as Second Chance Month.
Throughout April—The U.S. House and Senate introduce Second Chance Month resolutions for April 2019, garnering 18 bipartisan co-sponsors. Twenty-three states and Washington, D.C., also recognize April as Second Chance Month. #SecondChanceMonth Twitter chats feature 26 guest panelists, including Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee and U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, reaching 17.3 million people from 68 countries with social media posts in April.
April 4—Prison Fellowship hosts a Congressional briefing on occupational licensing reform, sponsored by Representative Tony Cardenas, D-Calif.
April 6—Prison Fellowship organizes the second annual Road to Second Chances event in Washington, D.C., while partners lead their own prayer walks in communities across the country.
April 13—The third annual Second Chance 5K takes place in St. Paul; additional Second Chance 5Ks happen throughout the country—including several inside of prisons.
Year by year, the conversation is shifting, and an ever-increasing number of governments, businesses, churches, and organizations are working to make second chances a part of their culture—not just in April, but every month of the year.
'This month, we celebrate those who have exited the prison system and successfully reentered society and renew our commitment to providing support and resources that former inmates need to meet their responsibilities, rediscover their self worth, and benefit from the gift of a second chance.'
President Donald Trump, Second Chance Month Proclamation, 2019
IN THE NEWS
Second Chance Month has received widespread recognition by media outlets and other groups every year.
SECOND CHANCE MONTH IN THE NEWS
- Proclamation on Second Chance Month, 2019 (White House, 3/29/19)
- President Trump and the GOP Commit to Second Chances (Fox News, 4/13/19)
- Getting Free on the Inside to Thrive on the Outside (Stand Together Foundation, May 2019)
- Prison Fellowship Kicks Off Second Chance Month with 5K (LoudonNow, 4/1/19)
- 5K Run for Second Chances at Stillwater Correctional Facility (The Gazette, 4/23/19)
- Stillwater Prison Hosts Second Chance 5K for Inmates (Twin Cities, 4/14/19)
- Why Ex-Offenders Need a Second Chance, According to Area Criminal Justice Experts(Birmingham Times, 2/21/19)
OPINION EDITORIALS ON SECOND CHANCE MONTH
- The Gospel of Second Chances (Christian Post, 5/10/19)
- Second Chance Month Provides Second Chances (The Washington Times, 4/23/19)
- Land of the Free? A Web of Regulation is Turning Americans Into Criminals (The Stream, 7/2/19)
- Education in Prison Key to Successful Reentry (The Columbus Dispatch, 7/1/19)
- Second Chances Are Rung on Ladder to New Life(Naples News, 5/5/18)
- One in Four American Adults Lives with a Criminal Record—It's Time for Them to Get a Second Chance(Fox News, 4/30/18)
SECOND CHANCE MONTH PRESS RELEASES
- White House Proclaims April 2019 as Second Chance Month (Prison Fellowship, 3/30/19)
- Watergate Hotel Gala to Kick Off 2019 Second Chance Month in April (Prison Fellowship, 3/25/19)
- Senate Resolution Names April 2018 as Second Chance Month(Prison Fellowship, 4/27/18)
- White House Proclaims April 2018 as Second Chance Month(Prison Fellowship, 3/31/18)
SECOND CHANCE MONTH BLOG POSTS
- Thank You for Believing in Second Chances! Second Chance Month 2019 Highlights (Prison Fellowship, 5/1/19)
- Celebrating Second Chances at Easter (Prison Fellowship, 4/25/19)
- Second Chances at Work: How One Company Built a Work Culture of Second Chances (Prison Fellowship, 4/12/19)
- Celebrate Second Chances Across the Nation (Prison Fellowship, 4/1/18)
- Second Chance Month Celebrates Human Dignity (Prison Fellowship, 3/26/18)
- [VIDEO] Prison Reform Continues to Gain Support from the White House (Prison Fellowship, 2/14/18)
- America is Ready for Prison Reform—Will Washington Respond? (Prison Fellowship, 2/5/18)
- Second Chance Month: Affording Former Offenders the Redemption They Deserve, (Charles Koh Institute, 2017)
'There is no such thing as a throwaway person, and by granting second chances to those who have earned them, we will be contributing to the restoration of families, communities, and our nation.'
Craig DeRoche, Prison Fellowship's senior vice president of advocacy and public policy
SECOND CHANCE STORIES
Every person has dignity and potential. But approximately 1 in 3 Americans has a criminal record, limiting their futures. Hear from former prisoners on life after prison and join Prison Fellowship as we unlock brighter futures for the 70 million Americans who have repaid their debt to society.
READ STORIES ABOUT SECOND CHANCES
WE BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES
Second Chance Month recognizes the basic, God-given dignity and potential of returning citizens. When we create a culture of second chances, we support justice, reduce recidivism, and protect public safety.
If you share our passion for breaking down barriers, we invite you to celebrate Second Chance Month with us! On our website, Prison Fellowship has listed many ways for you to get involved. Petition the president to proclaim April as Second Chance Month. Attend a virtual Second Chance Month prayer event. Ask your church to host a virtual Second Chance Sunday. Spread the word about #SecondChanceMonth on social media.
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