Unlock Second Chances with Prison Fellowship
Throughout April, Prison Fellowship® will host weekly Twitter chats focused on Second Chance® Month.
Why Twitter? Twitter chats are a form of virtual discussion that elevates content beyond our social media followers. We have invited panelists who can expertly speak to the many unique aspects of second chances. Twitter chats allow us to collectively share a well-rounded and amplified message about the barriers men and women with a criminal record face every day. Using the hashtag #SecondChanceMonth, we can raise awareness and advocate for these needs.
Will you raise your voice and join us?
THE NEED FOR SECOND CHANCES
A1: I’m a Christian, pastor, and father who had the honor of representing the people of Georgia’s 9th District for eight years. I now serve in private legal practice and remain a chaplain in the @USAFReserve. #SecondChanceMonth
— Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) April 1, 2021
A1 I am a formerly incarcerated person with 3 felony convictions, sentenced to 10 years in prison. I was told by a prosecutor that I had no hope for change. I am now a endocrinologist & professor at @HowardU College of Med @JusticeReform #SecondChanceMonth https://t.co/ieAAPwafYR pic.twitter.com/kDW6tU6P19
— Prof. Stan Andrisse (@Prof_Andrisse) April 1, 2021
@JusticeReform Q4: There is a common gap between belief and practice. While the research shows that most people support the formally incarcerated, culture does not practice this. Wee need to emphasize more practical support for formerly incarcerated. #SecondChanceMonth
— Dr. Antipas L. Harris (@drantipas) April 1, 2021
A2. The Gospel is a message of Second Chances. This is what we are celebrating this Sunday on Easter; The empty tomb & Risen Savior who gives a second chance to all who will repent & believe in Him! Heaven is a place of second chance recipients. #SecondChanceMonth
— Jon Kelly (@pastorjonkelly) April 1, 2021
A2: I believe in #secondchances because my mom saved my life by loving on me while I was in prison. I thought that I would there once I got sentenced. Her promise to write me and send pics was the second chance I needed in order to believe in myself again. #SecondChanceMonth pic.twitter.com/N3WuWZ3d7H
— Marcus Bullock (@_marcus_bullock) April 1, 2021
We are all worthy of equal dignity & opportunity to take part in the American dream, including those who are leaving prison. This #SecondChanceMonth, let us recommit to bringing ALL members of the community together towards upward mobility & redemption. Thank you @JusticeReform!
— Bob Woodson (@BobWoodson) April 1, 2021
@prisonfellowshp Why do I celebrate Second Chance Month? B/c 30 years ago I was incarcerated. It was then, I stopped running and gave my life to Jesus. Once released, my family and my local church gave me a second chance! I now speak for those returning home. #SecondChanceMonth
— Lorenzo Lewis (@Lorenzo06422351) April 1, 2021
When a business commits to hiring and investing in people with criminal records:
🏆 It’s a win for the business.
👩👩👦It’s a win for people and their families
💗 It’s a win for the community.Learn more! #GettingTalentBacktoWork #SecondChanceMonthhttps://t.co/1Wu8WvQUKC pic.twitter.com/iY8V2PNb4g
— SHRM (@SHRM) April 1, 2021
Almost 2.3 million people are currently incarcerated in America, tearing millions of families apart. So, yes, this #SecondChanceMonth we must recommit to second chances. Many people in the criminal justice system never even got a first chance. https://t.co/zUnoTwWXSw
— FWD.us (@FWDus) April 1, 2021
We celebrate #SecondChanceMonth because we don’t believe a criminal record should result in a life sentence to poverty or a person’s inability to care for themselves and their family, which is too often the case.
We believe in supporting people who are trying to move forward. https://t.co/LSP8hOk1lr
— Arnold Ventures (@Arnold_Ventures) April 1, 2021
#SecondChances help formerly incarcerated people overcome barriers and create opportunity for talented returning citizens to work, learn, grow, and lead. #SecondChanceMonth pic.twitter.com/YBwICEouks
— Georgetown Pivot Program (@Pivot_Program) April 1, 2021
“After incarcerated individuals serve their time, they should have the opportunity to fully reintegrate into society.” Thank you @POTUS for lifting up #SecondChanceMonth! @USJusticeAction @FWDus @fhi360 @stand_together @FifthThird
https://t.co/EmM9UjyF01— Prison Fellowship Advocacy (@JusticeReform) April 1, 2021
BARRIERS TO SECOND CHANCES
A2. The language we use plays a large role in framing a discussion. If we truly want formerly incarcerated individuals to be successful, we must begin to articulate why decreasing barriers to re-entry decreases recidivism and benefits society. #SecondChanceMonth
— Dave Sunday (@DaveSunday_) April 7, 2021
A2 Words are so important! How you speak about a person greatly defines how you see them. Changing language is the first step in removing the ‘us and them’ stigma. https://t.co/oCLBfgiQCE #SecondChanceMonth #GLS21
— Global Leadership Network (@GLNsummit) April 7, 2021
A3) A criminal record follows us for life. It impacts where we live, our job opportunities, how our families are treated, etc. But we are making progress. This is me voting for the first time after getting my felony conviction. #SecondChanceMonth @FLRightsRestore @JusticeReform pic.twitter.com/j9q5zkCuzE
— Neil Volz (@Volzie) April 7, 2021
A3: (1/2) Our research has shown that a majority of managers and HR professionals feel the quality of hire for these workers is just as high or higher than those without records. https://t.co/dsgTlmeyH2 #SecondChanceMonth
— SHRM (@SHRM) April 7, 2021
A3)As a mother & directly-impacted person myself, I know firsthand the barriers justice-involved people face. 2 years ago my family was denied housing due to an old conviction that appeared on the rental app background check. (1/5) #SecondChanceMonthhttps://t.co/UmM6pAIsMp
— Sheena Meade✊🏾 (@sheena_meade) April 7, 2021
A4, Families have the challenge of trying to keep things together when a love one has been incarcerated. This brings an overall strain emotionally, financially and psychologically to the family dynamic. @JusticeReform #SecondChanceMonth
— The AND Campaign (@AndCampaign) April 7, 2021
A5 – In so many places, a local church is the very best ally for someone seeking a second chance. Christians are able to offer opportunities and support to those seeking to live life differently. #SecondChanceMonth
— Joshua Wester (@jbwester) April 7, 2021
A.6 By hiring returning citizens, you can help make our communities stronger. Everyone has a gift they can use to make society better if given a chance. If you’re hiring, we invite you to join our job fairs and consider giving someone a Second Chance #SecondChanceMonth pic.twitter.com/i1Qwqjb32g
— Better Together (@BTogetherOrg) April 7, 2021
A6. We’ve spoken to many employers that have hired formerly incarcerated men and women. One thing that’s clear and consistent is that they are some of the hardest and most diligent working employees – if just given a chance. #SecondChanceMonth
— ACUF for Justice (@ACUFforJustice) April 7, 2021
A8. First educate yourself, then educate others. Learn about barriers to reentry and share what you have learned with your friends, neighbors, and family members. By raising awareness of wrongheaded obstacles to reentry, we can build support for change. #SecondChanceMonth
— Orrin G. Hatch Foundation (@OrrinHatch) April 7, 2021
I have witnessed the transformative power of work after my father was released from prison. He struggled to find a path forward in a society unwilling to give him a second chance. His job gave him dignity and structure. It helped us heal as a family. #SecondChanceMonth pic.twitter.com/che9Mx6qZA
— Megan Rose (@Mrsmeganleerose) April 7, 2021
UNLOCKING SECOND CHANCES
- FWD.us
- FHI 360
- Arnold Ventures
- College & Community Fellowship
- Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
- National Community Church
- Vera Insitute of Justice
- John Buckley, Koch Industries
- Erika Harold
- Dylan Hayre, Arnold Ventures
- Marc Levin, Council on Criminal Justice & Right on Crime
- Kerry Myers, Represent Justice
- Lynn Novick, Skiff Mountain Films
A2: We’ve seen the transformative power education has on our participants and want to extend that opportunity as far as possible. Because system-impacted people are the experts on their own lives, we believe they should be leading the conversation. #SecondChanceMonth https://t.co/xzumD1MIOL
— College & Community Fellowship (@ccf_ny) April 14, 2021
A2. I believe every person was created in God’s image + deserves to be treated justly, mercifully + humanely. This motivates me to support policies + organizations that promote restorative justice, affirm human dignity, + ensure opportunities/#secondchances. #SecondChanceMonth https://t.co/gUAV7s2Bd4
— Erika Harold (@ErikaHarold) April 14, 2021
Did you know? 🤔 Within the 44,000+ legal & policy barriers, 29,000 are barriers to employment and another 14,000 create barriers to Occupational Licensing. #SecondChanceMonth https://t.co/Q9MhVDErxi
— Arnold Ventures (@Arnold_Ventures) April 14, 2021
We must focus on restoration, not revenge. In my view, there will always be a limited place for incarceration as a last resort, but we must ensure penalties are proportionate and parsimonious and that we relentlessly tear down obstacles to reentry & redemption. #SecondChanceMonth https://t.co/B1WMlAOPnu
— Marc A. Levin, Esq. (@MarcALevin) April 14, 2021
A3 A @lipscomb student shared this: “I thought that I wasn’t worth an education beyond high school, but I’ve discovered that I am worthy and intelligent. Thank you for giving someone like myself the opp to expand my mind beyond these incarcerated walls.” #SecondChanceMonth
— CCCU (@cccuorg) April 14, 2021
A4: The pain of incarceration isn’t just felt behind bars — families & communities are suffering. #1in2 adults in America has had an immediate family member incarcerated. It’s on all of us to protect America’s families and end the incarceration crisis. #SecondChanceMonth https://t.co/6AwyDZbUiY
— FWD.us (@FWDus) April 14, 2021
A5: Last year our work for second chances experienced a win when Congress repealed the ban on access to Pell Grants for incarcerated students. Expanding postsecondary education programs in prison will reduce recidivism & transform lives. #SecondChanceMonth https://t.co/Ub3DvYGgC6 https://t.co/1yL1IIZjZU
— Vera Institute of Justice (@verainstitute) April 14, 2021
A6: Yes I have – many times. Reentry is a deeply personal journey and it is an individuals story to tell, which can be seen in College Behind Bars. #SecondChanceMonth
— Lynn Novick (@LynnNovick) April 14, 2021
A7. I would say, give the gift of fellowship and inclusion. See and value the person, not the crime. #SecondChanceMonth @NIWL_US
— FHI 360 (@fhi360) April 14, 2021
A7. To make room for healing & prevent further harm, we must avoid giving in to, or thru our actions reaffirming, racialized misperceptions that the legal system imposes on impacted people. People are people. Extending #secondchances improves community safety. #SecondChanceMonth https://t.co/O8gsf69JIp
— Dylan Hayre (@DylanHayre) April 14, 2021
A7. Church is exactly where everyone should be welcome regardless of what they are coming to the table with. Relationships are key in both honoring human dignity and navigating concerns of safety. #SecondChanceMonth https://t.co/u7RzeNGlKG
— National Community Church (@NCC) April 14, 2021
A9. Appreciate all the challenges re-entry brings – finding employment, suitable housing, reliable transportation, re-establishing relationships, building trust, etc.; all can be overcome with community-wide effort; and it benefits all involved. #SecondChanceMonth @JusticeReform
— COL (R) John Buckley (@COL_JohnBuckley) April 14, 2021
A9. No one I knew in prison grew up with dreams of being in prison. Most lost sight of their dreams because circumstances made them believe they were unattainable. They want happiness, meaning and hope, just like everyone. See them that way. #SecondChanceMonth https://t.co/zGmSIryUMz
— REPRESENT JUSTICE (@werepjustice) April 14, 2021
CELEBRATING SECOND CHANCES
A2: At JAN we know that people with criminal records aren't just statistics; they’re our friends, family, neighbors, coworkers & ourselves! Reducing barriers to employment & stability for people with records helps make all of our communities stronger & safer. #SecondChanceMonth
— Justice Action Network (@USJusticeAction) April 28, 2021
A2 We are all imperfectly perfect and make mistakes. We should not be judge our entire life by our mistakes. We all deserve dignity, empathy, and equal opportunity as human beings as well as a justice impacted person that made a mistake. #SecondChanceMonth
— Pamela Winn (@RestoreHER_US) April 28, 2021
A4. We often fail to see the whole person – their skills, passions, accomplishments, relationships – instead opting for a dismissive label that hides all the goodness and beauty that person has to bring to the world. #SecondChanceMonth
— Brianna (Walden) Nuhfer (@BriannaNuhfer) April 28, 2021
Our #VisionForJustice platform outlines policies to minimize barriers to reentry success and to provide holistic, coordinated supports for reentering individuals & their families. This #SecondChanceMonth, we need policymakers to take action on this & more: https://t.co/QtwuNAZjXC https://t.co/KtlpLKWvio
— The Leadership Conference (@civilrightsorg) April 28, 2021
A6. Family support can make all the difference for people coming home from prison. Anything we can do to help people in prison maintain family ties is a worthwhile investment in second chances and public safety. #SecondChanceMonth @JusticeReform https://t.co/FlZYLuvIFj
— FAMM Foundation (@FAMMFoundation) April 28, 2021
A6. Don't hesitate to seek professional legal counsel to petition for relief. Our criminal legal system is hard to navigate alone, but there are justice reform advocates all across the country who offer pro-bono or income-based counsel. Do not give up. #SecondChanceMonth
— Simone Chérie (@thesimonecherie) April 28, 2021
A6: Financial Literacy is probably one of the most important tools that people need as they try to rebuild their lives. Upward Economic Mobility is the key to helping those with a criminal background become successful.#SecondChanceMonth
— Jerry Blassingame (@jblassingame) April 28, 2021
A7: Embracing #SecondChances begins with the recognition that over-policing & overcriminalization have prevented many individuals from ever receiving a meaningful first chance. Righting this injustice requires addressing decades of racially disparate policies #SecondChanceMonth https://t.co/MJm7hQBgo1
— NACDL (@NACDL) April 28, 2021
A7. Second chances start at sentencing–let's reform sentencing laws so we don't throw people away forever! And second chances start at resentencing–people change, so let's let them come home when they do. #SecondChancesMonth @JusticeReform https://t.co/l4bEWTtuC2
— FAMM Foundation (@FAMMFoundation) April 28, 2021
A8: We need to embrace those with criminal backgrounds every day by employing them, by providing equal opportunity for housing, and by getting to know those who have been incarcerated on a more personal level.#SecondChanceMonth
— Jerry Blassingame (@jblassingame) April 28, 2021
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