Reimagining Futures in Minnesota
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, I wasn't working much, since I'm a personal trainer, and gyms had to close temporarily. I started looking for other ways to spend my time. During that time, I was also growing more aware of justice issues in America. The murder of George Floyd was a wake-up call for me, as it was for many others. I was thinking, Could I be doing more to get involved in my community? Where do I begin?
I just started Googling volunteer programs, and Prison Fellowship® popped up. At first, I figured I wouldn't qualify to be a Justice Ambassador until I spoke with some of Prison Fellowship's advocacy staff. I appreciated their restorative approach to crime and incarceration, which recognizes the dignity and value of every person. It sounded like as long as I cared about helping people, I was qualified. They would help me with the rest.
OFFERING HOPE IN A DARK PLACE
I had recently started doing yoga and found it incredibly helpful to focus and reset, as well as build physical strength. I wouldn't have made it through the pandemic, or past issues with depression and PTSD, if I didn't have yoga. So, I thought, if fitness could help me through a dark place, why couldn't it help another person—maybe even someone who is in prison or returning home?
I got certified in yoga instruction, and I loved the idea of teaching yoga classes in prison with a biblical component. Second Chance® Month was a perfect opportunity to visualize putting that into practice. Every April, Prison Fellowship spearheads Second Chance Month as a nationwide effort to create brighter futures for people with a criminal record—more than 70 million people. I held a special yoga class last year, socially distanced, where I also shared about Prison Fellowship's advocacy work and my role as a Justice Ambassador.
REIMAGINING FUTURES
I'm hoping my dream to give people behind bars another way to escape their cell for a little bit can become more of a reality soon. Even if they never leave prison, exercise might help shift their mindset and give them some clarity. It might give them a little peace every now and then.
I also hope to encourage people in prison to get a fitness certification and start their own business, teaching yoga or something else. It's hard to find work when people see your criminal background. Once you have that "felon" label, many employers won't even talk to you. I'd love to encourage creative ways for people to jumpstart a career, while also changing the narratives around having a criminal record. As former military, I also understand how hard it can be to reacclimate to "normal life" in the outside world. The more we can humanize these issues, the better. People have so much potential to be productive members of their communities if we would only give them a chance.
A WAY TO REBUILD
This idea of second chances hits close to home for me. Although I've never done prison time, I could have gone down a really bad path. So many of us have been just a few bad decisions away from prison. You could send a text while you're driving, carelessly and not meaning to hurt anybody. In those 30 seconds, everything could change. I don't take it for granted that we've all needed a second chance.
Being a Justice Ambassador, I have found a way to do more than just throw money at a problem. I know my representatives in Minnesota are working to make things better. It's incredible to know I have a role to play, even if I don't see the results right away. I would encourage anyone who cares about helping make a difference: If you wait until you're ready, you'll never be ready. Prison Fellowship has the people and resources to help you. Just jump in. You won't regret taking the opportunity to help others rebuild their lives.
RAISE YOUR VOICE!
We encourage Christians who are experienced in advocacy, looking to learn more, or interested in increasing their involvement to apply to the Justice Ambassador program. Justice Ambassadors' voices can be an effective tool to inspire the Church, change the culture, and advance justice that restores.
Become a Justice Ambassador with Prison Fellowship today!
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