5 Core Values:
- Transformative justice: Seeing people as humans first and foremost
- Reimagining inclusivity: Recognizing returning citizens’ place in society and actively creating space for them to rebuild lives
- Radical empowerment: Enabling individuals to reach their self-actualization
- Humility: Practice active listening, ask questions when in doubt, leave pride at the door
- Communities of compassion: Building allies to extend support to the re-entry process
Convening:
A 3-day art installation held either in a park or a square along Mass Ave.
Aims of the installation:
- Humanize returning citizens by providing a platform for them to tell their stories
- Educate public on the struggles of re-entry
In my recent conversations with returning citizens, the topic of dehumanization has been a recurring theme. Many returning citizens have been subjected to dehumanizing practices whilst incarcerated and continue to feel “sub-human” in their re-entry process. Further, they talked about a sense of liberation that comes from sharing their personal re-entry stories. Co-designed with returning citizens, this installation is meant to reclaim their humanity by giving them a platform to share and talk about their re-entry struggles. Depending on the medium preferences of the individual, the installation can take the form of spoken word, visual art, and/or photography depicting their re-entry process.
My hope is that the installation can spark conversations and dismantle preconceived notions about returning citizens in the public sphere. This can then lead to the building of communities of compassion where the public can come alongside to support returning citizens, whether it means changing employment/housing/education policies or creating opportunities for them to succeed in self-actualization.
I liked the second core value: reimagining inclusivity, but think it can be further expanded so that people really do accept diversity and inclusivity in their direct neighborhood not just “somewhere in society.” I do not have any personal experience or relationship with anyone who has been incarcerated, but I can help publicize the event in school and residential area, as well as participate as an active listener and supporter. I wonder if returning citizens will be afraid to speak in the fear of being visually identified as a returning citizen, and wonder if there is a way to make the environment feel safer.
I was most surprised by the value of “reimagining inclusivity,” which is a more aggressive or proactive way to think about the re-entry process by taking actions to help people rebuild their lives out of prison. It’s easy to agree with the concept of inclusivity; it’s more challenging to think about what steps I could take to foster inclusivity.
I like the idea of putting this installation in the public, where people will come across it in their daily lives. It fits with the idea of helping to bring returning citizens back into the community. Given what I know of Cambridge so far, I would anticipate people in Cambridge welcoming this installation. I see a series of performances throughout the day, perhaps with returning citizens presenting their stories more than once to reach different people.
I could play a role by helping to spark conversation and reflection among the crowd. I could walk among people and ask questions spurred by the stories and artwork. I could staff a table where people write their thoughts on a computer, perhaps asking them what steps they would be willing to take to help others in the re-entry process.
Addition:
I would suggest adding the value of lifelong learning. This value would emphasize why pepole in the community should open themselves up to learn more about others experiences.