Do Something Voting Rights for the Formerly Incarcerated Starting a Nonprofit Ways to Get Involved
Alabama State Resources
In This Issue Do Something July 2020 Letter from the Executive Director
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Word of the month
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Alabama State Resources
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Voting Rights for the Formerly Incarcerated
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Making a Difference
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How to Start a Nonprofit
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Letter from the Executive Director You have been walking through this world as someone who was formerly incarcerated, possibly Black or Brown, possibly female, possibly LGBTQ, possibly all of the above, possibly none of the above. Let’s be real, on some days, finding joy is its own form of resistance. However, with the recent murders of African Americans at the hands of police, and the subsequent demonstrations, you might be asking…”What now?” If you want to do more to make your voice heard, there are a few things that you can do. On one end of the spectrum, you have voting, so we have a quick guide on voting rights, written by our newest writer, Natalie Rodriguez-Steen. Welcome Natalie! If checking some boxes on a ballot doesn’t necessarily feel like enough, or, if the state you reside in won’t allow you to vote, we have suggestions on other ways that you can get involved. You can march, sign petitions, volunteer, and have tough conversations (don’t underestimate the power of an honest conversation). On the other end of the spectrum, you can start your own nonprofit. We have an article on that. This issue is about steps you can take to do more, if you so decide. We hope you enjoy this issue. Sincerely, Porche Proffit
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Masthead and Contributors Editor-in-Chief, Porche Proffit Editor, Ericka Foster
Contributors Contributing Editor, Lakia Goodman Writer, Maggie Allen Writer, Natalie Rodriguez-Steen Nutrition and dietician Isabella Dos Santos Art Director, Willow Wood Positive Transitioning Inc. is a non–profit organization that provides information and resources for individuals reentering the community after incarceration. In addition to this magazine, Positive Transitioning Inc. offers a 24-hour Resource/Listening Line that services all 50 states. The Resource/Listening line is staffed by life coaches, and provides individuals with the immediate support and resources they may be needed during reentry. Positive Transitioning Inc. also provides individuals life coaches that will assist them in every step of the reentry process: housing, education, employment, vocational training, obtaining government benefits, veteran assistance, medical management, sponsorship, financial stability, family reintegration, and legal assisting. Currently Positive Transitioning Inc. is entirely web–based as we are hoping that this makes it easily accessible for anyone to access from anywhere.
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Word of the Month re¡sis¡tance the refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument “There is never time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment; the time is always now. -- James Baldwin
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Alabama Resources Aid to Inmate Mothers (AIM) Inc. inmatemoms.org/ Founded in 1987 by Church Women United, The Alabama Prison Project, The Alabama Department of Corrections and a group of committed volunteers, this organization provides services to Alabama’s incarcerated women with emphasis on enhancing personal growth and strengthening the bonds between inmate mothers and their children. . The Dannon Project dannonproject.org/re-entry-programs/ Provides case management, health services, education, and training to reform atrisk populations that result in permanent employment, holistic health, and stable families. The Jefferson County Community Partnership For Recovery & Reentry Network ajmn.org/the-jefferson-county-community-partnership-for-recovery-reentrynetwork/ A network of organizations that provide assistance and resources for individuals reentering society after being released.
National Resources American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) aclu.org/issues/prisoners-rights Prisoners’ rights to read, write, speak, practice their religion, and communicate with the outside world are often curtailed far beyond what is necessary for institutional security. Not only are these activities central to the ability of prisoners to retain their humanity, but they also contribute to the flow of information between prisons and the outside world and thus provide a vital form of oversight of these closed institutions.
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CareerOneStop careeronestop.org/Site/american-job-center.aspx Located across the country, American Job Centers can help you look for work and offer job search workshops, free computer access, and more. National Alliance on Mental Illness nami.org/ The purpose of NAMI Alabama is to provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected mental health disorders. National HIRE Network hirenetwork.org The goal of the National H.I.R.E. Network is to increase the number and quality of job opportunities available to people with criminal records by changing public policies, employment practices and public opinion. National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) nrrc.csgjusticecenter.org Funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) is the nation’s primary source of information and guidance in reentry. U.S. Veterans Administration va.gov/ABOUT_VA/index.asp Most veterans who are in jail or prison will eventually reenter the community. VA’s HCRV program is designed to promote success and prevent homelessness among Veterans returning home after incarceration. COVID-19 FAQs for the Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) (including the Project-based Voucher Program (PBV)) and Native American Programs hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/COVID19_FAQ_PIH_Final.pdf This is a FAQ that lists resources for individuals in public housing.
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Voting Rights for the Formerly Incarcerated By Natalie Rodriguez-Steen As a citizen of the United States, I never felt like I had to worry about my right to vote being eliminated. As a child, I would often see news coverage plastered across the TV screen about the un-democratic election processes of other countries. I would frequently hear about how those citizens did not feel safe going to the polls or how their elections were rigged so their vote ultimately did not matter. The act of deliberately undermining someone’s right to vote seemed inhumane and not like something we would face here. However, there are various issues with the Inmates in Washington D.C. will likely current voting system in the United States get the right to vote, joining Maine and that limit an individual’s right to vote and Vermont as the only states that allow alter its effectiveness. One of these issues is inmates to vote. the limitations that are placed on individuals who have been convicted of a felony. Because Read the Washington Post article here. of these restrictive measures, those who return to their communities from incarceration are continually made to feel like second class citizens long after their punishment has been served. In fact, a 2016 study by the Sentencing Project estimated that around 6 million Americans are unable to vote because of felonydisenfranchisement or laws restricting voting rights. These laws took hold particularly after the Civil War due to the passing of the reconstruction amendments. The 15th Amendment was intended to unequivocally grant all males the right to vote, however, that right was eroded and limited through voter suppression and disenfranchisement. During that time, many states adopted laws that limited the right to vote for those convicted of crimes specifically targeting black men. Although, many State’s general rule regarding restoration states have adopted amendments to of voting rights: grant voting rights for those convicted No restrictions: Vote restored after of a felony, felony disenfranchisement prison and parole: continues to plague our country. The continued use of felony • Maine • California disenfranchisement as a means of • Vermont • Connecticut punishment has a direct effect on the political outcomes in the United States. One study has estimated that, “disenfranchisement polices have likely affected the results of seven U.S. Senate races from 1970 to 1977 as well as the hotly contested 2000 Bush-Gore presidential election”. Even more so, it has been found that civic participation in one’s community is linked to lower recidivism rates (Chung) . Participating in civic society helps individuals reaffirm that they are members of the community from which they have been separated. In an interview in 2015, Dexter Stanton said of his inability to vote that, “I was a part of the community, and yet I was separate. I wasn’t a community member” .
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The process of regaining the right to vote after serving time for a felony depends on the state in which that crime was committed. Some states like Maine and Vermont have no restrictions but others require all of probation or parole to be served before the right to vote can be restored. Other states do not allow individuals to regain the right to vote if they have been convicted of certain felony offenses. In a lot of states, the path to restoring one’s right to vote is full of obstacles. Some states require that all fines must be paid and all obligations of probation and parole must be completed before voting rights can be restored. Additionally, states like Iowa require that individuals convicted of a felony must apply to have them restored. Those applications will be reviewed and decided on by the governor. Each state’s general rule regarding restoration of voting rights (con’t): Vote restored after prison: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Colorado, DC, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah
Vote restored after prison, parole, and probation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin
May permanently lose the right to vote: • • • • • • • • •
Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Wyoming
*Some states have specific restrictions, rules, and exceptions for restoration of voting rights.
Felony disenfranchisement has a difficult and sordid place in our history as a country. We must understand that laws are subject to change as society learns about what types of retribution and rehabilitation are suitable. As public perception alters and legislation is enacted to restore voting rights in fair and reasonable ways, we may see more people being able to show up to the polls in the future. As citizens, we are all entitled to our right to vote and participate in our civic duty.
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Making a Difference By Ericka Foster
Survival is its own form of resistance. If you can make it to the end of the day in the same condition that you started, you are doing ok. But as you watch the world’s current events, you may be inspired to get involved. You may not feel comfortable going to a protest and risking a run-in with the law. Below you will find a few suggestions on what you can do. Sign the petition At the time of print, Change.org has 706 petitions related to Black Lives Matter. On this site, users can find petitions related to the causes, or create a petition. This is one of those opportunities to use the internet to your advantage. When enough people have signed the petition, it can be submitted it to decision-makers for change. If you want to create a petition, it is best to have an idea of where you are going to submit the petition, and whether that person or organization can do what you are requesting. Volunteer As you go throughout your day, you’d be surprised at how often you come across places and opportunities to volunteer. You might come across a food drive or a clothing drive at a local church. A podcast that you are interested in may offer information for how to get involved. For example, on Pod Save America, they offer ways for listeners to get involved with the voting process. Reading this magazine, you might find be interested in learning more about F.O.R.T.E. House and how you can get involved. As someone who has been involved in the criminal justice system, you may have come across an organization that has helped you make the transition back into society. You can reach out to them and see how you can help. You can also check the internet. Volunteermatch.org is a website that matches volunteers with organizations that need volunteers. There are other websites that focus on local volunteer opportunities.
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Donate Money talks – especially when you want to make a political change. It may feel like the small amount you have to give won’t make a difference, but every little bit counts. Many organizations are happy to accept several small donations. In many cases, an organization will have a way to accept donations directly from your paycheck. Making a monetary donation isn’t just about the amount of money that you donate. It says to decision makers that you are willing to put your money where your mouth is – so they’re already paying more attention. Use your words Speaking up is more important than you may think. You can change hearts and minds just by speaking up about your experience. Right now, having tough conversations may center around racism and policing. However, the same principles apply to having a tough conversation whether you are talking to a colleague about incarceration, your teenager about sex, or your partner about your HIV status. Tough conversations start with honesty and curiosity. It can’t hurt to acknowledge the awkwardness of the conversation. If our end game is to be better after this conversation, let’s be awkward. Being recently released from prison, it may feel like the world is against you. If you are having a conversation with someone who have been hurt by a loved one who was formerly incarcerated, there will be two people with their own baggage trying to have a conversation. In order to have a productive interaction, we have to drop victim and villain, right and wrong. That is why it is so important to listen in these types of conversations. We have to listen to what the other person needs, and resist the urge to defend. Changing the world isn’t going to happen overnight (maybe not even in your lifetime), but change isn’t always about large dramatic steps. These are just a few ways you can make the world a little bit better.
We are pleased to announce that Positive Transitioning has earned the 2020 Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency.
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How to Start a Nonprofit: Hard, Rewarding Work By Ericka Foster with reporting by Maggie Allen It’s not unusual for those who have turned their lives around to want to help others. For some, part of the recovery process is to pay it forward. One way to pay it forward is to start a nonprofit. A nonprofit is sometimes referred to as a 501(c)(3) most non-profits fall into that tax-exempt category. Visit the IRS web page and consult with a tax professional on the ins and outs of the non-profit tax status. As with ANY self-employment endeavor, start by being passionate about the idea. Passion is required because it is hard work to create a successful non-profit. “I would caution everyone that it’s not going to be easy. It’s not, but the payoff is so big if you remain resilient,” explained Tia Ryans (pictured left) in a previous interview. Tia created F.O.R.T.E. House, a transitional housing non-profit. “I wish someone would have told me about how unbalanced my life would become and then give me some helpful tips on how to bring back that balance. You don't realize how much time is spent on different activities, and how many hats you actually have to wear,” explains Porche Proffit, the co-founder of our organization, Positive Transitioning. “It's a really interesting learning process since you are wearing so many at times completely different hats. That's what makes focusing on your time distribution so important, making sure that you are spending time on responsibilities that are more challenging, and not spending all your time on the responsibilities and tasks that are enjoyable.” Once you have found your passion, you need to create a plan – a business plan. Huh? But it’s a nonprofit. The best nonprofits run like businesses. Furthermore, answering the questions that are required to complete a business plan are the same questions that you should be answering to make a nonprofit successful. Your business plan will help you figure out what makes you stand out from other nonprofits, how you will finance your nonprofit, and how you expect your nonprofit to grow. Having a direction for your organization will help you predict the time and effort required to get your nonprofit off the ground. You can find a business plan template online.
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You do not have to create your business plan alone. SCORE is one of the most respected nonprofits that provides free assistance to people needing business help. You can find someone who can help you hash out the details of your business plan. The Small Business Association as well as the National Association of Nonprofits can also help you find resources that will help you build a solid business plan. Non-profits such as Defy Ventures, The Last Mile, Mercy Corps Northwest, Resilience Education, LEAP, and Project ReMADE work specifically with the formerly incarcerated to create businesses. Once you have your passion and a plan, you’ll need to complete the paperwork to become tax-exempt with the IRS, and with your state. You may also be advised to be tax-exempt in a city or county as well. Becoming incorporated is very similar to a incorporating a business – you’ll need to choose a business name, appoint a board of directors, decide on a legal structure, then incorporate and apply for taxexempt status. Then be sure to obtain the licenses required to run your business. Running a nonprofit can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and should be a real consideration for someone who wants to have a fulfilling career while making a new life for themselves, with the understanding that it is still building a business. “I have learned so much and have taken myself outside of my comfort zone a great deal. So it is definitely helping me to be a better person,” explains Porsche.
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Final Thoughts… As the news of George Floyd broke, I was like, “shiiiiit, I’ve been here before. I’ll wait to see if anything actually changes before I decide to participate.” But then, my mentee wanted to have an honest, open conversation about racism. I’d be doing her a disservice if I shut down during what could be an important conversation in her 20 years. So, as we talked, I posed a question to her that I realized I needed to ask myself: How am I going to use my talents and opportunities to affect change in the world? Change doesn’t take place if we sit on the sidelines and wait for someone else to do it. If we work collectively, no one has to be Martin Luther King. We can be person who waits for a neighbor to walk home together during the bus boycott. That’s easy enough right? So I pose the question to you: How will you use your talents and opportunities to make a change?
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