EDUCATION

 It is true, that in today's prisons we find individuals who come from all walks of life. However, there is a large demographic of young men who have the bare minimum of education. This group of men are under 25 and make up the growing present prison population. These men come into the prison and eventually leave uneducated, untrained, and unprepared for the society they will be reentering. A high propensity for crime or the likelihood of returning to prison almost becomes a given.
 

The key ingredients of a successful reintegration are educational and vocational training. This becomes a paramount catalyst for helping men and women in the fight against recidivism. When an individual is not able to qualify, find, or keep a job, then they will naturally return to illicit means of supporting themselves and/or family. Plainly put, there is a lack of educational and vocational skills among the incarcerated which can readily be remedied.
 

We need to address this issue inside and outside of prison, as the culminating effects are destroying our communities, schools, and children. The next steps of progression for these men, naturally, lead right into the prison system. This makes their lives even darker and all that more dangerous. The situation is not hopeless as there are many options that we as a society can choose from to solve how best to reach the unreachable... to teach the unteachable.
 

Society-First seeks to be a platform to advocate for reform and to aid men and women in making a positive transition back into society. We are looking for solutions that will greatly reduce recidivism while helping society embrace its returning citizens.
 

We invite those who have been affected by this epidemic, whether an ex-offender, inmate, family member, victim, church, correctional officer, or simply a citizen to share their personal experience, solutions, or questions concerning all aspects of the criminal justice system.
 

Please, provide any comments, testimonies, facts, or points that you want Society-First to look further into. Send us your story, or videogram by emailing us. Check the category that best fits the point of your concerns and/or comments. We look forward to hearing your feedback on what's important to Society-First.