Listening to Prison Voices

The Prison Voices workshop is an opportunity for youth to learn about the consequences of negative behavior from adult prisoners, or, as they say, straight from the horse's mouth. As a genuine offer of community service, this project was created in 1995 by lifers (men banished from society) to utilize their example to deter juvenile delinquency. A panel of four prisoners spends approximately ten minutes talking about family issues, teenage years, and specific details of the activities which resulted in his imprisonment. Each presenter tells his story and concludes with a message of hope.

After a brief break, the workshop participants are able to ask questions to the panelists as well as to other Prison Voices "observers" within the circle. The Westwood High students had some interesting questions. Check 'em out! What's the first thing to do upon release? What assistance is available upon release? Is there rehabilitation with the Department of Correction? What is most effective — treatment or punishment? Did you ever have a positive role model as a youth? What motivates you to live each day? Do you receive visits from family members or friends? Why do men rape other men in prison?

This is no "Scared Straight" routine. These men completed an intensive 12-week training cycle of program orientation, communication techniques, listening skills, and value determination. Prison security must approve all participants and no sex offenders or gang members are eligible. There are no benefits provided by the prison authorities, such as good-time deductions from sentences, special visits, or even an extra piece of fruit. The sole reward could be believing this contribution may prevent another youth from acting recklessly and causing havoc in the community. Participation in the Prison Voices program is the repayment of a debt incurred many years ago.

Since the program began, various high schools — private, public, charter, and alternative — have traveled from Boston, Cambridge, Milton, Quincy, Wellesley, Needham, Holliston, Westport, Walpole, and Foxboro to utilize the services of Prison Voices. In addition, Department of Youth Services, contract agencies, and law enforcement personnel are included in the client list. The students range from college track (high honors) to special needs to at-risk teenagers. Approximately one thousand students attend workshops every year to hear stories directly and to learn clearly about a variety of dangers in life.

Spending only a few hours of their time, the students may avoid the misery of living in the cell block for many years. It doesn't cost much — maybe the bus ride. This is not a problem with Westwood, though. These students came rolling in in Beamers and Cadillacs!