The Oregon Prison Project is an Oregon Non-Profit volunteer organization offering trainings in Nonviolent Communication in Oregon Prisons and Post-Release programs. Currently, over 30 volunteer trainers are providing classes in four prisons and one post-release program including Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem.
Our year-long OSP program provides weekly 2-hour classes to over 80 participants annually. While participating in our OSP program inmates learn new relational and cognitive skills that are essential to building safer communities. Our program includes victim/offender conferencing and mock parole hearings, experiences that build empathy, reduce aggression, and help prepare participants for successful release. Our trainings develop pro-social thinking patterns, and promote the choice of non-violent strategies for community living.
The first graduates from our year-long program.
Objectives for 2012
* Recruit and train 10 new volunteers.
* Begin two new classes at Coffee Creek and the Re-entry
Transition Center (RTC)
* Graduate 75-100 participants
* Involve 200 inmates in weekly classes.
* Complete application for federal 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt status.
* Finalize and publish our proprietary curriculum.
Background
Fred began teaching in San Quentin Prison in CA in 2003. Fred and five other volunteers grew the San Quentin program into what became BayNVC’s Safer Communities Program serving 120 inmates weekly. Steve Blechman joined the San Quentin teaching team in 2004. Fred and Steve both moved to Portland to be near their families; Fred in 2008, Steve in 2009. They were invited to offer classes in OSP in the fall of 2009. Since then, Fred has expanded The Oregon Prison Project, which is now serving the NVC training of more than 30 volunteers who offering NVC education in four Oregon prisons and one post-release program. Steve continues to volunteer with OPP and is currently the main facilitator for our OSP practice group. As we begin 2012, more than 75 inmates are on the waiting list for our NVC classes at OSP alone.
Peer Training Program
The Oregon Prison Project offers qualified inmates the opportunity to become Peer Trainers in our classes. We recognize that the most effective trainers are those that “know the territory.” Selected individuals receive extra training on how to teach NVC and then are placed with experienced facilitators in the role of active co-facilitators. After completing a year as a co-facilitator successful applicants are offered a chance to facilitate classes of their own, and following a full year of facilitation are certified as facilitators. OPP certified facilitators are supported in gaining certification through the international Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) and are provided business development support when they return to their communities. In the photo of our first graduating class above in the middle standing is Drew Smith, kneeling below him is Socrates Ladner, both are currently serving as peer trainers in our OSP classes.
Volunteer Training Program
Volunteering with The Oregon Prison Project is a fantastic way to both learn NVC and learn to teach NVC. Certified trainers support volunteers to rapidly develop their skills. Then volunteers assist experienced trainers in one of our venues and gradually develop the necessary skills and confidence to teach. Finally, volunteers facilitate their own classes and also receive support to achieve certification through CNVC. To inquire about volunteering with OPP contact us using the button below.
Donate
The Oregon Prison Project is an Oregon Non-Profit seeking federal non-profit status. All donated funds are used to service our programs and train our volunteers. Your donations enable us to provide each inmate with text and workbooks, and to provide each of our venues with the most effective training materials. We are grateful for whatever you are inspired to give to our efforts.