Promote Prison Literacy and Education Programs
Target:
Jon Corzine, Governor, State of New Jersey
Sponsored by:
Ignorance is not a crime control strategy.
The best way to prevent a return to crime is to provide prisoners, both men and women, with skills that will help them find work and function as responsible citizens upon release. The vast majority of the men and women imprisoned in New Jersey are high school dropouts from poor urban neighborhoods with failing school systems. Many are functionally illiterate. Yet, even though educating prisoners is cost-effective, New Jersey has no system-wide literacy or ESL program for its prisoners, and it devotes only a tiny fraction of a growing correctional budget to education. Sign this letter to Governor Corzine urging him to increase funding for prison-based education, ensure that all prisoners receive an opportunity for literacy instruction, support college-in-prison programs, and taking other measures to make educational opportunities widely available to prisoners.
Ignorance is not a crime control strategy.
The best way to prevent a return to crime is to provide prisoners, both men and women, with skills that will help them find work and function as responsible citizens upon release. The vast majority of the men and women imprisoned in New Jersey are high school dropouts from poor urban neighborhoods with failing school systems. Many are functionally illiterate. Yet, even though educating prisoners is cost-effective, New Jersey has no system-wide literacy or ESL program for its prisoners, and it devotes only a tiny fraction of a growing correctional budget to education. Sign this letter to Governor Corzine urging him to increase funding for prison-based education, ensure that all prisoners receive an opportunity for literacy instruction, support college-in-prison programs, and taking other measures to make educational opportunities widely available to prisoners.
Dear Governor Corzine,
One of the best ways to provide a new direction for prisoners and to reduce recidivism is to provide education and job training. The vast majority of the men and women imprisoned in New Jersey are high school dropouts from poor urban neighborhoods with failing school systems. Many are functionally illiterate. Yet, New Jersey has no system-wide literacy or ESL program for its prisoners, and it devotes only a tiny fraction of a growing correctional budget to education.
Ignorance is not an effective crime control strategy.
We, the undersigned, urge you to endorse the principle that quality public education should include prison-based education.
To implement this principle, we urge you to:
l. Increase funding for prisoner education.
2. Ensure that all prisoners receive validated literacy testing
and an opportunity for literacy instruction.
3. Encourage and expand prisoner-managed literacy programs.
4. Encourage Congress to restore Pell grants for men and women in
prison and and support other college-in-prison programs.
5. Adopt policies to encourage volunteer education and tutoring projects in prisons, donation of books for prison libraries, and prisoner use of libraries.
6. Develop good time credit or other plans to encourage prisoners to
participate in literacy and education programs.
Prisoners, their families, the communities to which they will return, and all of us will benefit if education is made a priority inside prison walls. We thank you for your attention to our concerns.
One of the best ways to provide a new direction for prisoners and to reduce recidivism is to provide education and job training. The vast majority of the men and women imprisoned in New Jersey are high school dropouts from poor urban neighborhoods with failing school systems. Many are functionally illiterate. Yet, New Jersey has no system-wide literacy or ESL program for its prisoners, and it devotes only a tiny fraction of a growing correctional budget to education.
Ignorance is not an effective crime control strategy.
We, the undersigned, urge you to endorse the principle that quality public education should include prison-based education.
To implement this principle, we urge you to:
l. Increase funding for prisoner education.
2. Ensure that all prisoners receive validated literacy testing
and an opportunity for literacy instruction.
3. Encourage and expand prisoner-managed literacy programs.
4. Encourage Congress to restore Pell grants for men and women in
prison and and support other college-in-prison programs.
5. Adopt policies to encourage volunteer education and tutoring projects in prisons, donation of books for prison libraries, and prisoner use of libraries.
6. Develop good time credit or other plans to encourage prisoners to
participate in literacy and education programs.
Prisoners, their families, the communities to which they will return, and all of us will benefit if education is made a priority inside prison walls. We thank you for your attention to our concerns.
We signed the "Promote Prison Literacy and Education Programs" petition!
# 65:
5:23 am PDT, Mar 25,
Kym Gilchrist, New Jersey
Honorable Gov. Corzine, I applaud you for the great job you have been doing on behalf of the citizens of New Jersey. I believe that we must not only warehouse inmates we must give them tools so that they do not return to the various communities better criminals, but better educated. Although that urban schools may have failed them, for whatever reason, giving them the opportunity for literacy instruction filters into the communities via job opportunities as well providing an educational foundation for their children. When you know better you do better, the alternative to not funding this program will have dire consequences for the citizens of New Jersey. Thank you
Honorable Gov. Corzine, I applaud you for the great job you have been doing on behalf of the citizens of New Jersey. I believe that we must not only warehouse inmates we must give them tools so that they do not return to the various communities better criminals, but better educated. Although that urban schools may have failed them, for whatever reason, giving them the opportunity for literacy instruction filters into the communities via job opportunities as well providing an educational foundation for their children. When you know better you do better, the alternative to not funding this program will have dire consequences for the citizens of New Jersey. Thank you
# 64:
8:14 am PDT, Mar 20,
Jean Blount, New York
We in The United States are doing a poor job in regards to who goes to prison. The now mental health institutions, drug rehabilation programs are prisons. Let's change that and get to the real help people need. Reinvest for all in our drug rehabilation programs, schools, mental health services.
We in The United States are doing a poor job in regards to who goes to prison. The now mental health institutions, drug rehabilation programs are prisons. Let's change that and get to the real help people need. Reinvest for all in our drug rehabilation programs, schools, mental health services.
# 63:
11:45 am PDT, Mar 9,
Debbie Butz, Illinois
# 62:
1:03 pm PST, Mar 4,
Rowena Gross, New Jersey
It seems to be me right now that criminals often come out of prison even less prepared to live a life above the law then when they went in. Even if you have no concern for the indiviuduals trying to improve themselves, and only care about money; ig is so clearly money well spent to enable people to have a better chance to find a job and be less of a strain on local and state economy.
It seems to be me right now that criminals often come out of prison even less prepared to live a life above the law then when they went in. Even if you have no concern for the indiviuduals trying to improve themselves, and only care about money; ig is so clearly money well spent to enable people to have a better chance to find a job and be less of a strain on local and state economy.
# 61:
12:41 pm PST, Feb 22,
Hamed Shabyek, Egypt
# 60:
4:38 am PST, Feb 18,
Terry L. west, West Virginia
# 59:
4:49 am PST, Feb 15,
Ana Marina Santos, Portugal
# 58:
9:51 am PST, Feb 10,
Kathleen Brewster, Pennsylvania
I am an educator who is interested in making a difference in this world through organizations such as this one. I would like to volunteer to teach people in prisons how to read and write.
I am an educator who is interested in making a difference in this world through organizations such as this one. I would like to volunteer to teach people in prisons how to read and write.
# 57:
7:25 am PST, Feb 8,
Ginger Geronimo, Alabama
# 56:
6:36 pm PST, Jan 29,
Name not displayed, Texas
The only way to help those criminals to become well rehabilated into our society after they are released from prison is by giving them hope. Providing education that is cost effective and productive will allow them to pursue better lives, and NOT FALL INTO their old dangerous ways of being convicts. Please help them become a better them.
The only way to help those criminals to become well rehabilated into our society after they are released from prison is by giving them hope. Providing education that is cost effective and productive will allow them to pursue better lives, and NOT FALL INTO their old dangerous ways of being convicts. Please help them become a better them.
# 55:
6:16 pm PST, Jan 24,
I.b. Acrakhoe, California
Yo...whattup....yo.....ise wants mah blak asses babies daddies blak asses gettin out o jail wif abilitys to reads....yo...dudes goan git dey blak asses out o jail and whup my blak ass wif dey luv munkees...yo...gots to go to baffroom....yo
Yo...whattup....yo.....ise wants mah blak asses babies daddies blak asses gettin out o jail wif abilitys to reads....yo...dudes goan git dey blak asses out o jail and whup my blak ass wif dey luv munkees...yo...gots to go to baffroom....yo
# 54:
4:01 pm PST, Jan 23,
Grethel Rickman, North Carolina
Other factors to consider are learning disabilities and mental retardation. Part of the education plan needs to take into consideration these two factors and provide the properly trained teachers to help.
Other factors to consider are learning disabilities and mental retardation. Part of the education plan needs to take into consideration these two factors and provide the properly trained teachers to help.
# 53:
|
3:02 am PST, Jan 23,
Victoria Mary Stong / Civil Rights Activist, New York
This is truly a critical issue and petition that needs to be honored. We need to give the inmates all the education we possibly can so they can turn their lives around and HELP people instead! Anyway, many inmates have false charges tacked on to their rap sheet due to racism. This will help them to help themselves from injustices in prison. |
# 52:
2:42 pm PST, Jan 22,
Name not displayed, New Hampshire
# 51:
9:01 am PST, Jan 16,
Jennifer Miller, Georgia
I believe that any person, guilty of a crime or not, has a right to an education.
I believe that any person, guilty of a crime or not, has a right to an education.
# 50:
1:55 am PST, Jan 16,
Carla Licon, Texas
# 49:
10:50 am PST, Jan 14,
Patricia Bernabe, New Jersey
Education is the key to helping adults in prison to succeed in their life, whether in prison and/or upon their release.
Education is the key to helping adults in prison to succeed in their life, whether in prison and/or upon their release.
# 48:
5:34 am PST, Jan 13,
Anthony Miller, New Jersey
We all know the importance and relevance of basic literacy. How can we attempt to stress rehabilitation to an inmate to become a productive citizen if we strip them of such a critical program?
We all know the importance and relevance of basic literacy. How can we attempt to stress rehabilitation to an inmate to become a productive citizen if we strip them of such a critical program?
# 47:
10:11 am PST, Jan 11,
Michelle Corona, Florida
I believe you should let everyone get an education.
I believe you should let everyone get an education.
# 46:
10:21 pm PST, Jan 3,
Judith Weiss, New Jersey
Having taught decision making in NJ prisons, I know how important it is to provide programs. It is absolutely essential to provide literacy, GED and college programs. And it makes financial sense. If people leave prisons with no skills, they will be back.
Having taught decision making in NJ prisons, I know how important it is to provide programs. It is absolutely essential to provide literacy, GED and college programs. And it makes financial sense. If people leave prisons with no skills, they will be back.
# 45:
1:35 pm PST, Jan 1,
Charlotte Whalen, New Jersey
# 44:
10:00 am PST, Jan 1,
Linda Hughes, Florida
Any state that prides them self as a punishment state is a backwards and out of date. Rehabilitation is the only way! We end up with so many going back because they can not find a job or can not pay the restitution when they get out plus they must go through all kinds of court ordered treatments which comes out of the just released pocket.Now how are they to afford all this Tell me! This Petition should be for all states and more training to be a rounded and functional.
Any state that prides them self as a punishment state is a backwards and out of date. Rehabilitation is the only way! We end up with so many going back because they can not find a job or can not pay the restitution when they get out plus they must go through all kinds of court ordered treatments which comes out of the just released pocket.Now how are they to afford all this Tell me! This Petition should be for all states and more training to be a rounded and functional.
# 43:
10:15 pm PST, Dec 29,
Laura Morehead, Pennsylvania
Give these men and women something constructive to do with their time instead of just laying around all day. It will strengthen them and the society as a whole.
Give these men and women something constructive to do with their time instead of just laying around all day. It will strengthen them and the society as a whole.
# 42:
10:11 am PST, Dec 26,
Janice Copeland, New Jersey
I believe so many of our young people would begin to feel there is hope for them once they are released into society. If they are able to read and spell with confidence in themselves. They won't think they can't but rather they can. We all want to be viewed as smart, even if the rest of the world doesn't think we are.
I believe so many of our young people would begin to feel there is hope for them once they are released into society. If they are able to read and spell with confidence in themselves. They won't think they can't but rather they can. We all want to be viewed as smart, even if the rest of the world doesn't think we are.
# 41:
6:51 am PST, Dec 24,
Tara Wilson, Michigan
# 40:
7:57 pm PST, Dec 22,
Deborah Cicogni, California
# 39:
5:30 pm PST, Dec 22,
Madeline Zwiebel, New Jersey
I feel that so many people are incarcerated multiple times is directly resultant from the low literacy rate of those incarcerated. If literacy rates improved, less money would have to be spend in inmates, and there would be fewer of them.
I feel that so many people are incarcerated multiple times is directly resultant from the low literacy rate of those incarcerated. If literacy rates improved, less money would have to be spend in inmates, and there would be fewer of them.
# 38:
12:54 am PST, Dec 20,
Simos Tarabatzis, Greece
# 37:
11:58 am PST, Dec 19,
Patrick McCarty, New Jersey
I am a social scientist, have worked with poor and illerate people and see a real need to improve the lives of people less fortunate.
I am a social scientist, have worked with poor and illerate people and see a real need to improve the lives of people less fortunate.
# 36:
2:48 am PST, Dec 19,
Steve Klein, Canada
# 35:
7:04 pm PST, Dec 18,
Name not displayed, New York
Prevention is better than cure and if reading can help re-integration into the community it is the best kind of re-offending prevention
Prevention is better than cure and if reading can help re-integration into the community it is the best kind of re-offending prevention
# 34:
|
2:38 pm PST, Dec 18,
Margaret DeBellotte-Torres, South Carolina
We have to give people a chance if they want to have one but without the tools to be productive many people are forced to crime for survival. |
# 33:
5:42 am PST, Dec 18,
Heather Pensack, New Jersey
Education is empowering.
Education is empowering.
# 32:
5:57 pm PST, Dec 16,
Name not displayed, New Jersey
i feel same as some of the others below.I feel if they were more educated,they will feel more confident and have more pride.Thus maybe they can get better jobs and do more more with there life.My only regret is if they are educated more and smarter,with the other side of reality.Most jobs look at prison as negative,so if they are smart as doctors what job can they get if most times their application is skipped over because they were in prison.Yhink about it,I hope the program gets a chance and does well. thanks!!!!
i feel same as some of the others below.I feel if they were more educated,they will feel more confident and have more pride.Thus maybe they can get better jobs and do more more with there life.My only regret is if they are educated more and smarter,with the other side of reality.Most jobs look at prison as negative,so if they are smart as doctors what job can they get if most times their application is skipped over because they were in prison.Yhink about it,I hope the program gets a chance and does well. thanks!!!!
# 31:
8:31 am PST, Dec 14,
Name not displayed, New Jersey
THE PROGRAM TO AN EXTENT IS A PLUS.... BUT ALL WE ARE DOING IS EDUCATING THEM TO BE BETTER CRIMINALS.... A PERSON IN CUSTODY ONCE SAID ABOUT A HOUSE HE ROBBED..." AT LEAST THEM CLASSES WORKED.. THE SIGN ON THE LAWN SAID PROTECTED BY ADT.... I WENT TO THE NEXT HOUSE ...AND STILL GOT CAUGHT...! DAMN!" THEY GET LOCKED UP AND COME OUT AND BECOME BETTER CRIMINALS... THEY HIDE BEHIND A 9 TO 5 AND ONCE WORKS OVER THERE PLOTTING SCORES.... BE WEARY OF WHAT YOU ATTEMPTING TO PROMOTE...
THE PROGRAM TO AN EXTENT IS A PLUS.... BUT ALL WE ARE DOING IS EDUCATING THEM TO BE BETTER CRIMINALS.... A PERSON IN CUSTODY ONCE SAID ABOUT A HOUSE HE ROBBED..." AT LEAST THEM CLASSES WORKED.. THE SIGN ON THE LAWN SAID PROTECTED BY ADT.... I WENT TO THE NEXT HOUSE ...AND STILL GOT CAUGHT...! DAMN!" THEY GET LOCKED UP AND COME OUT AND BECOME BETTER CRIMINALS... THEY HIDE BEHIND A 9 TO 5 AND ONCE WORKS OVER THERE PLOTTING SCORES.... BE WEARY OF WHAT YOU ATTEMPTING TO PROMOTE...
# 30:
10:42 am PST, Dec 13,
Keisha Spradley, New Jersey
# 29:
12:22 pm PST, Dec 12,
Chris Coccaro, New Jersey
# 28:
8:26 am PST, Dec 10,
Catherine Smalley, United Kingdom
# 27:
6:18 am PST, Dec 10,
Michael Rabasco, Minnesota
# 26:
9:47 am PST, Dec 9,
Kevin Warncke, New Jersey
I've seen the facts about women in prision on the NJ train.
I've seen the facts about women in prision on the NJ train.
# 25:
8:18 am PST, Dec 8,
Name not displayed, Oklahoma
The US has the largest prison population in the world. Most are minorities and poor. Education and job opportunities would benefit all of society. Let's concentrate on the restoration prong of justice.
The US has the largest prison population in the world. Most are minorities and poor. Education and job opportunities would benefit all of society. Let's concentrate on the restoration prong of justice.
# 24:
8:00 am PST, Dec 7,
Name not displayed, New Jersey
As a former educator, I know the importance of education in the building of marketable skills and self esteem.
As a former educator, I know the importance of education in the building of marketable skills and self esteem.
# 23:
5:22 am PST, Dec 7,
Diane Scinto, New Jersey
As an educator for over 25 years, I know exactly how a literate society can enhance a stronger society.Many years ago, I was involved in a literacy program in a local prison; I knew then that the key to success for them was through a strong read/writing program; my views have not changed. The ability to learn how to read and write is the most valuable skill for any human being.
As an educator for over 25 years, I know exactly how a literate society can enhance a stronger society.Many years ago, I was involved in a literacy program in a local prison; I knew then that the key to success for them was through a strong read/writing program; my views have not changed. The ability to learn how to read and write is the most valuable skill for any human being.
# 22:
5:41 pm PST, Dec 6,
Judith A. Miller, New Jersey
It is to the advantage of our entire society to educate those in prisons. We need to do all that we can to help people become productive members of society.
It is to the advantage of our entire society to educate those in prisons. We need to do all that we can to help people become productive members of society.
# 21:
12:55 am PST, Dec 4,
Name not displayed, New Jersey
Over the years I have been involved in various literacy projects. With this background I know how illiteracy handicaps a person and the need for significant resources if a literacy program is to be successful. And for the prison population, illiteracy just makes recidivism inevitable. I strongly support increased, significant funding for a prison literacy program.
Over the years I have been involved in various literacy projects. With this background I know how illiteracy handicaps a person and the need for significant resources if a literacy program is to be successful. And for the prison population, illiteracy just makes recidivism inevitable. I strongly support increased, significant funding for a prison literacy program.
# 20:
1:55 pm PST, Dec 3,
Name not displayed, New Jersey
I beleave if the prisoneers have no proper teaching on outside world where would they end up at right back in jail prison grows more then any other bussiness in this time
I beleave if the prisoneers have no proper teaching on outside world where would they end up at right back in jail prison grows more then any other bussiness in this time
# 19:
5:15 am PST, Dec 2,
Name not displayed, New York
There needs to be not only an education teaching the ABCs but also teaching how to live outside the prison system and the opportunity to have continued education and resources.
There needs to be not only an education teaching the ABCs but also teaching how to live outside the prison system and the opportunity to have continued education and resources.
# 18:
12:25 pm PST, Nov 30,
Kembly Cerdas, New Jersey
Helping prisoners now can only bring our nation a more caring and safer nation.
Helping prisoners now can only bring our nation a more caring and safer nation.
# 17:
3:10 am PST, Nov 30,
Tashonda Ferguson, New Jersey
Not only is it imperative to teach prisoners to read, it is necessary that they are offered some type of continuing education to prepare for the day of release into society. Degree programs are needed as some people in the system just simply made a bad choice and needs a second chance at life. Trade programs that are actually tangible to make a living and not just to pass time. Entreprenuership programs that provide opportunities for those with a vision. Hope for a future, not only for the inmate, but for society as a whole.
Not only is it imperative to teach prisoners to read, it is necessary that they are offered some type of continuing education to prepare for the day of release into society. Degree programs are needed as some people in the system just simply made a bad choice and needs a second chance at life. Trade programs that are actually tangible to make a living and not just to pass time. Entreprenuership programs that provide opportunities for those with a vision. Hope for a future, not only for the inmate, but for society as a whole.
# 16:
4:55 pm PST, Nov 28,
Austin Gelzer, New Jersey
Prisoners must be helped to learn to read. It is a moral obligation of the government to provide the funding needed to help every prisoner become a functioning citizen in our communities
Prisoners must be helped to learn to read. It is a moral obligation of the government to provide the funding needed to help every prisoner become a functioning citizen in our communities
# 15:
9:43 am PST, Nov 28,
Name not displayed, New Jersey
Education is the best tool we can use to help the successful reintegration of people coming back from prison.
Education is the best tool we can use to help the successful reintegration of people coming back from prison.
# 14:
8:33 am PST, Nov 28,
PENNY OSBORNE, New Jersey
I AM A VOLUNTEER AT UNION COUNTY PRISON FOR THE WOMEN, MY CHURCH HAS A PROGRAM THERE, THE WOMEN THERE DO NOT HAVE A LIBRARY
I AM A VOLUNTEER AT UNION COUNTY PRISON FOR THE WOMEN, MY CHURCH HAS A PROGRAM THERE, THE WOMEN THERE DO NOT HAVE A LIBRARY
# 13:
7:01 pm PST, Nov 27,
John Kuentzel, New Jersey
# 12:
12:02 pm PST, Nov 27,
Lourdes Torres, New Jersey
I truly believe the only way we can ensure that a prisoner whether male or female has a chance to reincorporate themselves into society is through education. Without these resources we are reinforcing the likely hood for them to fail and become repeat offenders. If we want to create a more positive and productive world we have to take responsibility for all of God's children equally. Inmates pay their debt to society, it about time society pays their debt to rehabilitate all inmates. Empower them!! Don't limit them.
I truly believe the only way we can ensure that a prisoner whether male or female has a chance to reincorporate themselves into society is through education. Without these resources we are reinforcing the likely hood for them to fail and become repeat offenders. If we want to create a more positive and productive world we have to take responsibility for all of God's children equally. Inmates pay their debt to society, it about time society pays their debt to rehabilitate all inmates. Empower them!! Don't limit them.
# 11:
11:48 am PST, Nov 27,
Name not displayed, New York
I feel that it's important for prisoners to be educated so that they can truly be rehabilitated and be productive upon their release.
I feel that it's important for prisoners to be educated so that they can truly be rehabilitated and be productive upon their release.
# 10:
2:57 pm PST, Nov 26,
Janet Gurvitch, New Jersey
I believe that education is the most powerful way to rehabilitate prisoners and make them productive citizens.
I believe that education is the most powerful way to rehabilitate prisoners and make them productive citizens.
# 9:
8:27 am PST, Nov 22,
Lori Merriam, New Jersey
# 8:
7:59 pm PST, Nov 15,
Priti Patel, New Jersey
If you educate incarcerated people, when they come out they will be capable of becoming viable citizens. It is just a cost effective thing to do for the state.
If you educate incarcerated people, when they come out they will be capable of becoming viable citizens. It is just a cost effective thing to do for the state.
# 7:
7:46 am PST, Nov 14,
Seth Manjos, New Jersey
this is common sense.
this is common sense.
# 6:
11:14 am PST, Nov 12,
Maureen Carman, New Jersey
As an educator, it is important to me to teach others.
As an educator, it is important to me to teach others.
# 5:
8:00 am PST, Nov 7,
Kelly Smith, New Jersey
# 4:
12:25 pm PST, Nov 5,
Laura Robertson, New Jersey
The only way to combat inequality in our society, which leads to violence and crime, is to educate. I am a huge supporter of further funding for prison education, including specialized vocational education.
The only way to combat inequality in our society, which leads to violence and crime, is to educate. I am a huge supporter of further funding for prison education, including specialized vocational education.
# 3:
9:02 pm PDT, Oct 31,
Elaine Phillips, New Jersey
More young people are coming into the prison with less than a High School education and illiterate in reading and writing skills. They have a right to learn and become more than what they were before incareration.
More young people are coming into the prison with less than a High School education and illiterate in reading and writing skills. They have a right to learn and become more than what they were before incareration.
# 2:
11:34 am PDT, Oct 31,
Marcia Van Dyck, New Jersey
This is critical problem that can be solved by MORE education in the prisons while we have a captive student body!!!!
This is critical problem that can be solved by MORE education in the prisons while we have a captive student body!!!!
# 1:
7:26 am PDT, Oct 31,
Lois Young, New Jersey
Education will reduce recidivism, it is the human thing to do, it can support families, less expensive with positive results.
Education will reduce recidivism, it is the human thing to do, it can support families, less expensive with positive results.
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