A Call for Change
Prison reform matters because the current system doesn’t seek justice—it perpetuates harm.
In a country where incarceration rates are higher than any other, our prison system fails to rehabilitate, heal, or restore. Instead, it punishes and stigmatizes individuals, often for crimes committed under the weight of trauma, systemic inequities, and societal neglect. Reform is not just about creating a more humane system; it’s about reclaiming our shared humanity, ensuring second chances, and addressing the root causes of crime rather than simply focusing on punishment.
The stories of those behind bars—stories like my own and the many I’ve witnessed—reveal the profound truth that justice isn’t served by locking people away; it’s served when we provide opportunities for growth, healing, and reintegration. We must change the system because every life matters, and every person has the potential to heal, grow, and contribute to society in ways we can’t yet imagine. This is a fight for redemption, for second chances, and for a future where no one is defined by their worst mistake.
Prison reform matters because it is the foundation for a more compassionate, just society—one where healing is prioritized over harm, and where everyone has the opportunity to rewrite their story.

Prison reform matters because the system is broken, and I know firsthand just how broken it is.
I’ve seen it with my own eyes—the inhumanity of a system that doesn’t offer healing or redemption, but rather punishes and confines, often beyond what any crime deserves. I’ve lived through the torment of having someone I loved executed—my dear friend Lisa, who was sentenced to death despite the overwhelming evidence of her brokenness. Watching her life stripped away by the state, even though she was a victim of lifelong trauma, still haunts me. It wasn’t justice; it was a brutal, final act that solved nothing.
I also know the crushing effects of a lack of care. When I broke my leg in prison, it took 10 days to get an X-ray. Imagine the pain and fear of knowing something is wrong with your body, but being forced to wait in agony because your health doesn’t matter. That was my reality—my physical and mental health were disregarded, and that’s something too many incarcerated people face every day.
Starting over after my release was supposed to be a fresh start, but the truth is, I was sentenced to a lifetime of struggle. With a felony conviction, nobody wanted to hire me, not even for the lowest-paying jobs, despite having a college degree and experience in mid-level corporate management. The system doesn’t allow for success. It traps people, keeping them in a cycle of poverty and desperation.
I’ll never forget the agony of visiting my mother behind glass, unable to reach out to her, unable to hold her, comfort her, or feel her touch. Instead, we were separated by a cold, hard barrier, just like the barriers that exist between incarcerated people and their humanity. You’re told when to eat, when to sleep, and when to shower. You lose all autonomy—even over the most basic aspects of your life.
There’s no physical activity, no room to breathe, and no chance to move or stretch your body. I gained 40 pounds in prison because there’s nothing to do but sit, isolated and stagnant. The overcrowding in the prison pods makes things worse. The constant noise, the tension, the feeling of being packed like animals in a cage—it all contributes to a powder keg of frustration and anguish. And yet, nothing changes. The system doesn’t care.
The powerlessness in prison is suffocating. You are at the mercy of a system that treats you like you’re less than human, when in reality, the people behind those walls are just like you—people who made mistakes, people who have suffered, people who deserve the chance to heal and grow. We cannot fix a broken system by continuing to perpetuate harm.
That’s why prison reform matters. It’s not just about improving conditions for people inside; it’s about humanity, compassion, and recognizing that everyone deserves the chance to change, to heal, to live with dignity. We need a system that offers second chances—not one that locks people away without regard for their future. The journey to justice is long, but it starts with acknowledging that we’re all worthy of redemption.
📌 Example:
“The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, yet our justice system is failing those who need rehabilitation the most. I’ve seen firsthand how prison doesn’t just punish—it crushes potential. But change is possible, and it starts with awareness, advocacy, and action.”
Key Issues in the Prison System
🔹 Felony Murder Reform – The injustice of sentencing people to life for crimes they didn’t commit.
🔹 Rehabilitation vs. Punishment – Why prisons should focus on reform, not just retribution.
🔹 Women in Prison – The unique struggles of incarcerated women involve children and parenting. When a mother is behind bars, her children are incarcerated also.
🔹 Second Chances & Reentry – The barriers to life after prison and how we can do better.
🔹 Eliminating the Death Penalty – It perpetuates cycles of violence and is irreversible. Innocent people have been executed.
How You Can Help
✔ Educate Yourself & Others – Read, share, and talk about prison reform.
✔ Support Organizations – Donate or volunteer with reform-focused groups.
✔ Advocate for Policy Change – Contact lawmakers, sign petitions, and push for legislative reform.
💡 Join the Movement: Link to organizations, petitions, or ways people can get involved.
My Work in Prison Reform
- Your experience with prison programs, advocacy work, speaking, or writing.
- Links to relevant blog posts, podcast episodes, or interviews you’ve done on this topic.
- Any initiatives you’re leading or supporting.
📖 “Through my work, I aim to shine a light on the injustices within our prison system and advocate for meaningful change. Whether through storytelling, education, or policy reform, we each have a role to play in shaping a more just future.”
Stay Connected & Take Action
- Invite people to join your newsletter, follow your advocacy work, or attend events.
- Provide social media links for updates.
📩 “Want to stay informed about prison reform and how you can help? Join my newsletter for updates, stories, and ways to take action.”