Alexandra’s Donation Project

Why:

I chose this project because I believe it is important to educate our youth; including the incarcerated. Adolescents should not have their education taken away from them as a consequence; education is a right not a privilege. I want to shed light on an issue that is often overlooked by many people. There is also a negative connotation associated with the incarcerated youth that needs to be addressed. An adolescent that made a mistake will have to face the consequences and take accountability however, they still deserve literature for emotional and educational development. Books for the incarcerated youth is about providing learning through literacy but also having an outlet to provide a sense of escape.

My Goal:

My goal for this blog is to spread awareness on this topic. I want people to think twice before judging the incarcerated youth and remember their right to literature is not something that can be taken away. For many incarcerated; reading a book is an escape of reality that can lead to self-revelations and a new start. The juvenile justice system only provides punishment not crucial tools to promote development among the youth.

My research:

Through my research; I was able to find some first-hand experiences from young people that were incarcerated and literature. After reading articles and blogs, reading while incarcerated is a way for teens and adults to escape and get lost in the literature. Teens can spend an entire day reading a whole book while only receiving three books a week. Where reading is one of the few things allowed; there is a shortage of books in correctional facilities. Books are also not just an escape, teens can learn lessons from both nonfiction and fictional books. Also, reading while incarcerated can become a hobby for life outside of the facility. As one practices reading and critical thinking, one becomes proficient that could lead to a future career. The non-profit organization I focused on is Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop, which helps incarcerated and formerly incarcerated teens and adults access the right tools to start a new chapter in life.

Donation:

I donated to Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop because I love that they are helping both incarcerated and formerly incarcerated teens and adults. Life after a correctional facility is not easy and I feel that it is often overlooked. I also love that this organization also focuses on writing not only reading. Proficiency in both reading and writing is important for teens and adults to learn to build a new life. This organization supports individuals that have been affected by generational poverty and institutional racism which I extremely appreciate. Generational poverty is a hard, unfair cycle to break which is a reality many people face.

Advice:

My advice to people that want to participate in this project is to do it because thi

s is a real issue. There are not enough books in correctional facilities for the incarcerated youth or adults. Reading provides hope, relief and a hobby for teens and adults.

Evidence: