Few groups have a more important story to tell than that of the often overlooked men and women who do one of America’s toughest jobs: corrections officers. In the current moment of uncertainty, the Neighborhood Project convened corrections officers to share their story.
Early in the pandemic, correctional officers and their unions demanded governors across the country act immediately to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect those living and working inside jails, prisons and detention facilities. One Voice United, with the support of national labor leaders and presidents of 16 state unions, sent a letter outlining critical policy recommendations that they unveiled in a media call on April 3, 2020.
“The dedicated and loyal employees of the Federal Bureau of Prisons have long prided themselves at accomplishing the missions given to them. They have been pushed beyond the breaking point and deserve much needed relief.”
– Shane Fausey, AFGE Council of Prison Locals president testifying before Senate committee
“Tennessee, like many other states, is experiencing a critical staffing crisis that threatens the very mission of corrections and puts both the staff and the incarcerated in harm’s way, along with the communities where these prisons are located.”
– Andy Potter, OVU Executive Director
View OVU’s testimony beginning at 43 mins
Changing the Dynamic follows the journey of the first-ever delegation of correctional staff union members and labor leaders as they head to Norway to learn more about its world-renowned correctional system — with the goal that these correctional professionals will be inspired to return committed to helping fellow staff change the culture and practice of corrections to make everyone safer and more secure. Is that possible given the difference in cultures, in diversity, in funding priorities and the public’s perception of corrections in the U.S and Norway?
Corrections officers and formerly incarcerated individuals—two groups often pitted against one another in an “us vs. them” dynamic—come together to address challenges within the prison system. Their journey demonstrates how shared purpose, curiosity, and relationship-building can help people find common ground and transform division into collaboration.
For far too long, the culture for those working in corrections has been… you just don’t talk about it. Until now. One Voice United assembled the first-ever Blue Ribbon Commission on correctional staff wellness. In front of a diverse and distinguished group of Commissioners, officers and staff shed light on a crisis that has largely gone unnoticed outside the four walls. The secret is out. The silence is broken. It’s time to act… together.
