How are we beneficiaries of inequity and exploitation? How are we victims of inequity and exploitation? In what ways can we address these problems? What can we do to improve conditions in our correctional institutions and to address the mental and social problems of those confined there?

Although there was a great deal more to this month’s query, our discussion focused mainly on the first parts, at least loosely.

We were concerned about our society’s tendency to put us in boxes, expecting us to meet rigid and often unspoken expectations.

For example, if we apply for any kind of assistance, we are made to feel inadequate; in fact, the very act of asking for help often necessitates acting needy.

Those whose lives tell them otherwise — for example if they have supportive families or schools — can often shake this off, but those whose cultures have reinforced feelings of inadequacy can have a hard time becoming self-reliant and healthy.

Imagining a culture that values each person’s unique gifts implies a more creative workplace culture than what is commonly experienced now.

However, these tough economic times may actually encourage workers and employers to look at skills that have been ignored up to now and find more imaginative ways to make a living.

Finding better alternatives for incarcerated people is clearly a lively concern in our group.

We learned about a prison entrepreneurship program, so far only in Texas, that given inmates tools for looking at their existing skills, including those that originally landed them in prison, and finding ways to use them in a productive and sociallyacceptable fashion.

Responding to a suggestion that all risoners of a certain age, regardless of sentence, be reconsidered for parole, we found a common concern for those who re released, especially after long entences, without very thorough preparation for life outside. This includes emotional coping skills as well as literacy and job preparation, especially as the illiteracy rate in prisons is very high.

The Alternatives to Violence Program has been very successful in helping motivated inmates experience new and constructive ways to cope with anger
and violence.

Anyone can benefit from experiences and exercises that acquaint them with other ways of living. For example, local teenagers recently took part in “Mix it up at Lunch” exercises and homelessness simulations.

Several of us took part in a wellplanned experience in being without sight, “Dialog in the Dark,” which heightened our awareness of other senses that we could be using.

The Heifer Project offers weekend simulations in world poverty, which ight be useful for our meeting.

— Karin McAdams