The way prisoners do time in the United States isn’t working. In fact, it could be making crime worse.

Global prison population: 0%
US prison population
Global population: 0%
US population

0%

$120.000.000

67%

33%

Around the country people are asking: Is there a better way?

These stories explore powerful solutions, and show what prison could be — a place of transformation from the inside out.

Photo by Carlos Chavarria

Stories

Introduction

What's Going On In US Prisons

A Pledge to Give Back

Guiding Rage Into Power

Using community as a container for transformation, the Guiding Rage into Power Program leads prisoners through their pain toward a sense of belonging and commitment to service.

Taking off the Mask

Rehabilitation Through The Arts

Writing, dance, and theatrical performance become opportunities for self-discovery, social skill building and ultimately rehabilitation through RTA’s innovative inmate programming.

Foundations of Change

Life Skills for At-Risk Youth

The Mind Body Awareness Project brings mindfulness practices to vulnerable youth, helping them develop the empathy, self-awareness, and self-regulation needed for healthy adulthood.

The Art of Trust

Creativity and Healing in Women's Prison

ArtSpring’s creative arts programming uses emotional awareness to transform women’s patterns of isolation and victimization into personal power and community leadership.

Path of Freedom

Prison Mindfulness and Meditation

Bringing social-emotional learning techniques to inmates and prison administrators alike, the Prison Mindfulness Institute helps break both individual and systemic cycles of incarceration.

Breaking New Ground

Gardening on the Inside

Through the basics of tending gardens, the Insight Garden Program teaches inmates to care for themselves within life’s interdependent systems while training them for future work.

Circle of Strength

Restoring Relationship Through Empathy

Authentic communication is the context for empowerment with the Center for Council Program, which uses the profound experience of sharing stories and being heard to support rehabilitation.