Goodman Book Club
the problem:
I am trying to start a book club at Goodman Correctional Institue, a local women's prison in Columbia, SC. The book club will partner with and be sponsored by a book club that I have started within the College of Social work at the University of South Carolina. The South Carolina Dept. of Corrections and Goodman C.I. currently have no means of providing books or other materials for Goodman's inmates. Therefore, our book club would provide all of the books for the inmates,as well as any additional materials needed to support the club (such as paper, journals, etc.). The primary objective of ths project is to empower women in a local agency by giving female inmates the chance to voice their opinions and use their creativity through the medium of a student-operated book club.
vital stats:
people impacted:
300people involved:
40why it's important:
There has been a movement in correctional institutions since the 1990's to encourage creativity and discussion among inmates through book clubs, with the underlying objective of stimulating critical thinking, creativity, building communication skills, and providing people with an outlet that promotes positive thinking. Book clubs also serve to supplement other educational efforts within correctional institutes by providing an opportunity to read for recreational value and offering a chance to reflect upon the material in an open, supportive forum. I am currently a social work student at the University of South Carolina, and the primary focus of social work is to give a voice to those who have none- to empower marginalized, disenfranchised members of society. By starting this book club, I believe I am doing just that, while also combining my personal love for reading, writing, and providing others with the chance to share stories with one another.
the plan of action:
Within the past 1-2 months, I have started a book club within the University of SC's College of Social Work. This book club is meant to parallel the book club I wish to start at Goodman Correctional Institue by providing volunteers to lead discussion and fundraise for books and supplies. The parallel book club has met once to discuss a potential reading list and to plan the days and times that will be feasible for conducting the book club at Goodman CI. I have been in contact with the chaplain at Goodman Correctional Institue, who has approved the implementation of the book club. In order to begin the book club, we simply need books and supporting materials to supply to the inmates. An infrastructure that will deliver the books and conduct group discussion is already in place through the parallel book club. I have so far managed to have one set of books donated by a local church, but in order to ensure the future stability of the book club, start-up funds are required.
how you can get involved:
Donate money to purchase books and journals for Goodman's female inmates. Spread the word and promote the idea of book clubs for female (or male, or juvenile!) offenders in other communities.
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