Backgrounds: The ALABAMA LIFERS GROUP
is a lawfully chartered not for profit corporation of concerned citizens who
are attesting to foster a sense of purpose and direction for long term
incarcerated prisoners. The Organization proposes to address a sense of
community, family, and structure to these prisoners, through the establishment
of programs, lectures and functions which would help foster the ideals of
self-improvement, community concern and preservation of the family unit.
Necessity of the Programs: Those who have been
the subject of long term incarceration, are not being addressed by programs
currently instituted by and through the Department of Corrections. These
prisoners are typically fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, and friends of
members of society at large. Their removal from society created a
destabilizing force within the families and cities they left, and by
extension, the prisms they now occupy.
Proposal: That a chapter of the ALABAMA
LIFERS GROUP be established at the St. Clair Correctional Facility. That
this chapter be allowed to conduct workshops, lectures, and programs according
to its purpose. The ALABAMA LIFERS GROUP would also require space far
its monthly membership meetings.
Operating Plan: The ALABAMA LIFERS GROUP
will subsist on its own funding, provided by the parent organization, which
will supplement that arranged through the chapter. The chapter will be
responsible for postage costs, stationary, and other materials as needed. The
materials for the workshops, lectures and course of study, will primarily be
donated through the LIONHEART FOUNDATION, of Boston, MA. All other
necessary material will be raised through the chapter.
Operating Costs: The cost to the Department of
Corrections will be minimal.. Outside of the incorporated costs of security
which is already established, there will be no requirements for added
security. In the event, any program would need security added, such as an
outside lecturer, these requirements should be made known, in advance.
Starting Costs: The costs of starting this
chapter have largely been provided through the exploratory committee, who has
maintained correspondence with the Directorship of the parent organization,
the Office of the Commissioner, and Governor Siegelman.
These costs have been, and will continue to be,
borne by the Chapter and its membership. In addition, there have been no costs
to the Department of Corrections, which should continue, as a method of
operation.
Analysis: This program will be beneficial to
the Department of Corrections in that it will be a positive outlet four those
having long term sentences and reduce the chances and opportunities for much
more destructive behavior.
The added benefits of a unifying force for positive change and outlook will
be passed on to the families and community in that the individuals responsible
for so much despair can now learn how to cope with the distance and trauma
that they have maintained relationships through.
As an example, many of the long term incarcerates are third, fourth, and
sometimes fifth generation incarcerates. They may now learn how to break the
cycle within their own family structure and Alabama communities.
JESSE MORRISSON
Chairman
