Kenneth Butler

Kenny (he/him) holds a BA in Organizational Studies from Pitzer College and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Cal Poly Pomona. He’s deeply engaged in social justice work as a coach/dialogue partner for the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program and a volunteer facilitator for the Prison Education Project. Additionally, he mentors participants in the Reintegration Academy program. Kenny’s passion lies in following the footsteps of his mentors to advance social justice. Recently, he undertook a Fulbright fellowship in Uganda to research the country’s recidivism rate.

Report

The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program: The Impact OF and ON Formerly Incarcerated Men and Women Involved in Inside-Out Trainings and Workshops

Since the pandemic, Inside-Out has included dozens of formerly incarcerated Inside-Out alumni in instructor trainings and community workshops. These men and women are referred to as “coaches” in the trainings and “dialogue partners” in the workshops. The goals of this project include: 1) to more fully understand the impact of the coaches / dialogue partners on the training and workshop participants, 2) to more fully examine what these activities mean in the lives of the coaches / dialogue partners, 3) to explore how Inside-Out can expand these and further activities for other men and women who are formerly incarcerated.

The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program® is an innovative educational experience that bridges the gap between campus-based students and incarcerated individuals. Held inside prisons, this semester-long course encourages dialogue across difference, challenging stereotypes and promoting diversity. By fostering deep listening and understanding, Inside-Out inspires participants to create more inclusive spaces in the world.