The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with more than 68% of released people rearrested within three years, and 83% within nine (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2018). The research on recidivism proves that incarceration alone fails to offer meaningful rehabilitation for people who were incarcerated or create lasting changes for community safety. Our work at the Oregon Prison Project is different. Our work transforms lives, strengthens connections, and allows us to find solutions to systemic inequities together.

Since 2008 we have been an Oregon Department of Corrections–approved volunteer organization, led by a Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication. Before the pandemic, 30+ volunteers taught weekly in five Oregon prisons and served more than 200 participants a year. Today we are back in two of those prisons, and 75 adults in custody are on the waiting list for our class at Oregon State Penitentiary alone.

"Inmates with Nonviolent Communication training are more self-aware,

more emotionally mature, better able to articulate their change of heart and behavior,

and show more responsibility for owning up to their actions."

—Kristin Winges-Yanez, Chairperson of the Oregon Board of Parole

Our volunteer-driven program teaches Nonviolent Communication skills and empathy building in prisons and post-release programs across Oregon. We know that Nonviolent Communication and empathy building have remarkable outcomes for the program participants:

● Lower recidivism rates

● Increased parole approval rates

● Reintegration success for individuals previously sentenced to life without parole

Violence is a learned pattern that can be unlearned with support and skill development. Our programs break the intergenerational cycles of violence and incarceration through structured trainings that help participants

1. build empathy, which is critical for prosocial behavior like altruism and cooperation

2. develop conflict resolution skills to replace aggressive responses

3. take accountability while honoring their dignity

Research consistently shows that increasing empathy reduces aggressive behavior and violent crime while promoting prosocial choices.