OWNING THE STORE

I often think of sex abuse and prison as a complex system.  When I was paroled back in 2000 one friend commented that I was being set up to fail.  I believe there was some truth to that but I beat the system and am now a licensed Social Worker in a position to help others.

Each of us needs to look deep within ourselves to see whether anything we do contributes to the problem.  This includes how we deal with the angry political situation in this election season. 

It also means holding people in positions of power accountable for what they advocate and being clear when we believe behavior is unacceptable.  I am learning often of how much courage this can require but it is worth the struggle.

Jim Prager

0 Comments

Recent Posts

GOOD IDEAS GONE BAD

In the United States, laws are made to address a perceived problem.  Megan's law was introduced when a convicted sex offender murdered a young girl and the parents argued they should have known about this man.   Adam Walsh was murdered by someone who was not on a...

OWN IT

This is the 24th post I have made on Prison CONversation.  There is one new development you will see on this post.  It is my name.  A friend pointed out that I never sign my posts.  There remains a part of me that wishes to remain invisible.  Prison CONversation needs...

COMMUNICATION

It is important to work together as a community.  Those of us who have been in prison or may end up there need to create pathways to promote safety and pro-social behavior.  When someone is sentenced to prison it often feels like the end of the world.  There is a...

CHANGE IS ON THE WAY

This past Sunday, I applied for a Social Work job.  I have an interview tomorrow at 1:30.  If I get hired, what will become of Prison CONversation or the many other projects I am involved with? I don't have an answer but change presents opportunities to evaluate what...

OWNING THE STORE

Jim Prager

About the Author

I was incarcerated in Michigan from 1991 until 2000. Upon my release, I applied for and, in 2011, was granted a restricted Social Work license in Ohio. In addition, I have 16 years of re-entry experience working with offenders at Citizens Circles, 12-step meetings, and in houses of worship.

Let's Talk

How did you hear about me?

Consent to Contact You

7 + 15 =