In December 2019 at the ACTE conference, AWFS talked with multiple representatives from different Department of Correction (DOC) facilities throughout California. Did you know that most facilities have woodworking shops, and the incarcerated individuals are interested in woodworking jobs when they are released? Would you please consider guest speaking at a CA DOC facility? It is not a significant time commitment, however, they need to know and schedule it a few weeks in advance, and they will run a background check on you. These are for “low-level and non-violent offenders”. Do you have any customers who are willing to hire formerly incarcerated? Even if your company or customers are not able to hire formerly incarcerated individuals, they would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn about career opportunities in the wood industry. If interested, please contact Adria at adria@awfs.org to learn more.
Meanwhile, check out this recent 1A radio show discussion about the importance of education in the prison system and its impact on rehabilitation and recidivism.