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How to make prisons more humane

Dylan Matthews Byrd Pinkerton

October 17, 2018 |

Vox |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Bismarck, North Dakota

A North Dakota prison looks to Norway's prison model that focuses on prisoner rehabilitation rather than punishment. By giving offenders responsibility, private space, and access to the outside world, these prisons have found lower rates of recidivism and more success with rehabilitation.

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Rescuing Sea Turtles From Fishermen's Nets

Amy Yee

October 15, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Kenya, Watamu

In fishing communities, it isn't uncommon for fishermen to accidentally entrap endangered sea turtles. A non-profit in Kenya, however, has figured out a way to not only help raise awareness about the importance of releasing the turtles, but also to build trust with the fishermen and incentivize the releases.

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Unequal Discipline

Jessica Pupovac Kari Lydersen

October 14, 2018 |

Chicago Reporter |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Illinois

In 2017, Illinois passed a bill to re-establish the Women’s Correctional Services Division in response to the disproportionate level of discipline handed out to female inmates and in an effort to create more trauma-informed practices. An initial audit showed declines in discipline and there is now mandatory training for correctional officers on working with female inmates. But the main reform champion retired after the law passed and the state wouldn’t provide updated data on discipline.

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The Love Story that Upended the Texas Prison System

Ethan Watters

October 11, 2018 |

Texas Monthly |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Texas

An unlikely relationship between Frances Jalet, an attorney, and Fred Cruz, an inmate, led to some of the most historic rulings against the Texas Department of Corrections. Jalet became a plaintiff in one of the suits, and alongside two dozen other inmates, called the Eight Hoe squad, they drafted a lawsuit. Despite targeted attacks against Jalet and the inmates by prison leadership, they won in the courts. In 1980, a federal judge declared that the Texas Department of Corrections was operating unconstitutionally.

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How One Inuit Community Won Against Big Oil

Melody Schreiber

October 09, 2018 |

The New Republic |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Canada, Northwest Territories

Faced with the existential threat posed by an oil company in their community, the Gwich’in nation banded together with a former rival, Greenpeace, to take the company to court. By highlighting the failure of the company to consult the community and think through the effects of oil exploration on "lives and livelihoods," the Canadian Supreme Court forced the company to look for oil elsewhere.

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Durango, Bayfield Schools Start New Program to Prevent Suicide

Mary Shinn

October 05, 2018 |

Durango Herald |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Durango, Colorado

To address the wellbeing of students, schools must foster healthy relationships and trust. Schools in Durango, Colorado, have implemented Sources of Strength, a national program aimed at reducing the risk of suicide, bullying, substance abuse, and other issues in schools. The program works to create a positive school culture through youth mentorship training that emphasizes a student’s strengths, positivity, and builds connections to trusted adults.

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Philly Program Teaches Defendants How To Help Themselves

Annette John-Hall

October 05, 2018 |

WESA |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, the participatory defense program helps people learn how to present themselves in a criminal case in a way that gives a more complete picture of who they are. They write a biography, get letters of support and bring supporters to court in a system the chief public defender brought from Montgomery County and which originated in Silicon Valley. The program helps public defenders present their cases more effectively and judges may be more likely to impose less harsh sentences.

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Teaching to the student, not the test

Nick Chiles

October 04, 2018 |

The Hechinger Report |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Revere, Massachusetts

Although Massachusetts has been slow to join the personalized learning movement, when Revere High School, a predominantly immigrant and low income population, decided to adopt the approach, it quickly gained national attention. Teachers consult students on curriculum decisions and senior leadership frequently visit teachers classes to create a culture of accountability.

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Creating connections: Solutions to youth suicide in La Plata County

Mary Shinn

September 28, 2018 |

Durango Herald |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Colorado

Creating and strengthening relationships within a community is crucial in suicide prevention efforts. In Colorado, community and non-profit organizations have come together to address the problem of youth suicide. An approach that enrolls institutions such as schools, medical centers, and social spaces can increase youth access to healthy relationships as well as resources and mental health care support.

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Can a Bible college in this NC prison make a difference?

Shelbi Polk

September 27, 2018 |

The News & Observer |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Wake Forest, North Carolina

The Field Minister Program by the College at Southeastern Baptist Seminary offers inmates inside Nash Correctional the opportunity to study ministry and ultimately be used as a tool to reduce recidivism. Inmates with long terms lead the cultural change within the prisons by helping departing inmates find jobs, mentors and communities, running their own religious services, and becoming juvenile mentors, GED tutors, hospice care workers, chaplain support, and more. Studies done on similar programs show that Bible college reduces participant misconduct by 65-80%, and many inmates share stories of success.

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