By founder Harry "Musa" Olsen

History: The concept or seed of PHOENIX—planted in 1986 by the innate desire for freedom — germinated during my incarceration at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP). Two people arose to make possible that growth: an African-American fellow prisoner, N’jee; and a Native American volunteer, Rod McAffee. My desire continued to burn over the next several years. I had been down and gotten out five or six times before I paroled for the last time in 1991. For me, the culture shock was overwhelming, and not until 1993 did I achieve the balance to forge community ties strong enough to allow my wish to unfold. Then, in 1995, from within OSP another friend and brother stepped forth to share in the effort: David (Hafiz) Taylor. In 2001, PHOENIX RISING Transitions initiated its first class at the Columbia River Correctional Institution (CRCI). Now, through the work of thirty volunteers from a dozen faith- and community-based organizations, PRT touches the lives of more than fifty prisoners each month.

Aim: In order to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities offered after release, a transformation and deep change of attitude must occur. Therefore, PRT aims to establish conditions wherein self-transformation may occur. These conditions must include the following points: 1) freedom of choice — PRT classes are strictly voluntary; 2) the opportunity for participants to take leadership roles alongside community members; 3) the space where meaningful and intentional conversations can occur; 4) an openness to new ideas and relationships; 5) the trust, equality, and respect that comes from sincere and consistent volunteer involvement.

Theory: PRT’s vision unfolded in phases. I took one term of Corey Pressman’s course in Cultural Anthropology at Mt.Hood Community College. This class helped me to refine PRT’s unique In-Reach concept. Broad-based community participation before release is the missing link in improved prison-to-community transition. Choice is limited during incarceration; alienation and anti-social attitudes develop as major stumbling blocks to successful transition. Distrust and misunderstanding by community members of convicts and ex-convicts, valid or not, hampers successful transition. The need to exhibit respect between our volunteers and participants is paramount in corroding the stigmas and attitudes of both cultures. Therefore, the honoring of and openness to each other’s culture is imperative. PRT’s voluntary class participation is our first sign of this respect. Insight and experience, only available through ex-convict “cultural advisors,” cannot be undervalued; neither can the power of pro-social community relationships while in prison. The In-Reach diagrams (attached PDF) demonstrate the importance of prisoner-and-community-member relationships before and after release as a powerful and until now virtually unrecognized resource.

Method: PRT differs from other prison programs through the involvement of community leaders from an ever-expanding pool of faith- and non-faith-based organizations. PRT’s broad-base approach fosters cross-cultural pro-social attitudes and activities through training inside and outside the prison. In 2001 I met Dick Harmon, Lead Organizer of what would later become the Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (MACG). Dick spoke to me of humor, power, agitation, joy, and the hope that comes from sharing — hearing and telling — personal stories and building meaningful relationships. The aggregate of 30+ faith- and community-based institutions that gather as the MACG form the arena within which PHOENIX functions in the community. Never before have ex-convicts had such an invitation to join in building a culture of relationships, also called a Culture of Relational Power, wherein each voice has meaning and value. Immediately upon release, PRT members begin full participation in MACG activities that involve the entire community.

Practice: PRT’s Community In-Reach projects implement our Aim — to establish the conditions wherein self-transformation may occur — within the DOC. Problem-Solving (cognitive restructuring), the Transition Forum (with its wide-range of community members), and Relational Culture Strategies (leadership training) facilitate self-transformation — for volunteers and for prisoners. PRT’s In-the-Community projects continue the Aim upon release. Problem-Solving in the Field (PSF) sharpens the skills taught at CRCI. Involvement with the MACG’s Leadership Institutes for Public Life (LIPL) continues the work begun in RCS. MACG teachers have noted that graduates of PRT’s Community In-Reach projects are extremely well-prepared for the LIPLs. Mentor Teams that consist of PRT volunteers, cultural advisors, and newly released parolees strengthen the skills and further develop the abilities begun within the prison setting.

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PHOENIX In-Reach Diagram.pdf	32.91 KB