Social Responsibility

Uplifting Incarcerated Voices with Free Minds

Name: Uplifting Incarcerated Voices with Free Minds
Start: 2025-08-17T13:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-08-17T14:30:00-04:00
Location: Edlavitch DCJCC

Teens (11-18), Adults (18+)

Date : Sunday, Aug 17

Time : 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location : Edlavitch DCJCC
1529 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC

Join us for an afternoon of service with Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop, which supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. We’ll hear from Free Minds graduates about their experiences in the program, then read poetry written by current students and provide feedback.

Join us for an afternoon of service with Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop! Free Minds supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated adults in the DC Jail, juvenile detention centers, the federal prison system, and reentry programs through classes and workshops focused on literary arts and social-emotional learning. Since its founding, Free Minds has provided long-term, ongoing support to over 1,500 youth and adults.

Volunteers will hear from Free Minds graduates about their experiences participating in the Free Minds program, then have the opportunity to read poetry written by current students and provide positive feedback through notes and drawings. While this may seem like a small gesture, many members share that receiving such encouragement reminds them that people in the community care and gives them strength to persevere.

This event is a combined program of the Center for Social Responsibility and the Youth Action Institute. Anyone over the age of 11 is welcome to participate – no poetry background necessary! Teens who participate will receive 1.5 SSL hours. This program is free, but registration is required to participate. If you have any questions please reach out to Mira at msmith@edcjcc.org.