LOT Justice Impacted:
Behind the Walls
Developing Leadership skills behind the walls at the south dakota state penitenTIary
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Skills, relationships, and Confidence
Why Develop Leaders at the Pen?
People always ask us “Why waste your time developing men behind bars?” We will always counter with the fact that although these men may never be integrated back into our communities, doesn’t mean they cannot be change-makers and become the next best version of themselves along the way.
Although it may be hard to understand at times why we care so deeply for those who are behind bars for crimes they committed, we find that pouring into those who are looked down upon or cast over is at the very core of what Bridging the Gap and the Leaders of Tomorrow program stands for. We do this program out of full respect for victims and their families. What we know to be true is this: a better you is better for everyone.
LOT Behind the Walls Graduates As Of Fall 2024
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“Developing the confidence that I can/am impactful in the culture. I can achieve my goals + dreams. The better side of life is for me.”
“By having these coaches come in and give me a chance to re-learn and educate myself and see their positive attitudes each week. It inspires me to try to create win-win formula.”
“’The best program that we have been able to be apart of and [I’m] going to recommend to everyone to take this class and help them grow.”
“’I am a better man, father, son, brother, future husband, and governor because of the time and effort yall put into me”
“The enthusiasm and energy of the leaders. Their honesty and the delivery of their speeches and teaching. They see value in us and want us to be successful and meaningful.“
Nothing of signifiCance happens without intention
Creating Networks for Change
LOT JI is 16 weeks of learning in a classroom-style environment within the walls of the South Dakota State Penitentiary Building.
Topics focus on personal and professional development of skills, and mindset changes in order to give participants tools with which they can impact their own lives and the communities they live in.
Each attendee must commit to showing up to at least 80% of the class sessions and is encouraged to stay engaged with the community of graduates after the fact.
LOT JI Behind the Walls Testimonial
Leaders of Tomorrow Justice Impacted (Behind the Walls) has done for me and my fellow graduates precisely what it was designed to do: develop influential leaders that will impact the world around them – both today and into the future.Twenty-eight months ago, I was at the end of my rope and ready to give up. Even before doing what I did to get myself arrested, I had little hope of ever feeling like I was worth more than a single speck of dust. I ignored the help of others to the point of them not wasting their efforts or trying to help me anymore.
Since I started applying these LOT lessons to every area of my life, and constantly practicing them, I have yet to let discouragement and the fear of failing have any power over me. Manny, Tamien, and Vaney, took the time out of their busy lives to come to a prison to show someone like me – as worthless as I once believed I was – that I can be a leader, and that I have the power to change and take control of my circumstances.
I’ve taken an oath to work on becoming the best version of myself that I’m capable of becoming, day in and day out, so I will take what I’ve been taught and never let go of it…but I will share it with others whenever the time arises, so long as I know I’m not wasting this valuable information I’ve been blessed with.
*Taken in part from LOT JI Behind the Walls graduate, Jackson, speech. Spring 2024
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