Keepin’ It Real is designed to increase self-awareness and provide practical tools for those most at risk of incarceration so they can lead healthy and productive free lives. Through a diligent process of self-discovery, participants embark on a process of facing their most challenging issues, building relationships skills, and finding the emotional resources needed to make better life decisions.
Background
This unique course was the first of a series that emerged in January, 2003, from a peer education initiative originally conceived and sponsored by the Insight Prison Project - a non-profit that specializes in innovative in-prison rehabilitation programming at San Quentin.
Inmate Raymond “Akil” Moultry put together a curriculum from notes and lessons learned throughout his 11 plus years of incarceration, and along with Robert McCrary began facilitating the course with success and positive response from the entire prison community.
Since March of 2006, Keepin’ It Real became self-sufficient, sponsored by Sunshine Buttercup Farms and in partnership with the Community Building Foundation. It is now on the way to incorporation as a 501c3 non-profit entity.
The Curriculum
The curriculum, as Akil and the facilitators have developed it; helps bring participants into a state of readiness and willingness to dig deeply into underlying issues that keep them imprisoned, both inside and outside. Keepin’ It Real facilitators introduce many of the topics for group reflection using "skits" or role-plays drawn from real life experiences. A few of the topics offered include:
• Identifying and Removing the Masks
Peeling away the false layers and rediscovering our true selves
• Finding Self-validation
Learning to become less dependent on others for our self-esteem
• Healing the Wounded Father/Son Relationship
Uncovering the intentionally suppressed wounds and learning to forgive
• Prejudice and Racism
Where the disease of these two are replaced with valuing the human self
• Acknowledging Authority Figures
Learning that to acknowledge does not mean to agree
• From Males to Manhood
Learning to become responsible men rather than irresponsible males
• Building Positive Relationships
Uncovering dysfunctional traits we have brought into a relationship
• Getting the Prison Out of Us
As opposed to simply getting out of prison
Keepin’ It Real is able to provide the understanding, sensitivity, and hope participants need for building their new foundations. Connecting more deeply with their peers, themselves, and a higher power, participants can begin to act on the vision of a larger purpose for their lives. Many prisoners who have been through the program and are now on parole report major life changes as a result of their participation. See Testimonials.
Upon completion participants receive a certificate recognizing the benchmark they've passed and honoring their efforts and commitment to move toward a better life in the community.
