We listen within for the still, small voice of Spirit’s inspiration as it comes through the wisdom of our hearts. Spirit is our partner in this organization and we are dedicated to acting in ways that fulfill the highest good of all concerned. When we do this, we participate in opening to Grace.
Our Story: The Need for Change
In 2004, we began working with “lifers” (incarcerated individuals who received a life sentence) in the largest maximum-security women’s prison in the world. Our initial team consisted of our founders, Drs. Bonnie and David Paul, and 25 volunteers.
“Freedom to Choose,” was inspired by the work of Viktor Frankl and his well-known book “Man’s Search for Meaning.”
Fundamental to his teaching was the lesson, hard-won as a survivor of the concentration camps, that every person always has the freedom to choose their response to the events of their life. This lesson serves as a cornerstone of what The Freedom to Choose Project teaches in prison.
In Frankl’s words:
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.”
“Everything can be taken from a person but the last of the human freedoms, the freedom to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances – to choose one’s own way.”
Today, we have helped thousands and offer large-scale workshops in prison for up to 200 incarcerated participants and 80+ volunteers.
We even have waiting lists on both sides.
Why is this work important?
95% of people who are incarcerated will be released at some point in time. Given that we want safer communities, teaching people in prison to become more peaceful makes sense.
OUR APPROACH:
Inner Freedom
People often ask, “What do you do there?” Imagine you became angry because someone pushed one of your buttons. Rather than yelling or shutting down, you could look inside yourself and dismantle your own inner anger button, responding far more wisely and peacefully. That’s inner freedom, and it’s the foundation of what we teach.
Our volunteers work with incarcerated participants in small groups, demonstrating the skills we teach by revealing their own personal challenges and feelings.
They listen to the incarcerated participants respectfully and nonjudgmentally, holding the space to voice their pain and regret.
Many of them share that it’s the first time in their lives they’ve felt heard. This mutual sharing breaks down the illusion that people are different, making room for genuine connection, human-to-human.
OUR VISION
The Freedom to Choose Project transforms the lives of individuals impacted by incarceration through compassionate experiential education that has been proven to reduce prison violence and recidivism.
OUR MISSION
To transform the lives of individuals impacted by incarceration through compassionate experiential education
OUR VALUES
OUR VALUES
MEET OUR TEAM
Our work wouldn’t be possible without our incredible Team and dedicated Volunteers.
Awards
The Freedom to Choose Project, along with the co-directors Drs. David and Bonnie Paul have received numerous awards:
California State Assembly Resolution Honoring 20 years of ServicePresented by State Assembly Member Gregg Hart (read more HERE)
2024
“Giraffe Heroes”This award honors compassionate risk-takers who have the courage to "stick their necks out" for the common good.
2013
“Local Hero”Common Peace Center for the Advancement of Non-Violence.
2012
“Service to Humanity”University of Santa Monica
2011
“E-Chievement Award”Bohemian Foundation
2009
Nomination for a National Award recognizing excellence in Prison Reform ProgramsPrison Reform Programs
2005
