20th Year Reunion – Pathways to Freedom Prison Workshop

VALLEY STATE PRISON

March 16 – 17, 2024

The Freedom to Choose Project (FTC) warmly welcomes everyone to join us in commemorating two decades of transformative education at Valley State Prison (VSP)! Whether you’re a cherished previous volunteer for FTC or have just discovered us for the first time, we’re thrilled to share the news of the VSP 20th Year Reunion Workshop—a joyous celebration of love, transformation, and the remarkable impact made within the VSP community.

Over the past 20 years, FTC has dedicated itself to bringing compassionate experiential education to the currently incarcerated, fostering positive change and empowerment. This milestone marks not only the longevity of our commitment but also the profound transformations witnessed within the prison walls.

As we reflect on the impact we’ve made, we invite you to a very special workshop, where VSP participants, previous volunteers, and new friends will come together to share in the love and celebration of this collective achievement. This event serves as a testament to the strength of community support and the enduring commitment to providing educational opportunities where they are needed most. RSVP now to be part of this momentous occasion as we continue our mission to transform the lives of individuals impacted by incarceration through compassionate experiential education. Your presence and support make a significant difference as we turn the page to our next chapter of impact and growth.

Join our volunteer team to take part in a service project that truly transforms and heals.

Our prison program, the Pathways to Freedom workshop is presented in a large group setting and teaches communication skills, relationship skills, and also works at the emotional level, offering a specific skill set to heal the underpinnings of anger.

EVENT TIMELINE

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Attendance Required

As a volunteer, in-person attendance is required for the entire prison project which starts on Friday night at the “One Accord” meeting and ends on Sunday evening with the completion of the workshop. By submitting your application, it means you can commit to being present for the entire project (from the Friday night meeting to the end of the workshop Sunday).

CANCELLATIONS & NO-SHOW’S

Life happens and there are situations beyond our control. We understand and take these circumstances into consideration. With that in mind, if you have a history of dropping, you may be impacting your future chances of being selected as part of the volunteer team for the prison workshops.

COVID Guidelines

• Currently California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (CDCR) does not require masks.
• You have the option to wear masks for your own health and well-being.
• Flexibility. We are working closely with the prison to prepare for these events understanding that if COVID numbers surge, for the safety of our participants and volunteers, we will need to reschedule. Please know that the event may be cancelled on short notice.

Food & Lodging Expenses

Lodging Expense – As a 501-c3 we rely on the generosity and goodwill of our volunteers to run these programs! As part of that, volunteers pay for their own hotel rooms (at a discounted rate).

Food – FTC provides lunch for all volunteers at our large In-Prison workshops and a continental breakfast is provided by the hotels.

We also encourage all volunteers to leave a tip for hotel staff (they’re truly amazing!).

SIGN UP FOR THIS EVENT

Submit Your Volunteer Application

To volunteer for this event, please submit an application.

 

The application period for this event has ended.

 

SUBMIT YOUR SECURITY CLEARANCE FORM

NEW VOLUNTEERS
This form is required.

RETURNING VOLUNTEERS
Please submit a new Security Clearance form if your Driver’s License (or other submitted ID) has changed or if you have had any changes to your arrests and/or incarceration history since you last filled out this form.

ALL VOLUNTEERS
• You will need to bring the ID that you submitted with you when you enter the prison.
• Please make sure that your ID is valid.

Submit

SUBMIT YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND FORM

NEW VOLUNTEERS
This form is required.

RETURNING VOLUNTEERS
If you have already filled out this form, you do not need to resubmit it.

Submit

VOLUNTEER PORTAL

If you are selected to be part of the volunteer team for this project, visit the password-protected volunteer portal containing volunteer logistics, information, and everything you need to know.

SIGN UP FOR OUR UPDATES

If you are not already on our notifications list and would like to stay informed about future opportunities to volunteer, sign up for our updates to get the latest news on our upcoming events as well as time-sensitive reminders.