Why We Are Here

The prison population in the United States exploded from 200,000 people in the early 1970s to more than two million in the first decade of the twenty-first century. This tenfold rise in the incarceration rate prompted Elliott Currie to argue that incarceration has become "the most thoroughly implemented government social program in our time."As communication and cultural studies scholars, we are distressed that this unprecedented expansion of the US prison system has taken place with little public discussion and scholarly analysis. As Angela Davis points out, thirty years ago the US government could not have "lock[ed] up so many people without producing powerful public resistance."We wonder, then, how have we come to accept the imprisonment of more than two million of our neighbors with so little resistance and discussion?As communication and cultural studies scholars, we are particularly attentive - though no less subject - to the silences that envelope prison issues in the United States. These silences are caused by the routine denial of access to journalists to investigate prisons, by the difficulties that many of us face when we try to teach in prisons, and by the lack of institutional support for and recognition of prison scholarship and education. Trying to break through these silences, this article strives to compel public debate, teaching, and communication and cultural studies research about the prison-industrial complex. We are interested in mapping the scope of the problem, documenting what we know works in terms of addressing this pressing issue, and establishing research, action, and education agendas for our future work. We are thus calling upon our colleagues to reconsider what they research, how they do it, who they do it for, and who they do it with. This article therefore envisions nothing less than a revolution in how communication and cultural studies scholars perceive their relationship to the prison-industrial complex, the people it incarcerates, and the nation it supposedly protects. In short, we are calling upon our colleagues to help us change the world.

 

 

 

Prison-CARE

(Communication-Activism-Research-Education)

The Structure of the Organization

 

Prison-CARE (PC) is comprised of communication scholars who have a common interest in challenging the structures that promote incarceration and meeting the needs of those currently behind bars. (See Prison-CARE white paper.)

 

It has been suggested that, after years of limited collaboration between members, Prison-CARE assume some recognizable likeness to an organization. Therefore, I have drafted the following organizational chart. I make no claim that this chart is finished. This chart, subsequent list of position titles and brief definitions, are simply a place to start. The language and tasks assumed by any member who wishes to take on these responsibilities must be open to revisions.

 

The board (see next page) will consist of “go to” people who coordinate information and resources. The first “chairs” will outline and then build a foundation for their given area (communication-activism-research-education).

 

Take note that the organizational chart may appear to be upside down. However, it benefits PC’s mission to put us in our right place, to always first serve the incarcerated.

 


* Definitions of Tasks/Duties

The Incarcerated

At the top of our organizational chart are those currently incarcerated and their families.

Change Agents

Activist, researchers, and educators who serve those who currently occupy

our nation’s prisons.

 

Chairs

Includes both primary chairs and their alternates who serve twelve-month terms. The primary is charged with the responsibility of their division and the alternate is to learn the ropes and work as support to the primary. In the event that the primary cannot fulfill the responsibilities assumed by his or her designation the alternate chair will step in to that position for the remainder of the term. At the end of the year the primary must step down, however the alternate may assume the role of the primary if they so chose to accept nomination and are elected to do so.

 

Communication Chair (Director of Communication)

Goals may include; media relations to gather contact information for radio, television and the press. To interact with members of the media to insure that those incarcerated have a voice speaking out for their interests. In addition send out regular press releases regarding PC, its members and any messages that forward PC’s goals. 

Activism Chairs (Director of Activism)

Goals may include; working closely with other activist organization to meet common goals, reinstating the Pell Grant for those incarnated, coordinating opposition to the construction of new prisons, etc.

 

Research Chairs (Director of Research)

Goals may include; establishing 503c non-profitstatus so PC’s members are able to apply for and receive federally funded research grants and gifts from charitable organizations. Also, the coordination of research projects between PC members seems crucial.

 

Education Chairs (Director of Education)

Goals may include; assisting educators in need of lesson plans, syllabi, and other perspectives on alternative instruction. Assembling a depository of syllabi and reference lists of prison-education related material appears essential.

 

Prison-CARE President

This twelve month position assists all Prison-CARE chairs. Coordinates cooperation between the chairs and focuses on long-term projects. Organizes PC annual summits (during NCA convention each November) and chairs PC meetings.