Commissioner
Gabby Falzone, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Restorative Justice Initiative
Assignment
In this commissioned assignment, students will create materials to advance and promote the work of the Restorative Justice Initiative (RJI). There are two assignment options with distinct audiences:
- Assemble a brochure about the college application process for people transitioning out of incarceration. This brochure should explain topics such as financial aid and transfer credits and provide a list of academic institutions with programs for people who have been incarcerated. Students will conduct research to assemble these resources as well as integrating information provided by the RJI.
- Create content for the general public that can be shared on the RJI’s website and/or social media pages to generate interest in the program. For example, students could create infographics or write blog posts about the RJI’s work, resources for college students who have been incarcerated, relevant government policies, and so on.
Background
The Restorative Justice Initiative at Penn State is a university-wide coalition of faculty members, graduate students, staff, and community groups dedicated to restoring and empowering individuals that are incarcerated through education and meaningful engagement in civic life. The initiative seeks to create awareness of issues impacting incarcerated communities; create educational opportunities for incarcerated populations; conduct research that informs curriculum used in correctional settings; and improve community, university, and state correctional institutions’ relationships through strategic partnerships that cultivate a network of resources for justice-impacted individuals. (This description was taken from the RJI’s website—please visit it to learn more!)