Mission
At InsideOUT Writers, we believe that juvenile incarceration is an insufficient, temporary, and even detrimental approach to curbing juvenile criminal activity. InsideOUT Writers strives to support incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth through mentorship, healing, and community-building. Though we cannot undo the unique circumstances that drive each young person into the criminal justice system, we are collectively responsible for helping them to chart a better path forward so they can thrive as adults. Our philosophy includes four core practices that emphasize healing and empower the youth in our program. Our teachers and facilitators receive comprehensive training in these methods so they can best serve our Writers and Alumni. Whole-Person Approach: Our writing instructors and reentry counselors share the common goal to engage with our youth while considering the totality of their needs. In the Writing Program, this often manifests through the mentorship and encouragement our teachers provide while guiding their students through writing exercises. Not only do our instructors guide Writers through the creative process, but they also keep a close eye on our youth’s heal