Reading Writing Group (RWG)

Incarcerated populations are underserved regarding programming.  The Reading Writing Group (RWG) is a group that meets at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in Milton, Florida.  The goals of RWG are to increase literacy for the participants, to provide opportunities for creative writing practice, and to allow a safe space for participants to express opposing views and opinions.  Participants work on their reading and writing skills throughout the semester.  However, the critical listening and thinking skills encouraged by RWG cannot be overlooked.  RWG empowers participants to think outside of their literal box.  Through RWG, participants can continue to engage with the outside world and can critically reflect on their place within the world.

In fall 2019, I started a prison book club at a state prison near the University of West Florida.  Santa Rosa Correctional Institution, a men’s prison in Milton, Florida, was interested in the idea of a group starting in spring 2020.  The initial goals of the group included increasing literacy for participants, keeping participants abreast of current affairs by reading non-fiction books, and engaging participants as they prepared to re-enter society.   A priority of RWG is to engage this population of participants when resources may be somewhat limited.  Engaging in dialogue with other participants helps further develop an evolving worldview.  

During group meetings, participants receivedpoetry prompts and exercises.  Here are some sample lines participants wrote in their poetry using George Ella Lyon’s “Where I’m From” prompt, which is a poem that focuses on the use of imagery and family traditions:

• I am from my nightstand drawer holding pictures and memories of times that were happier and carefree.  When I didn’t know better but I was free.

• I am from hand-me-downs and garage sale Christmases.

• Almost new possessions.  A life spent repairing things.  Not knowing I was broken.  I am from a single mom, never home.  Raising myself in her absence.   Fighting daily battles.  Taking victory where I could.

• From dirt roads that entangle pine trees.  The hearth of racism and discrimination.  A burn which still lingers.  A sting of smoke that clouds a nation’s eye.  From a spark of religious fervor.  From lies and deception.

The group has run four different semesters, focusing on reading non-fiction book selections and working on creative writing exercises.  Each group has 8-10 participants and they receive composition notebooks, pens, and non-fiction books at no cost to them.  We meet four different times in the fall semester.  The group will be expanding to two groups each month for the fall semester so more incarcerated individuals can participate.  

If you would like to donate supplies or books, you can purchase them below.  RWG appreciates any all donations from this list!

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