I got an invitation in the mail to be a motivational speaker at a youth correctional facility. I am a convicted Felon. What do you suggest? I am going to tell them very briefly about my crime and a little about my experience locked up and spend most of the time talking about my struggle on the outside and my major achievements since I"ve been out. Those include, Graduating High School, Having Accupuncture Treatment for anger and depression, Becomming a Crochet Teacher, Shaking my prosecutors hand at my church and stuff like that. Any suggestions? These kids will probally be violent offenders like me. I don't want to go into detail about my abuse that lead up to my crime. How do I pollitely avoid handle hard questions?
6 minutes ago
I tried killing my mom and I assulted a corrections staff
2007-07-30 12:43:04 · 8 answers · asked by imsocoolforever 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I would guess that recidivism is more a factor of whether or not they find something meaningful to do when they get out. So I would plan my speech around that theme. Perhaps use "What Color is Your Parachute?" as the outline, and discuss how one decides on a career pathway and starts along the path.
Don't lean too heavily on any religious theme, or the ones who don't like religion will simply dismiss you. If you mention it, make it very personal: what worked for you. Emphasize that different people have different beliefs, including materialism, and deciding what they believe in is part of deciding what they want to do when they get out.
2007-07-30 12:51:15 · answer #1 · answered by auntb93 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They will have to know you are one of them so yes you must tell them about your history but you can limit the questions politely by telling them that you will not go into details about your past problems as that is where you want to leave them in the past and that other than a overview of those problems that lets them know they are not any different than you were. That you want to concentrate of the present and the future. Go into detail how the Church has helped you find love and forgiveness. not only for those you deal with but for yourself and the things you done. I am very sure you will do a great job just write it out try to plan for questions that at that age you would have asked yourself and after you have prepared for what you can ask God to help you with the rest in prayer. You cannot go wrong. Good luck and remember if you can change but one of their lives you will be rewarded seven fold in heaven.
2007-07-30 13:08:00 · answer #2 · answered by saintrose 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Young children / teenagers all get so much mixed signals from everywhere around them. If this opportunity has fallen in your lap, then grab hold of it. First pray. Because nothing can break down walls and tension like prayer can. Be honest. They want to know where you came from, what you learned, and where you are today. They need hope, words of encouragement. Don't write a speech, I wouldn't. I just pray and know that when I open my mouth it is the Lord who speaks through me with words that change lives. And that's what you want is to reach down and offer a positive change to some who have known more heartache than most will in 3 lifetimes. You will do just fine, I know.
2007-07-30 12:56:48 · answer #3 · answered by HeVn Bd 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thanks so much for accepting this challenge.
I want you to sit down close your eyes and remember your time incarceration. Now I want you to pretend that you are sitting in the rec room and ( or wherever) and you are listening to this speaker. What would you be thinking, snickering about, making remarks (under your breath)? What would You want to hear? You may even do a bit of interaction dialog. Do not ask why they are there (nosy) but maybe what change if any is going on with them. I would love to see the finished work, God has called you to the task and he will be your guide.
2007-07-30 12:58:28 · answer #4 · answered by lakelover 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With each little thing you have reported, you're stable to flow. human beings have a bent to take heed to those who've, "been down that highway." What you're doing is a competent element and that i commend and applaud your movements. so far as dealing with difficult questions, merely convey the askers subject yet which you're no longer keen to respond to. actual, i do no longer think of you will prefer any difficulty answering any "difficult" questions.
2016-10-19 08:03:03 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them you are finding it difficult to quantify motivation related to your own path.( is that the dilemma ?) Ask them to speak for themselves.,what is going on for them....You know I wish you a progressive good life. You must have found the courage within to find yourself.now being asked to do a motivational speech. Cheers and have a good day.
2007-07-30 13:14:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk about the crime you did (very briefly) and then talk about what you have done to recover from criminal behavior.
They know about how to screw up but the don't know how to do it right. They need hope and YOU can give it to them because You have gotten better,
Don't dodge the tough questions. They need your honesty.
2007-07-30 12:48:11 · answer #7 · answered by Buffy Summers 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Share the Love!
2007-07-30 12:47:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋