ULG Group Discussions

GROUP DISCUSSIONS:

Group discussions are one of the most important elements of Unit Literacy Group (ULG) Sessions. In addition to academic studies, reading and writing assignments related to critical thinking, communication skills, and conflict resolution are introduced through our group discussions. It is our belief that doing so helps to combat the proliferation of drugs, violence, self-harm, and suicide within prison settings. It further provides the safe space of a recovery environment by validating participants and their experiences with anger, abuse, addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, self-loathing, suicidal thoughts/failed attempts, failed relationships, despair, low self-esteem, and academic challenges (such as difficulties reading or writing), all of which are exasperated by the stress of imprisonment.

It's the impact of those discussions that enable participants, and facilitators to build upon trust initiated during introductions. That's where facilitators first expose themselves to vulnerability by sharing their profile, which briefly outlines their recovery journey, and highlights their personal accomplishments, skills, talents, and credentials. Launching group discussions in this way assures participants that they are not alone on their recovery journey, and is meant to encourage and inspire hope.

During Certified Peer Specialist Training, CPSs are taught that "HOPE" is a fundamental pathway to recovery. Recognizing that truth, the ULG uses hope as a tool during group discussions, where participants are empowered by encouragement to focus on the positive in their lives, as they share very intimate details of their experiences. During those times, it's often necessary to help participants to focus on the concept of hope. For instance, during a ULG Session, one of the men shared his personal story of self-mutilation (cutting), self-hate, and numerous attempted suicides.¹ Another followed by saying that he hated himself. Several of the men raised their hands when asked, "how many others feel that way...that you hate yourself?" Deeply impacted by their responses, I had to fight back my tears. I continued by sharing that there was a time when I related to those feelings of self-hate, and that for several years I didn't want to live. of course I didn't leave the conversation in that dark space. We went back to the materials I had been sharing regarding hope, and targeted our focus on the belief that our situations can, and will improve when we deliberately focus on all that is positive in our lives.

The men were very brave by sharing well beyond my expectations. Group discussions empowered them by providing opportunities for expression in a safe environment free of judgment. They allowed themselves to embrace the vulnerability of their transparent truth by fearlessly revealing their most personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I simply showed sincerity regarding their well-being, and presented the willingness to be an example of transparency. That combined with the fact that the men supported one another with validating comments, was enough to create a sense of community, where it was safe to share.

When it comes to group discussions, most of my interactions with participants are born of the moment (the topics presented and comments shared), and are informed by personal experiences, training, and methods promoted by the ULG. For example, our group discussion mentioned at footnotes 1 and 2, was initiated by an, exercise, where I shared a package developed for the ULG in 2017 (while I was housed at SCI Greene). On one of the pages I typed the words "I LOVE YOU" several times, covering an entire side of the paper. Although received well by ULG participants at Greene, I had no idea of how the subliminal exercise would be received by the men at SCI Somerset. I didn't tell the men why I gave it to them. Two weeks later, I asked what they thought about the page containing the words I LOVE YOU, and what they did with it. Below are three examples² of responses to my questions:

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¹' ² Please note that I have shared this writing with the group discussion participants quoted herein. As required by the Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethical Conduct, I have obtained their written consent to share the enclosed portions of their stories and comments.

• 1st Response - "I sent mine to my girl. I sent her the whole package. She's dealing with some mental health issues, and I thought it might help her."

• 2nd Response - "I sent mine to my girl too. Let me tell you why. I was talking to her on the phone, and she was like 'you don't tell me how you feel about me.' So I was thinking about what she said when I was reading through the stuff you gave us. I said, 'I'ma send her this.' I sent that page with a note that said, 'this is how I feel about you.'"

• 3rd Response - "I'ma tell you the truth! I balled that sh-t up and threw it away. You wanna know why I did that...because I thought it was talking about me, and I don't love myself. I hate myself."

After the group discussions, I had one-on-one sessions with the men that shared their self-hate. I encouraged the group to recognize that regardless of how dark life may have appeared to be at some point, they have already taken the most difficult steps towards recovery by making the CHOICE to acknowledge the need for help. "Things are already getting better...you're seeking SUPPORT, participating in groups, and you're not isolating yourselves. You're not alone. This community that we've created for ourselves is proof of that." The men agreed with my comments, and I'm extremely hopeful.

The ULG recognizes that support groups are one of the most valuable contributions to prison environments. The above experiences are just a few examples of the power of group discussions facilitated within them. They highlight the benefits of peer support, and the urgency of offering safe recovery environments to imprisoned men and women. These efforts help those in recovery to reconnect with their own sense of humanity, self-worth, sense of purpose, and helps to prevent relapse into behaviors which may be detrimental to their well-being. The Unit Literacy Group uses group discussions as a resource to address those essential needs.