I am proposing a change within high-security prisons, specifically Colorado’s ADX Supermax, to allow more collaborative art programs, supplies, and art lessons throughout the prison and in isolation blocks.
Target Audience
My audience is the warden of Supermax, Andre Matevousian. My outline could be used to address other wardens or high-ranking officials at high-security prisons though.
Rationale
All over the United States, there is an accepted ideology that criminals are bad people. I am proposing that self-expression through art be allowed and enforced. Through some programs such as the step-down program in the Colorado ADX prison, a three-step art course is offered to inmates who are preparing to enter society. Although this type of program is progressive and important, I believe that prisoners with life sentences or long-term sentences should have access to the same programs and supplies. Allowing prisoners to express themselves through art is greatly beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it changes roles within the prison and cultivates healthier bonds between guards and prisoners. In some cases where prisoners were working on a mural art-piece, they formed bonds among themselves and cultivated collaborative skills and a sense of community. Most importantly, allowing prisoners, especially those in isolation, to do art, allows them to develop a sense of individuality and personal art style. It also gives them something to do and to work on, and to use their brain in both a critical-thinking and abstract way.
Proposal Outline
To (Prison name), (prison administrator/director of extracurricular activities/ warden)
State proposal clearly
Rationale (successful programs already in place) (importance of art)
(Ex: In Colorado’s ADX, they have integrated the Creative Arts Program to allow for prisoners of multiple levels of security to come together and work on a collaborative mural within the prison.)
(Ex: Inmate Mural Arts Program in Florida)
“[...] art provides a means to re-humanize those that are dehumanized within the repressive and punitive prison environment which ‘can build self-respect and decrease an inmate’s ennui and acting-out behavior.”
“The experience of working as part of a team, recognizing and fulfilling your responsibilities, being valued for your contribution and depending on and valuing the contribution of others, are part of the experience required to become a responsible citizen.”
Collaboration through creative means cultivates virtues found and appreciated in society.
(Ex: “Contact with prison art programs may give many inmates their first experience of a positive, absorbing activity (Dean & Field 2003, 2) and participation in such programs offers a non-threatening way for inmates to demonstrate that they are engaging in educative or therapeutic programs, allowing them the possibility of obtaining privileges or accessing parole (Benton & Barclay 2008, 8.)”)
Suggest a specific change in one of their programs, introducing a new program, or integrating a program already in place
Conclusion
Wrap up the proposal
Touch back on rationale and importance
Give thanks to the person for their consideration and time