October 23, 2015
Speaking from the Depths: Interning with Voices from Inside
What does it mean to “have a voice”? The expression has almost lost its luster in terms of social justice advocacy. The non-profit organization, Voices from Inside, with whom I interned this summer, exemplifies the process and effects of empowerment in their work with incarcerated women. My role with VFI involved co-facilitating a creative writing workshop with women at the After Incarceration Support Services building in Springfield, MA. Here, I had the honor of writing with these women, as well as formatting a portion of their work in preparation for performance and publication. Additionally, my role involved providing administrative support to various board members. In this respect, I was able to gain experience with certain organizational software, and witness the orchestration of fundraising events. The experience of gaining the trust and friendship of VFI women is one that I cherish above all others. Their courage, perseverance, and creative drive are unparalleled to my witness. They embody what it means to have a voice.
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