Corrections_Today_Summer_2025_Vol.87_No.2

News&Views

Teaching skills that foster lasting change

“RTA is where I really learned to be a human being,” says Penã. “It really served every aspect of my personal growth.” Arts programming can change an individual’s mind set, teaching skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving, goal setting and discipline. Workshops also foster empathy, confidence and build self-esteem. For instance, in a theater production, participants learn responsibility, teamwork and disci pline. If you didn’t learn your lines or failed to show up to work on the set, or even if you simply have a bad attitude, you’re letting others down. And you’re not disappointing cor rectional authorities, but your own community. RTA is not a drop-in activity, but a commitment to peers. “Some guys just had that rough edge, and it took prodding and poking to break them out of their comfort zones and put them in uncomfortable situations where they had to deal with everyone around them or take on responsibilities within a production,” Penã explained. “These things brought out potential that they never believed they had, and that’s how changes come about.” Each creative medium offers different skill sets. Dance teaches physical control, focus and non verbal communication. Writing workshops in poetry, creative writing, memoir, monologues and speeches not only help improve writing and overall communication skills, but also offer opportunities for self-reflection — the first step

Photo courtesy Rehabilitation Through the Arts

Every workshop gives participants the chance to learn how to cope with emotional and social challenges in constructive and productive ways.

RTA is open to all You might assume that the low recidivism rate and other metrics of RTA’s success simply reflects a program that only accepts the “best of the best,” incarcerated men and women who already have good behavior and whose crimes were non-violent. But that’s not accurate. The only requirement for entry into the program is that the men and women who apply are moti vated to change in a positive way. (Many facilities do have a waiting list, however.) No diploma or GED is required, nor is a clean disciplin ary record. A person’s crime is irrelevant. That said, RTA does have a screening process, and it all takes place on the inside. The program has a steering committee within each facility, consisting of respect ed incarcerated members of the RTA community, and chosen by the membership. By signing up for RTA, the incarcerated indi vidual commits to respect the community inside the facilities, the RTA staff who come to lead

towards change. Music workshops improve listening skills and vi sual art can strengthen focus and concentration. Every workshop gives partici pants the chance to learn how to cope with emotional and social challenges in constructive and productive ways. Additionally, they provide safe, healthy outlets for self-expression. RTA’s newest program, Reimag ining Myself ® , launched in 2023, provides incarcerated men and women a toolkit for coming home and staying home. The curriculum was guided by formerly incarcer ated people to include what they wish they’d known before release. Workshops encourage participants to look at their own strengths and potential, as well as their individual triggers and potential pitfalls. Everything from learning how to ask for help to finding a place in a family that has learned to live without you is addressed. Reimag ing Myself ® is operating in four New York correctional facilities, and a pilot program has been launched in California.

Corrections Today | Summer 2025

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