Compassion for prisoners

In my spare time I volounteer for a small charitable organisation which provides support to long term male prisoners in their efforts to rehabilitate into society. Many of these men have spent most, and in some cases all, of their adult life in prison; so the prospect for them of being released back into society is harrowing. In some cases they have never used an ATM, never surfed the Internet, and never connected utilities in their own name. If not supported, many would find their way back to prison, at the expense of another innocent victim, and at the expense of the chance they may have of one day sharing at least a slightly "normal" future.

I see my role as being a listener, a role model, and someone who they can relate to as being non-judgemental and accepting of their fundamental humanity. I believe that, inside every human being, beats the pure heart of someone who wants the best for themselves and their family and friends. By closing our hearts to people who have committed serious crimes we rob them of the possibility of being someone better, of being someone who can contribute and love. And in so doing we increase the likelihood of them re-offending, thus deepening the scar on society, themselves, and their victims.

At times, it's difficult to look with genuine compassion into the eyes of someone who has murdered, raped, or molested. It's a struggle to move beyond the automatic response of judgement. But if I can do this and it helps just one of these men change and begin making a positive contribution to society and living a life of possibility and responsibility, I will feel well satisfied.