Saint Joseph’s University
Free Mind Entrepreneur Network
Spring 2024
Fellow: Anneliese Ashley
Colin Cooper, Denzel Jones, Isabella Colina-Hidalgo, and Alexa Fichera
Read our media report
Community Partner
Free Mind is dedicated to establishing a network that empowers formerly incarcerated individuals to achieve financial independence through entrepreneurship, all while spotlighting the discriminatory practices entrenched within a profit-driven, privatized justice system.
Through the provision of training, employment opportunities, and additional resources, the organization aims to enhance the trade skills acquired during individuals' time in incarceration. Embracing the principle of second chances, Free Mind is driven by a mission to reduce recidivism rates and confront the systemic injustices pervasive in a punitive criminal justice system that obstructs genuine rehabilitation efforts.
Design Question
Our original design question was “How can we use popular media (podcasts, social media) to promote resources that combat negative perceptions of formerly incarcerated people?” After meeting with Stacey, we determined that the most effective way to reach people is by hearing stories directly from victims of the prison system.
The question now became a little more refined: “How can we utilize social media campaigns and presence to promote the stories of people who benefitted from a second chance after their incarceration to promote a better perception of victims of the prison system?” This question better framed our collaboration with Free Mind and set a clearer objective with the voices of formerly incarcerated people at the forefront of everything.
Strategic Thinking
Strategic thinking involves setting the stage for Stacey and the incoming team to achieve success in their pursuits, thereby advancing our shared goals. With a wealth of innovative ideas and a clear plan of action, our team is poised to provide support to Stacey's organization and its objectives. As part of our preparations for the next team, we have consolidated all the content from our panel event, including footage captured with lav mics, SD cards, and borrowed camera equipment. This compiled content will be readily available for social media dissemination.
Recognizing the importance of looking beyond our immediate scope and working towards broader societal benefits, we have proactively considered the needs of the next team. By actively contributing to Stacey's vision, we have the potential to affect meaningful change within our community and serve as a catalyst for broader positive impacts.
Co-Creation
During our collaboration with Stacey, trust was paramount. He allowed us the creative freedom to take calculated risks and create new endeavors, such as April’s Second Chance Awareness Month social media campaign.
We met with Stacey on a near biweekly basis, exchanging thoughts and ideas in an open manner that allowed us to feel valued as contributors and equal partners. However, he was still able to offer us specific guidance when necessary, creating a balanced dynamic. It was through this we were able to better understand and meet Free Mind’s goals.
Impact Story
Thanks to the combined efforts of Free Mind and our team, the organization's digital footprint has experienced an impressive evolution. Our collaboration led to the redesign of the website, development of engaging social media posts, a thorough newsletter, a compelling blog, and our Free Mind panelist event featuring five distinguished speakers, including Stacey, who shared insights on mass incarceration and entrepreneurship. Consequently, Free Mind has witnessed growth in its following and received enhanced backing for its cause while making more connections. This endeavor proved highly successful, significantly advancing the organization's mission.
Reflection
Our most notable accomplishment is the panelist event scheduled for April 24th. Although we are discussing this prior to the event, we are confident that it will be a significant success for Free Mind. This event marks a unique collaboration with BSocial that has not been done yet. Organizing this panelist event has required extensive collaboration and valuable lessons learned. Therefore, we consider this event our greatest achievement, representing a worthwhile investment of our time and efforts.
