Volunteering

Want to help?  We require volunteer correspondence course supervisors in Canada to work with inmates by mail.

 

We also have some volunteer office positions in Edmonton for a few hours a week.

 

You could be a volunteer correspondence course supervisor if you:

 

ü  have a minimum of three hours a week to give to Criminon

ü  find it easy to type a personal letter

ü  care about changing offenders’ attitudes towards crime

ü  are willing to help someone despite the crime they have committed

 

We’d love to hear from you!

 

Ø  almost no cost to you (paper, envelopes, stamps) 

Ø  doesn't take much time 

Ø  training and support provided

Ø  all done by e-mail and snail mail

Ø  personal fulfillment helping someone who wants to improve

 

Please contact us by email at info@criminonedm.org or by phone at 780-455-0655.

 

WHO ARE THE CRIMINON CORRESPONDENCE COURSE SUPERVISORS?

 

They are housewives, heavy equipment operators, stockbrokers—everyday people. But surprisingly, only a few of our course supervisors have had any family or friends in prison. And because many of you have asked, “Why do you do volunteer as a Criminon course supervisor?” we asked them! 

 

Most People Aren’t Interested In Helping Criminals/Inmates.   Why Are You?

 

Ben:     “Because it's original, it's not common (but it should be) and it's a way to help that I could actually do, time wise, money wise, etc.  And if we could just begin to lower the criminality in society, it would be a very good start!”

 

Kevin: “To me it is rather obvious.  The rehabilitated criminal is one less person out there that is harming others and through their influence they can change the lives of many.  They can reach people we cannot.”

 

Judy:    “Well I never thought of it as helping a 'criminal' before!  They're just other individuals that need the same kind of help as anyone else.”

 

Elise:   “It seems a small way in which to help out someone who I think is looking for answers in his/her life.”                                                                                                                                                                           

Tatiana: “I found out about Criminon when I was in Russia. My nephew went to jail. I saw his condition but I couldn't even talk to him (his mother was between us, she would not let us talk at all).  But I wanted to help him anyways.  I thought if I will help someone with Criminon here, someone will help him with Criminon over there. This is now happening and we have this common connection without his mother.  He even shares his concerns with me.”

 

Michelle: “I think society tends to forget that inmates are people.  I hate that ‘lock them up and throw away the key’ mentality.  It’s de-humanizing.  It also doesn’t work.  They’re going to get out eventually so do you want them to be rehabilitated, contributing members of society or do you want them to be released a better criminal?”

 

Why Do You Think The Criminon Program Works?

 

Ben:     “Because it is applicable and not just data that you push in the guy's head! He sees things for himself by applying them. To me, that's the key!”

 

Kevin:  “Because it treats the very core of why someone becomes a criminal in the first place—a lowered self esteem—and has a highly effective way of helping the person rebuild it.”

 

Judy:    “Because the 'criminal' is given the opportunity to make observations and test views that he never would otherwise in prison life; he's asked to look at his life and others’ lives from not only his point of view but theirs as well.”

 

Elise:   “The program works because the students are given data that they can use to improve their lives and those who apply the data see positive changes for themselves.  They win.”

 

Tatiana: “Because when you feel you are a good person, you don't have to attack anybody with the purpose of protecting yourself.  Mainly, this program helps to regain that feeling.”

 

Michelle: “I think it works because it helps the person discover what he can do right in his life, not what all is wrong.  He gets told what’s wrong with him all the time.  The Criminon Program focuses on what he can do, not what he can’t do, and gives him common sense ways to better his own life both inside prison and in society.”                                              

 

How Have You Benefited From Being A Supe?

 

Ben:     “Receiving letters from inmates, thanking me with true kind intentions, is worth gold. To see that you have changed someone's life forever and for the better has no price and is very fulfilling.”

 

Kevin:  “The viewpoints inmates have shared gives me a broader understanding of the information covered in the Criminon Program—information, by the way, that anyone can benefit from, not just criminals.”

 

Judy:    “I’ve benefited by seeing a side of life that I've not put attention on before and seeing that an individual who's messed up his life with crime still has a chance to make things right.”

 

Elise:   “I've benefited simply by getting to see someone else's point of view which I would never get elsewhere.  That helps me to better understand others.”

 

Tatiana: “I started doing this with some level of English and computer knowledge. Now I have more experience with both.”

 

Michelle: “It is amazing to me how much my Criminon students do for me.  They show such perseverance in the face of adversity.  It reminds me every day that each one of us is a unique and special person capable of great qualities even in the worst circumstances.  My students both humble and inspire me.”

 

Do You Think It Takes A Special Person To Be A Supe?

 

Ben:     “Not at all!  I'm the most average random guy and I do it. The only thing it takes is a desire to help and just a little, little time for it!”

 

Kevin:  “We are all special, so from that sense yes, but we aren't any different from you. There are many people that are looking for a meaningful way to help their community.  This is one I highly recommend.”

 

Judy:    “Not really; just someone who is willing to communicate with another person who may have a completely different lifestyle.”

 

Elise:   “Depends how you define ‘special.’  No, because anyone who wants to help can learn to do it in a relatively short period of time.  Yes, because those who want to supe will be those who want to contribute toward helping society.”

 

Tatiana: “Just someone who cares about the future. I guess there is something special about this kind of people.  They are dedicated.”

 

Michelle: “I think it takes someone who cares about the state of the world and the people in it.  You have to want to do something about it.  We tend to wear blinders and think about only ourselves, our family and making a living.  Maybe it seems like there’s nothing we can do about anything else.  But it’s not as difficult as it might seem.  It’s surprisingly easy to help someone when you have the right tools.”