"I know there are a lot of individuals that might not be fortunate enough to have anyone on the outside to send them any literature to read. It might keep them going. It freed my mind and opened my thoughts."— John Bunn, Founder, CEO, Exonerated Role Model
Founded in 2017, A Voice 4 the Unheard began as a book drive aimed at refurbishing the libraries at Rikers Island and providing under-resourced communities with educational literature.
Once the criminal justice system targets and contacts our youth, it becomes difficult to escape. We share stories like John's to show people what we need to do as individuals to protect ourselves and communities to protect one another.
Founded in 2017, A Voice 4 the Unheard began as a book drive aimed at refurbishing the libraries at Rikers Island and providing under-resourced communities with educational literature.
Once the criminal justice system targets and contacts our youth, it becomes difficult to escape. We share stories like John's to show people what we need to do as individuals to protect ourselves and communities to protect one another.
Reading is a creative outlet that can take us outside of the negative environments and relationships we sometimes found ourselves in. In using our literacy, we create safe positive spaces for ourselves where reflection, creativity, and happiness are easier to grasp. With all the untapped potential alive in our public school system it is up to individuals to take their destiny into their own hands and represent their communities positively.
Prisons must be used as a tool for rehabilitation, education, and growth to make individuals and society better as a whole. What we have now is an over-the-top punitive punishment that has only proven to disproportionately burden only benefit private interests through the prison industrial complex.
We offer comprehensive literacy programs designed to improve reading and writing skills, fostering a love for learning and self-expression.
Our academic support services provide students with tutoring, homework help, and access to educational materials that enhance their learning experience.
We conduct workshops and seminars that inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential, featuring guest speakers and successful role models from the community.
We believe in the power of community to drive change. Our engagement initiatives include outreach, volunteer opportunities, partnerships, events, and advocacy.
Provide Access to Books: Ensure prisoners have easy access to a variety of book genres and reading levels.
Empower At-Risk Youth: Distribute information and literature to at-risk youth, empowering them to avoid the traps of the criminal justice system.
Refurbish Prison Libraries: Upgrade prison libraries with new equipment, improved organization systems, and an abundance of literature.
Promote Prison Reform: Advocate for prison reform that emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment and condemnation.
Inspire and Educate: Offer literature that inspires prisoners and educates under-resourced communities.
Redefine Prison Culture: Create safe areas in prisons where individuals can be vulnerable, honest, and focused on positivity.
Reconnect Prisoners: Help prisoners connect with neglected or undiscovered aspects of themselves and society.
Elevate Unheard Voices: Continuously recognize and elevate individuals and groups who feel unheard and underrepresented by society.
By focusing on these goals, we aim to redefine the purpose of prisons, turning them into environments where rehabilitation, education, and personal growth are prioritized. We believe that through these efforts, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.