A question recently posted to Quora asked “what types of people volunteer in prison, and are they at risk?” Check out the response below from Kony Kim, a volunteer at San Quentin. Add your own response in the comments below.
I’ll speak as one of hundreds of volunteers at San Quentin, and as one of many who choose to keep coming back.
What types of people volunteer in prison?
- People who believe human beings are more than their most regrettable deeds. We believe that each person has a unique journey, and that journeys with troubled beginnings can yield beautiful plot twists.
- People who appreciate both similarities and differences between ourselves and the men we meet behind bars. There are some life experiences we share with them. Other joys and struggles are unique to them or to us. All this makes it possible and enjoyable to connect, banter, empathize, and learn together.
- People who view trips to prison as occasions to exchange intangible gifts. When I enter the prison, I bring my energy, my presence, and perhaps a lesson plan or a batch of edits. I walk in with flexible expectations -- but usually I’m rewarded with the energy, presence, and wisdom of the men there, as well as a good dose of wit, hope, compassion, and appreciation.
- People who value authenticity. We are humbled to be in the presence of men who have studied the most painful aspects of their lives, scoured their motives, faced their vulnerabilities, and committed to being the best they can be. We are inspired by the courage they embody. We are invigorated by the honest conversations we have with them.
- People who care. Regardless of initial motives for coming in, we stay connected because the men inside matter to us. The conversations we share with them matter to us. There’s a need for more humanity inside the prison; there’s a need for more humanity in our world outside the prison. Somehow, when we bridge the spatial and social divides between these worlds, deep needs are addressed on both sides of the gates. We perceive this and are blessed, and we want to keep that going.
Are we at risk?
- As other Quorans have expressed here, the most prominent risk we face ishaving our hearts and minds cracked open.
- We are also at risk of committing more and more of our lives to projects and relationships that grow out of this place. At San Quentin there are so many programs, volunteering opportunities, and talented men who are running world-bettering projects and who are eager to recruit helpers.
- We are also at risk of going home at the end of the night feeling thoroughly humbled and grateful. If you come in regularly, it’s impossible to keep taking for granted all the good things you have, material and intangible. Including the opportunity to walk freely into a prison, witness awesomeness (and awfulness) inside, and walk freely back out.
