Inmate and Post-release Nonviolent Communication Education
Our custom-designed Nonviolent Communication program curriculum is designed to help prison and post-release program participants:
Develop empathic understanding of themselves and others
Identify needs and make nonviolent requests
Increase self-respect and confidence
Express anger and other emotions nonviolently
Develop effective life skills like managing perceptions, making effective decisions, and communicating in positive ways
Foster positive relationships with correctional staff, service providers, family members, and employers
Specialized classes at Oregon State Penitentiary also prepare inmates for meeting with victims seeking restorative justice, meeting with parole boards, and other transition topics.
Program Calendar
Typically at our participating locations, Nonviolent Communication classes are offered year-round.
The program we offer at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) is a 15-month long program comprising four 12-week quarters beginning in mid-September, January, and April. A new cohort begins each quarter. There are one- to two-week breaks between quarters in December and late March. Peer Trainers participate in dedicated Teacher Training classes for 3 to 4 weeks during the month of July.