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Solidarity Circles
Solidarity Circles are spaces that allow interested individuals to engage in a community of commitment with someone returning from prison. They are formed in congregations where affirming relationships for many different types of individuals can be found. Solidarity Circles are born from experience and research that affirms that not only are individuals returning from prison the best judge of what they need, but also that these individuals can use several communities of support while attaining their full freedom. |
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We join these circles to walk in solidarity with our sisters and brothers who have returned from incarceration. We commit to center them and respect that they are the experts of their lives. We will work as equals to establish a community of trust and love. We will stand ready to help as we can, when we are asked. We will be honest about our abilities and boundaries. - M. Skilton (member)
A solidarity circle
Circles are formed after members have received a fair amount of education and engagement so that those who are walking with individuals who have been released from prison know what they are committed to and what their boundaries are, and have an understanding of the cultural humility necessary to affirm that the Circle Leader is the best person to determine what he/she needs to thrive.
- is composed of 4-8 people who walk with an individual who is returning to our community after being locked up.
- is a covenanted group that agrees to support the needs of the returning individual (the Circle Leader).
- meets with the Circle Leader 1-4 times/month for a meal and to offer community support. (Circle members usually pay for the Circle Leader’s meals.)
- responds, if possible, when the Circle Leader is in need of greater support.
- helps the Circle Leader apply for grants from the UUPMI of up to $400 for emergency situations. (These grants may be applied for every 6 months as needed.)
Circles are formed after members have received a fair amount of education and engagement so that those who are walking with individuals who have been released from prison know what they are committed to and what their boundaries are, and have an understanding of the cultural humility necessary to affirm that the Circle Leader is the best person to determine what he/she needs to thrive.
Circle members are individuals within a congregation (or beyond) who may be required to apply to a circle after taking UUPMI classes in both Prison Industrial Complex and Radical Hospitality.
Congregations supporting Solidarity Circles have a process to follow as well:
UUPMI helps congregations become equipped to help those individuals returning from prison through education and ongoing support of circle members.
With all of that being said, becoming a part of a Solidarity Circle is great and amazing work. It is the kind of work that is well worth the preparation necessary to ensure that we are standing solidly with those who are likely to be in deep need.
- Prison Industrial Complex is a 5-hour workshop introducing students to the history and current status of our prison system.
- Radical Hospitality is either a 2-day OR 4-night class, covering a wide range of topics including segments on listening, boundaries, transformative justice, and cultural humility.
Congregations supporting Solidarity Circles have a process to follow as well:
- The congregation has potentially gone through a process of engaging in what it might mean to support not only someone coming home but also individuals in the circle. It is appropriate for the congregation to have worked through their own biases about our criminal justice system so that Circle Leaders are not held back by prejudice.
- The congregation may have reviewed policies or even voted to allow prison membership as a way to integrate citizens before they return home.
- By the time a circle has been formed, the congregation will have, hopefully, developed a relationship with an institution that is working with individuals returning from prison, helping them to engage those who are interested in becoming Circle Leaders.
- The congregation will identify a core group of people to support the circle members. This internal group will help with communications and coordination of ongoing education. These leaders may be in the circle as well, depending on their availability and desire.
UUPMI helps congregations become equipped to help those individuals returning from prison through education and ongoing support of circle members.
With all of that being said, becoming a part of a Solidarity Circle is great and amazing work. It is the kind of work that is well worth the preparation necessary to ensure that we are standing solidly with those who are likely to be in deep need.