Walls to bridges (march 6)

What is the primary goal of the "Walls to Bridges" (W2B) program?

To bring together "inside" students (incarcerated individuals) and "outside" students (university students) to build community, break down barriers, and challenge social stereotypes through collaborative learning

How does the teaching philosophy of W2B differ from "classical" education?

It uses experiential and non-hierarchical learning. Teachers are not viewed as the sole "experts"; instead, everyone is considered both a teacher and a learner.

Why are W2B classes and meetings conducted in a circular formation?

To ensure everyone has equal power and to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing through the use of talking circles

What is a "Tableau" in the context of W2B activities?

A "living model" or embodied expression where students use their bodies to creatively represent a topic, such as the feeling of isolation.

Describe the "Walking in the shoes" activity.

A small-group exercise where students read scenarios about the barriers women face upon release (e.g., losing money for the bus, lack of ID) to build empathy for the transition from prison to the community

How did the COVID-19 pandemic specifically impact incarcerated individuals?

Beyond the halting of programs like W2B, it led to mandatory isolation/quarantine, limited access to the outside world (even letters), higher rates of suicide and depression, and institutional charges for prisoners trying to make their own protective masks.