Why These Guys In Green Made Me Cry and Helped Me Think Twice!
Bernadette McClelland
Global Speaker on Disruption & Courage of Conviction | Inspiring Teams, Leaders and Associations to Drive Growth and Innovation | Leadership Coach | Author | Storyteller | Harvard MBA Coach | Justice Impacted Mentor
Yet, I'm laughing!
This was, by far, one of the most profound days of my life!
And the memories continue to revisit my thoughts and heart.
On October 31st I was invited to be a part of the phenomenal Breakthrough Program at Colorado's State Penitentiary in Ca?on City - a Level V maximum security prison and it was the site of Colorado's death row up until a few years ago.
The guys back then were held in solitary confinement (or administrative segregation) for 23 hours a day for their entire sentence. Thank goodness, times have changed.
So, for me, this day was actually an honour.
I remember back to when I was 18 and a few leaders from our Youth Club formed a cohort that ventured into the foreboding prison corridors of Auckland's penitentiary, hearing the clanging of multiple doors being locked after us, and for the purpose of speaking with the prisoners.
My husband spent time as a Youth Worker at one of Melbourne's Juvenile Justice Centres and I was once able to visit my late brother once who was incarcerated in NZ's prison system.
Clearly, walking these corridors sits comfortably with me.
And being part of the 2023 Breakthrough Entrepreneurial Program's Pitch Competition and Graduation was something that I also didn't take for granted.
And at this point I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the team at Breakthrough and quote some key words from their latest newsletter:
Every participant at Breakthrough is connected to people beyond themselves.?We show them that they don’t have to be defined by their past, and that they have the power and ability to change not only their world but others around them as well. This not only breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty and incarceration but can also shift the culture inside prison facilities to be one of acceptance and change.
And doesn't that apply to all of us?
Whilst I might have been prepared for a pitch competition, I wasn't prepared for the emotions this experience would conjure up for me, as well as the guys in green.
?? Meeting their families, that some that had not seen in over 16 years, was a privilege.
?? Dancing up to the front of the room was unexpected if not hilarious (c'mon I look like a rag doll in a washing machine, don't I?)
?? Networking over morning tea and lunch and getting to know the guys and their back stories and their hopes for the future was fascinating.
?? Supporting them in their pitch competition, even though some might never be released to realise those dreams, was inspiring.
?? Empathising with those who are incarcerated pending Innocence Project outcomes, because they are innocent, is heartbreaking.
?? Knowing that someone hasn't eaten a mushroom or a strawberry in 11 years is unforgiveable.
?? Seeing them graduate and hear their speeches highlighting how this program has changed their lives was phenomenal.
?? Realising that we are all the same, just different, was humbling!
And then these guys in green changed colour.
They donned their blue caps and gowns and for a moment we were all one.
?? There was pride.
?? There was joy.
?? There was success.
?? There was love.
We signed each other's year books and we high-fived, fist-bumped and hand hugged.
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And for a couple of us, there might have even been a slight sneaky embrace.
But like all things, it was time for goodbyes - the same way we were greeted - music pumping and an avenue of honour formed by the participants - with them changing from blue back to green!
Us into our cars and them back to their cells....
Yet there was one BIG realisation that struck me ...
The guys in green may not have freedom outside their four walls, but many are freer than those who have no walls.
With one turn of a dice, one flip of a coin, one sliding door versus another, our lives could change in a heartbeat.
So who are we to judge!
2023 has been a phenomenal year.
And I intend 2024 to be equally, if not even more phenomenal by embracing uncertainty and deliberately disrupting the way I think, act and lead.
Want to join me?
If so,
?? Follow me here on LinkedIn (if we aren't already)
?? Leverage my speaking skills to help your team or members get more from 2024 by overcoming adversity, embracing uncertainty or deliberately disrupting the status quo to achieve the results that matter the most - to you as a leader and to them!
?? Connect with Breakthrough!
Stay safe!
Be Bold, Brave and Brilliant
Bernadette!
Connecting event planners with pre-vetted and trusted speakers | Founder of Frankly Speaking Agency | Children's Books Author | Fullbright Scholar
3 个月Bernadette, I admire your leadership. Your work deeply impacts these individuals. You are a gem!
Owner at Stepping Stones Advocacy
10 个月Bernadette, being the parent of one of those guys in green, allows me the opportunity to thank you for the difference you are making in these men's lives. I so enjoyed meeting you and visiting briefly. Your energy, enthusiasm and outright love for all the humans in that room was incredible. The difference the Break Through Program has made in my guy in green is remarkable. I am so grateful for people like you who contribute so much to society. Thank you, Julie
International Keynote Speaker | 3 x Gold Medal Paralympian | Author of The FORCE Within - Expert on Overcoming Adversity and Change | Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
11 个月Wow that would have been an amazing experience. I know I went into Port Phillip Prison once with a friend who runs a soccer program and you are so right...sliding doors...one door opening differently could be us in there! Fantastic article Bernadette!
Wow, wow, wow Bernadette McClelland what a powerful and emotional experience. I can see you jumped in with both feet giving and receiving that day, which I would expect nothing less from you. Thank you for sharing and for challenging us to be free with or without walls. Many blessings to you in 2024!!!
Coaching Kitchen and Bath Designers on Sales and Presentation Methods to Gain Trust and Sell more.
11 个月This must have been an incredible experience!