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EVENTS

COMMUNITY EVENT

Albert Wright, PE (RET), LSIT

VP – Education Capital Toastmasters

On April 19th Capital Toastmasters, a prison club, here in 2020 not knowing what to expect except
will host a District 7 educational conference that the possibility of having to fight, hide, or worse.
envisions bringing individuals to a discussion And I was fine with this attitude…until I started
where they have been marginalized to some to meet others within OSP. Individuals who com-
extent or another…individuals that come from mitted murder, rape, armed robbery, and other
a variety of backgrounds…from all ‘walks of life.’ violent acts against others. Individuals who have
For this event, this club is putting these individ- transformed themselves to become better hu-
uals in the same room, at the same time with man beings. Individuals who are giving back to
others who typically wouldn’t ask or seek their their community in selfless acts every day. Indi-
opinions, to discuss something that affects each viduals who want to give back.
one of us in our community and society. These in-
dividuals are those who are victims of crime and During my professional career I was mentored by
those who perpetrated crime, with some having several outstanding individuals, who I will always
experience on both sides. For four hours, these be thankful to. During my time being incarcer-
individuals will sit with Legislators, Government ated several outstanding individuals mentor
Officials, Academia, and Law Enforcement to start me on how to be a human who sees others…
a conversation long overdue: How can victims as humans…and how to give back. Individuals
and offenders work together with these others to such as Cornelius Davis (Area 44 Governor) who
increase safety in our communities by decreas- paroled after 29 years, Theron Hall (President,
ing crime? The reply to this may be something Capital Toastmasters) whose sentence was com-
like this: “Who cares?” “Why does this matter?” muted from life without the possibility of parole
“This doesn’t affect me.” Or any number of other to life with the possibility of parole, and others…
thoughts running through the head of the typical some who were on Death Row and are now part
Oregonian. How do I know? Because these were of Toastmasters International.
my thoughts and the thoughts of others whom I
knew. As a professional, and an individual, I didn’t “The purpose of the club is to provide a mutually
see perpetrators of crime as humans. In fact, I supportive and positive learning environment
didn’t see them at all. The old saying comes to in which every member has the opportunity to
mind, “Out of sight, out of mind.” Or there is this develop communication and leadership skills,
one – “You did the crime, do the time.” Honestly which in turn foster self-confidence and personal
speaking, I saw offenders…criminals…as animals growth.” As a former leader within a government
that must be locked up in cages, never to return agency, I’ve witnessed individuals stepping up
to society. They’re not to be trusted. And they and living this out. So…why is this conference
won’t change. ‘A leopard never changes its spots.” necessary? It’s to bring these types of individuals
So…I thought. to the same table…to bring all participants to
the same table. This is needed to affect change,
Today, however, I find myself in a different posi- to bring about a culture where “All have a stake in
tion. I was sentenced to 30 years and entrusted healing.” I will end with this thought from Levinas,
into Oregon’s Department of Corrections (DOC) “Today’s crime is tomorrow’s virtue.”
at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP). I arrived

8 ONE COMMUNITY