Using Our Outside Voices

What’s it about?

Using Our Outside Voices is a collaborative initiative between Second Street Second Chances, Inc. (2nd Street) and Berkshire Community College, designed to highlight the creative talents of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals in Berkshire County. This project culminated in the publication of a collection of poetry, short fiction, and other literary works, providing a much-needed platform for these individuals to express their voices and share their stories. Led by Julianna Spallholz, a Professor of English at Berkshire Community College and the faculty advisor to the college’s literary journal, Zine, the selection team included one formerly incarcerated individual and two Berkshire Community College students, to ensure the journal is inclusive and educational, offering unique perspectives and valuable editorial experience.

To further support the creative development of participants, 2nd Street offered Creative Writing Workshops.  Workshops were held at the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction, led by Liesl Schwabe, an accomplished essayist and the Coordinator of Writing Across the Curriculum at Berkshire Community College. Additional workshops were held at 2nd Street, facilitated by Peggy Kern, an author known for her impactful young adult fiction. The Writing Center at Berkshire Community College provided additional support, offering drop-in hours and resources to help refine their submissions. Authors selected for the journal were recognized with a cash award.

Using Our Outside Voices is rooted in the belief that every individual has a voice worth hearing and a story worth telling, regardless of their past. It aims to elevate the often-overlooked perspectives of those who have experienced incarceration, harnessing the transformative power of storytelling to foster empathy, understanding, and community healing. By sharing these narratives, the project seeks to dismantle barriers of prejudice and misconception, encouraging readers to connect with the raw and authentic experiences of the contributors.

Aligned with the mission of Second Street Second Chances, Inc., this initiative supports the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society by providing a creative outlet for personal growth and self-reflection. Through their writing, contributors can find purpose and healing, while the broader community gains insight into their lived realities, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive perspective. The goals of Using Our Outside Voices go beyond publishing a journal; they aim to create a bridge between individuals who have been incarcerated and the community, fostering dialogue and understanding. By listening to these voices, we can build a more empathetic and supportive society that values second chances and recognizes the inherent worth of every person.