Prison Program Philosophy - Dharma Rain Zen Center

Prison Program — Volunteers

Dharma Rain Zen Center’s prison outreach program takes meditation and Buddhist teachings to seven institutions in Oregon. In addition, we provide Dharma Friends (pen pals and/or visitors) for inmates, and also transition services for those releasing from prison, in connection with the Home for Good in Oregon (HGO) program. We are always in need of more volunteers both for going in to the institutions regularly and also for Dharma Friends.

Volunteers

Prison program volunteers may go in to a facility once or twice a month or as often as every week. We try to go in with at least two people whenever possible, and for that we need more volunteers than we currently have available. Because Dharma Rain Zen Center is responsible for volunteers, we require that people be full members, and have taken the Precepts. They also need some knowledge of our prison program.

The process of becoming a full-fledged volunteer is somewhat lengthy, beginning with a background check, followed by several (3-6) visits escorted by a certified escort. After that, a potential volunteer undergoes training sessions provided by Oregon’s Department of Corrections. They may continue to go in as an escorted visitor until they get their own identification card, at which point they no longer need to be escorted. Scheduling is worked out among the people going in to each facility.

We have a monthly prison group meeting, which often includes a volunteers check-in and support time to see share experiences and to work on any issues that may be coming up. Training in adult learning theory is given occasionally.

Dharma Friends

One of the easiest ways to participate in prison outreach is to become a Dharma Friend. This involves corresponding with an inmate of the same gender who has requested a Buddhist pen-pal. Letters are sent to Dharma Rain and either forwarded or picked up at the Center so as to ensure everyone’s safety. There are guidelines for this relationship. If it is possible and appropriate, Dharma Friends may also visit with inmates in the institution.

This relationship has often proven to be beneficial both for the inmate and for the Dharma Friend. We look for Dharma Friends especially for those releasing within a year or two, so they have someone they already know here after they get out. We also look on behalf of those who have been in prison for many years and who will continue to be in prison for many years-to-life and need someone on the outside to connect with.

Some inmates in our Buddhist groups have been practicing for several years, and many of them have taken the Precepts in prison. They are wonderful people who have some problems, much like the rest of us. In prison they are right up against their suffering, and that can be a fruitful place of practice.

HGO

We have two volunteers trained and certified in the HGO transitional services program. They are both female, and we need at least one male volunteer. This work involves both visiting inmates as they prepare for release and staying in touch with them after release to see whether they need further support. For further information about this, e-mail [ptsg at dharma-rain.org].

 

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