Language of Freedom curriculum
The basics
Language of Freedom is a 12-chapter curriculum designed to guide incarcerated individuals through the deep internal work of preparing for release. Each chapter explores a core theme connected to successful reentry, parole readiness, and lifelong freedom. Grounded in restorative justice principles and aligned with the factors parole boards evaluate, the curriculum combines personal reflection, skill-building, and radical truth-telling.
three core pillars
radical accountability
Radical accountability is the foundation of all transformation. It goes beyond admitting guilt—it requires a clear, unflinching ownership of the harm caused, the motives behind it, and the ripple effects it created. When people are given the tools to face their actions without excuse or minimization, healing becomes possible—not just for them, but for those they’ve harmed.
narrative work
Everyone carries stories about who they are, what they’ve done, and their desire for change. Language of Freedom helps participants unpack those narratives, identify distortions, and rewrite them in ways that are truthful, responsible, and rooted in growth. This kind of narrative work allows people to reclaim their voice and reimagine a future beyond their worst mistakes. It also provides a framework for participants to prepare coherent, reflective, and meaningful parole board statements—written and verbal—that demonstrate genuine transformation. The new story isn’t just told; it’s lived.
risk awareness
Lasting change begins with understanding what drives behavior. Language of Freedom introduces participants to the core criminogenic risk factors that contribute to system involvement and supports them in identifying how these patterns show up in their own lives. When people can name their risks, they can begin to change them—transforming cycles into conscious choices. The curriculum is aligned with evidence-based parole board and institutional expectations, giving participants the language and tools to actively reduce their risk and articulate how they’ve grown. Risk awareness isn’t just informative—it’s empowering.
the chapters
Language as a tool for freedom
Freedom isn’t just physical—it’s spoken. This chapter explores how language shapes thought, identity, and possibility. Participants begin to recognize the power of the words they use and how changing their internal and external language can open the door to change.
Breaking free from shame & stigma
Shame is one of the most powerful forces keeping people stuck. This chapter confronts the weight of personal shame and societal stigma, inviting participants to tell the truth without being defined by it. Healing begins when shame is named and no longer has the final word.
The power of perspective
Perspective shapes possibility. This chapter invites participants to step outside of their own lens and explore how others might see the same story. Through exercises in empathy, reframing, and storytelling, participants begin to broaden their understanding of themselves and others.
Radical accountability
Accountability is more than an admission—it’s an awakening. Participants dig deep into their past actions and decisions, not to be crushed by them, but to confront the full weight of harm, motive, and consequence. This chapter is where excuses end and responsibility begins.
personal impact
Participants examine how their own lives have been shaped by incarceration, addiction, trauma, and broken systems. This chapter connects the dots between personal history and present identity, helping participants understand their own impact—on themselves.
future impact
Participants are asked to imagine the ripple effects of their next chapter. What kind of presence, parent, partner, or leader do they want to become? This chapter turns insight into intention, helping them articulate a forward-facing purpose.
Freedom from within
True freedom doesn’t begin at the gate—it begins with the self. This chapter challenges participants to examine what internal barriers still hold them back: fear, bitterness, shame, or unresolved trauma. Freedom must be cultivated on the inside before it can be sustained on the outside.
Self-compassion
Growth doesn’t require self-loathing—it requires self-respect. In this chapter, participants learn to extend compassion toward themselves—not as an excuse, but as a way to move forward with integrity, care, and accountability. You can hold yourself responsible and still offer yourself grace.
Building resiliency
This chapter focuses on the practical and emotional skills needed to get back up after a setback. Participants reflect on past adversity, identify their coping patterns, and develop new tools for navigating future challenges—without reverting to self-destructive behaviors.
victim impact
Crime ripples outward. This chapter centers the experience of victims, asking participants to consider who was harmed and how. Through restorative reflection—not guilt, but empathy—participants begin to understand the broader human cost of their choices.
breaking cycles
In this chapter, participants trace patterns that have been passed down, repeated, or reenacted—across families, communities, or within themselves. They begin to map what needs to stop, what needs to heal, and what legacy they want to leave behind.
freedom fluency
This final chapter brings it all together. Participants review their growth and begin practicing how to speak their story—truthfully, clearly, and with confidence. Freedom Fluency is about more than parole prep—it’s about learning to live, speak, and move in freedom.