Engaging in Civic Discourse after Incarceration: P.O.W.E.R and V.O.I.C.E

• In Event: Supporting Women After Incarceration: A Pathway to Upward Mobility

Abstract

P.O.W.E.R. (Policy Organizers for Women’s Empowerment and Rights) and V.O.I.C.E. (Voters Organized for Informed Civic Engagement) are two cornerstone initiatives at College and Community Fellowship (CCF) that center civic engagement and systemic change through the lived experiences of justice-impacted women. These programs empower members to transform their narratives into tools for advocacy, education, and influence. Through storytelling, interview training, and policy education, participants learn how to engage effectively with public officials, institutions, and the broader community. CCF hosts advocacy workshops and public convenings where members meet with legislators, policymakers, and thought leaders, ensuring the voices of impacted individuals are present in decision-making spaces. These forums allow members to build confidence and speak from a place of expertise, contributing firsthand perspectives on issues such as reentry, education, and criminal legal reform. By teaching advocacy skills and creating platforms for dialogue, P.O.W.E.R. and V.O.I.C.E. help dismantle stigma, build civic agency, and drive structural transformation. This presentation will explore how these initiatives foster leadership and amplify marginalized voices to advance justice and equity for all women affected by incarceration.

Author

• Minerva Coffie, College and Community Fellowship