MLA 2018: MCF-Shakopee’s Chautauqua

MCF-Shakopee’s Chautauqua: How a corrections librarian builds community using a 19th century model of engagement. Presented by Andrea Smith.

Chautauqua was a 19th-Century adult education movement and traveling entertainment that aimed at creating fellowship and spark learning. Large tents would be set up in beautiful lakeside locations and provide summer-camp style offering of classes.

Minnesota Correctional Facility- Shakopee is a women-only state prison for those serving at least 1 year. 640 women (ages 18-45) are currently housed and all are enrolled in either a school track or job track.

The goal for introducing a Chautauqua-style learning week to MCF-S was to help the women embrace learning and decrease the likelihood of recidivism.

When it came to getting prison staff on board. There was hesitation about the how. “How will this happen?” “How will we keep the women and staff safe?” However, most were on board with the idea itself. Both staff and the women saw this as a break from the usual.

There were many logistical barriers (approved materials, art supplies), but spending time with individual stakeholders, addressing concerns, and planning for a safe secure learning environment has paid off. The Chautauqua is now in its 5^th year, with each offering taking place over a one week period and offering between 40-60 program options each year.

The hope is for each participant to reconnect with their humanity and be able to re-imagine their identity as learners and community members.

Making a case to the Warden:

• Safe, secure incarceration was top priority.
• This was an opportunity to encourage positive social skills, lifelong learning, and create real connection.
• Librarian would reach out to different stakeholders individually and answer questions with understanding that this would require a cultural mind shift for many people.
• Many presenters, teachers, and artists were excited to showcase programs in areas music, history, finance, yoga, birds, sexual education, and all sorts of crafts and music. This made a stronger case that it was a worthwhile program. 

Considerations:

• Background checks on 40+ presenters takes time, plan accordingly.
• Approving materials also takes time.
• Situations beyond your control will happen. Program may not be able to take place, but remember safety comes first

Recommendations:

• Have a long promotional period. The women needed to see and hear about the Chautauqua program many times to understand and become interested in attending.
• Set a firm registration period. This is an opportunity for those interested in participating to practice planning ahead.
• Ask for help! Be specific about what is needed and give people clear tasks. 
• Hold an opening and closing ceremony with reminders to be timely, prepared/dressed, and to show gratitude to presenters and staff 
• Reaffirm that this is a safe space to try new things and the opportunity only comes once a year.
• Follow-up with the women afterward. What sparked their interests? What do they want to see next year?

--Xenia @GLCL