LIFE Sentences

BLOG: 01/15/18; NEW DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

MY TERM PERIOD as President of the Veterans Group at Augusta Correctional Center ended on 12/14/18. I was elected in June/2018 during a special election but did not seek reelection for a full term year. Why? I have more pressing responsibilities related to the Veterans Housing Unit and Community. The day after I was moved into the Veterans Housing Unit, I was given the work assignment of Veterans Administrative Coordinator. My responsibilities are: assist veterans with clerical supplies and issues; advocate for privileges; help facilitate the entry of guests speakers; and oversee special projects. The last two responsibilities are what I am most passionate about.

SOME OF THE GUESTS I am trying to secure are:
* Dr. Talaya Waller, branding expert and prison reform advocate
* Dr. Howard Pickett, Washington and Lee professor and prison volunteer
* Restore Justice in Virginia, non profit that advocates for prison reform and assists ex-offenders upon release
* Hijrah House, halfway house for ex-offenders

ANY INFORMATION OR inspiration we can receive from members of society is always a very, very good thing. Whoever decides to visit, would be speaking to the members of the three specialized offender communities:
* Pre-Reentry Community, reentry-focused offenders, who are preparing for their success upon reentering society;
* Veterans Community, incarcerated veterans who are helping each other with service related issues and securing benefits;
* S.O.A.R. (Sustained Offender Abstinence and Recovery) Community, substance abusers who are overcoming their addiction while helping others do the same.

FINALLY, THE FIRST SPECIAL project is going to be a charity drive on behalf of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Richmond. In honor of January being National Mentoring Month, we will honor them for all the mentoring they do in our communities. Once this project is complete, I will let everyone know how it went. More coming soon, Inshallah.

Respectfully,

Victor Alvelais

Conscious Muslim / Veteran Advocate / Social Activist / Reformed Offender