PBVA-Graduation event
Donation protected
I need your help!
In July 2017, I made my first trip to Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City, California – the state’s only supermax prison. This was my first time volunteering with Defy Ventures, and I saw first-hand the power and reach of their charter: to provide second chances and opportunities for the 'Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) incarcerated at Pelican Bay.
As a result of unforeseen challenges, Defy no longer has the resources to see the current class of EITs through to their graduation. In response, I’ve teamed up with a group of passionate, dedicated volunteers to make sure that the mission of Defy is seen through to its end. In June of this year, I was one of the founding members of the Pelican Bay Volunteer Alliance (PBVA). The PBVA stepped up to ensure that the positive impact of the Defy program could be continued at Pelican Bay.
The first task of the PBVA was to plan and hold a Coaching Event weekend. This event was held July 20-22 and was an incredible success. The expected $30,000 cost of this event was paid for by returning volunteers (which included me). Volunteers all covered their own travel and lodging costs to be able to attend the event.
Plans are currently being made to hold a Pitch Competition / Graduation Event to be held December 7-9, 2018. We have set a tentative budget of $73,500 for this event and I am asking for your help and generosity to help us achieve our goal.
The Defy Ventures program coaches participants in critical life skills and business acumen to prepare them for success outside of prison. The culmination of this program is the Pitch Competition, where participants participate in a "Shark Tank"-styled contest where they pitch their business idea to a panel of judges. The winner of the Pitch Competition will be awarded a cash prize to be redeemed after his release.
Your donation will fund a graduation ceremony, including a full "cap and gown" event that for many men will represent their first time to graduate from anything. In addition, you will also be helping fund two family buses for 100 family members to travel from Southern California all the way to Crescent City (a 15 hour trip one-way). The physical isolation of the facility makes traveling there to visit their relatives a major hardship for most. For many families, seeing their son or loved one graduate is an incredibly important step in the family's journey in supporting the new life that each of these men are undertaking.
During my 5 trips to Pelican Bay, I have made some incredible friendships with three groups of EITs. In spite of residing in one of the most notorious prisons in the country, they are defying the odds to effect changes in their lives. In addition to the business education, Defy also teaches character development, social skills, and to take responsibility for their past and for their future. Reuniting with family is a vital part of the program.
I have also made some incredible friends who I've been able to serve alongside.
I appreciate your consideration in helping me serve these guys at Pelican Bay.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me.
In July 2017, I made my first trip to Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City, California – the state’s only supermax prison. This was my first time volunteering with Defy Ventures, and I saw first-hand the power and reach of their charter: to provide second chances and opportunities for the 'Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) incarcerated at Pelican Bay.
As a result of unforeseen challenges, Defy no longer has the resources to see the current class of EITs through to their graduation. In response, I’ve teamed up with a group of passionate, dedicated volunteers to make sure that the mission of Defy is seen through to its end. In June of this year, I was one of the founding members of the Pelican Bay Volunteer Alliance (PBVA). The PBVA stepped up to ensure that the positive impact of the Defy program could be continued at Pelican Bay.
The first task of the PBVA was to plan and hold a Coaching Event weekend. This event was held July 20-22 and was an incredible success. The expected $30,000 cost of this event was paid for by returning volunteers (which included me). Volunteers all covered their own travel and lodging costs to be able to attend the event.
Plans are currently being made to hold a Pitch Competition / Graduation Event to be held December 7-9, 2018. We have set a tentative budget of $73,500 for this event and I am asking for your help and generosity to help us achieve our goal.
The Defy Ventures program coaches participants in critical life skills and business acumen to prepare them for success outside of prison. The culmination of this program is the Pitch Competition, where participants participate in a "Shark Tank"-styled contest where they pitch their business idea to a panel of judges. The winner of the Pitch Competition will be awarded a cash prize to be redeemed after his release.
Your donation will fund a graduation ceremony, including a full "cap and gown" event that for many men will represent their first time to graduate from anything. In addition, you will also be helping fund two family buses for 100 family members to travel from Southern California all the way to Crescent City (a 15 hour trip one-way). The physical isolation of the facility makes traveling there to visit their relatives a major hardship for most. For many families, seeing their son or loved one graduate is an incredibly important step in the family's journey in supporting the new life that each of these men are undertaking.
During my 5 trips to Pelican Bay, I have made some incredible friendships with three groups of EITs. In spite of residing in one of the most notorious prisons in the country, they are defying the odds to effect changes in their lives. In addition to the business education, Defy also teaches character development, social skills, and to take responsibility for their past and for their future. Reuniting with family is a vital part of the program.
I have also made some incredible friends who I've been able to serve alongside.
I appreciate your consideration in helping me serve these guys at Pelican Bay.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me.
Organizer
Dennis Meek
Organizer
Richland, MS