KEY STAKEHOLDERS

 

There were 18 types of stakeholders identified by the researcher ranging from the inmate participants to TDOC Administrators to the general public. They have been grouped into nine categories (in italics below). This section will analyze the categories of stakeholders and their motivation, drivers and expectations of change.

 

BEST advisors. The initial advisors of BEST were instrumental in shaping the form of the project. The vision of Anne Weber, Bridget Riley, Emily O’Malley-Laursen and the researcher combined to help define BEST. The curriculum was shaped during the initial year after it was determined that it would not be possible to become part of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. Once the researcher became a graduate student of the Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute of Civic Leadership at Lipscomb University in October 2013, the guidance and advice of Linda Peek Schacht proved to be both prescient and invaluable. Approaching the EC in May 2014 became a defining moment for BEST, bringing both the 501(c)(3) designation (so donations to BEST were tax-deductible) and the expertise of the leadership (especially Sam Lingo and John Murdock) to the program. The mission of BEST was fully embraced and supported by Linda Peek Schacht and the EC. This support was instrumental to the success of the pilot class.

 

Inmates. First, the inmates of BEST and the non-participating inmates of Charles Bass Correctional Complex are profiled. The inmates who applied and were accepted in the program were highly motivated to succeed. They determined that they wanted to work hard to create a better life for themselves. They sought to learn as much as they could from the curriculum and speakers, often more about themselves. They had a vested interest in achieving the goals of BEST since it was all about them creating and realizing their dreams. On the other hand, non-BEST inmates who lived in close proximity to the BEST participants in Guild 8 exhibited some jealousy and there was an undercurrent of friction from time to time between the two groups. There were a few occasions of “dirty tricks” played by someone that distressed the BEST participants. That said, given the setting of being in prison, things went as smoothly as one could hope between the two groups.

 

 

Volunteers. Eighty-three volunteers played essential roles in the success of BEST. Fifteen volunteer instructors developed and delivered appropriate curriculum in order to impact the lives of the men and “add more tools” to their toolboxes. They were highly motivated because they believed in the vision and mission of BEST and wanted to help create a program that changed lives. Fourteen volunteer speakers and 18 entrepreneurs visited (some more than once since they found it so gratifying) to share their experiences and expertise, encouraging and enlightening the men about what it is like to run a business, both the good and the bad. Like the volunteer instructors, they believed in the program’s chances of making a positive impact on many lives. They were eager to share themselves and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Volunteers (and Belmont students) donated a total of 1,929 hours of their time to the program.

 

Mentors. The Nashville Entrepreneur Center Mentor Coordinator, Jeff Loucks, e-mailed the opportunity to mentor BEST participants and 9 responded to the call. Three of those were not able to work it into their schedules; six EC mentors made a total of 15 visits for a total of 38 hours of mentoring help. In addition, some of the business people served in a mentoring capacity.

 

Students. The 20 students of Belmont University course 3800 served as both instructors and mentors. They did not actually “volunteer”; enrollment in the course was prerequisite to participating in the BEST program the prison, usually on a Monday or Tuesday, for the Spring 2015 semester. They ended up spending a total of 307 hours meeting one-on-one with their EntrePartneurs as they worked together to develop realistic Launch Plans. Although they were not aware that the course would entail going to prison on a weekly basis when they enrolled, they quickly saw the value they added to the program and genuinely appreciated the opportunity to share what they learned in their business and entrepreneurship classes and applied themselves to the task. Not only did they help the men understand the business principles, they worked together to identify the information needed to make sound business decisions, discussed how to find that information, then the students conducted the research, bringing back the information to help develop the Launch Plan. Since many of the men had little to no experience with internet searches, the students shared search strategies too.

 

Tennessee Department of Correction. There were two basic types of stakeholders here: Central Office administrators and CBCX personnel. The Central Office personnel were motivated to support BEST as a program that could improve the recidivism rate and offer needed skills to the inmates. Early on, one of the top administrators shared that what he liked about the program is that it gives hope to the prisoners. This would help fulfill TDOC’s mission to increase public safety as well as save taxpayer dollars since a returning citizen who is better educated and gainfully employed is much less likely to commit a crime and return to prison. The CBCX personnel who dealt directly with BEST included Warden Stevenson Nixon, Associate Wardens for Treatment Pat Ryan/Dan Haskins/Rivers Perry, and Chaplin Dan Haskins. Many different Correctional Officers (too numerous to mention) were also supportive of the goals of BEST, facilitating the entry of the numerous guests and sharing encouraging comments. The Warden was the first CBCX employee to welcome BEST when we first met in November 2013 to explain the vision and mission of the program. All the AWTs did what they could to facilitate the installation and operation of BEST, answering questions, working with scheduling, helping obtain needed furniture and approving the curriculum, books, etc. Overall, all the TDOC employees, from top to bottom, were encouraging and helpful as the pieces of the program came together at CBCX. The researcher shall remain indebted to them all for their support.

 

Funders.  Donors to BEST have done so with the belief that they are making a difference in the lives of the participants by providing a unique opportunity to learn and change. Helping BEST participants eventually will translate into helping the community at large since they will be more likely to be gainfully employed and some will even eventually start a business. Not only have the funders contributed financially to BEST, they have given of their time and talents to the program. Insofar as that is possible to do, it will be highly recommended and encouraged that funders do actively participate in the program, meeting the participants and sharing their stories.

 

Reentry partners. The reentry partners have oriented the BEST participants to their programs, which is a mutually beneficial relationship. Our partners need to demonstrate the need for their services by serving our returning citizens and we need them to stand in the gap as returning citizens transition back into the community. Not all BEST graduates will remain in Middle Tennessee, so some of the reentry partners’ services will not be accessible to them. However, BEST will continue to build relationships throughout Tennessee to create a network of support for all the graduates, no matter where they live. In some cases, participants who chose to join the Take One program may find reentry support through that resource.

 

Others.  The friends and families of the BEST participants were enthusiastic and encouraging of BEST as they witnessed the impact of BEST on their loved one. Many of them were able to participate in the BEST Graduation on Friday April 24, 2015. For some, it was the first time they witnessed their loved one graduate from anything. They traveled from Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga and communities surrounding Nashville to join in the celebration. For some, there had been years of heartache and disappointment as a loved one cycled in and out of prison, now replaced by hope and a vision of a better life after incarceration. A few politicians have become aware of BEST and each one has expressed support for the program. They too see the possibility of a better future for returning citizens with this kind of education and support. BEST has not been fully embraced by the media at this point, largely due to the fact that it has been a pilot program and TDOC has not featured its existence prominently up to this point. All publicity about BEST must be approved by the Communications Department of TDOC. As a result, the general public is not aware of the program. However, the webpage (www.ec.co/best) has brought future instructors and guest speakers/entrepreneurs to the program via the “Get Involved” form available on that page.