Concord Prison Outreach

Concord Patriots' Day Parade
2025-04-19 08:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Concord, MA, Main Street, Concord, 01742, United States
Concord250 Patriot’s Day
Join us for the Concord250 Patriot’s Day Parade, where members of the Concord Prison Outreach staff, board, and community will be marching! We hope to see you as we celebrate Patriot’s Day and Concord’s 250th anniversary together!
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 8:30am
Location: Concord, MA – Visit Concord250.org for more information about the parade and route or click here.
MORE INFO

Grow Hope Where It's Needed Most 🌱: Volunteer Info Session on Garden Programming in Prisons
2025-04-30 18:30 - 19:30 | Online Zoom Meeting
Grow Hope Where It’s Needed Most 🌱: Volunteer Info Session on Garden Programming in Prisons
Zoom Link
Date & Time:
Wednesday, April 30th, 6:30–7:30 PM
Zoom – [link here]
Concord Prison Outreach invites you to a virtual info session to explore a unique volunteer opportunity: bringing horticulture education to incarcerated individuals at MCI-Shirley, MCI-Framingham, and the BRAVE Unit at North Central Correctional Institution.
Join us on Wednesday, April 30th at 6:30 PM to learn how cultivating plants can transform lives—yours included. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply curious, this session is a great way to discover how your skills can make a lasting impact.
Led by longtime instructor and Principal Master Gardener Jean Theurkauf, alongside CPO’s Ellie DiMauro, this informal Zoom session offers a chance to ask questions, hear real experiences, and imagine what’s possible.
No commitment required—just curiosity and compassion.
Zoom Link

Concord Prison Outreach Annual Business Meeting
2025-05-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Zoom Meeting
You’re Invited to CPO’s Annual Business Meeting!
Zoom Link
Please join Concord Prison Outreach for our Annual Business Meeting on Wednesday, May 8th. This is an opportunity to hear updates on our work, celebrate our community’s impact over the past year, and look ahead to the future of our programs and partnerships.
Date:
Thursday, May 8th
Time:
7:00-8:30 pm
Link:
This meeting will be hosted virtually on Zoom. Find the link here.
We warmly invite all volunteers, donors, community partners, and supporters to attend. Your presence helps strengthen the shared mission that drives our work forward.
Zoom Link

Bringing Lives Forward: Patriots of the Concord Reformatory Prison Cemetery
2025-05-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Gerow Pavilion, 369 Commonwealth Ave, concord, 01742, United States
Bringing Lives Forward: Patriots of the Concord Reformatory Prison CemeteryEveryone Has a Story:
A Public Recognition Event
Sunday, May 18 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM (Rain or shine)

Join us in honoring the lives of veterans buried at the Concord Reformatory Prison Cemetery—men laid to rest between 1878 and 1996, whose bodies were never claimed by family, but whose stories deserve to be remembered. Many served in the Civil War and other military tours of duty. This event seeks to acknowledge their service, dignity, and humanity.
Location:
Gerow Recreation Area Pavilion
Near MCI-Concord Prison37B Commonwealth Avenue, Concord, MA
Limited parking is available by the event site. Additional parking is available near the prison and the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.
Date & Time:Sunday, May 18 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM(Rain or shine)
This program is offered by Concord Prison Outreach as part of the Freedom’s Way – Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places, objects, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Learn More >
Explore the “Naming the Unnamed Project”Contact:Sam WilliamsExecutive Director, Concord Prison Outreachsam@concordprisonoutreach.org(978) 369-1430
Help us bring their lives forward. All are welcome.

CPO @ 20th Annual Concord Ag Day
2025-09-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Concord, MA, Main Street, Concord, 01742, United States
CPO @ 20th Annual Concord Ag Day
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: On Main Street in downtown Concord (between Walden St and the Flagpole rotary)
Rain or Shine!
Come visit members of the Concord Prison Outreach (CPO) community at the 20th Annual Concord Ag Day! This once-a-year farmers’ market, organized by the Concord Agriculture Committee, celebrates local agriculture and showcases the bounty of Concord farms at the height of the growing season.
Stop by our table to learn more about CPO’s programs, upcoming events, and how you can get involved in our mission of building connection and hope for incarcerated people and their families.
Ag Day 2025 will also feature:

Concord Farmers selling fresh, local produce

The return of the Scimone Farm Speedway and Veggie Racers (sponsored by Vanderhoof Hardware)

Live music by Leonard Solomon (11 AM – 1 PM)

The Vegetable Hall of Fame – show off your most impressive or unusual homegrown veggies!

Community nonprofits sharing environmental and agricultural resources

Come celebrate local farms, community spirit, and connection, we look forward to seeing you there!

Concord Prison Outreach 4-Day Restorative Justice Training September 2025
2025-09-20 10:00 - 14:30 | West Concord Union Church, 1317 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742
Concord Prison Outreach 4-Day Restorative Justice Training
This 4-day Restorative Justice training is designed for individuals who are interested in and committed to facilitating the Restorative Justice Book Group program at one of the following facilities: MCI-Framingham, MCI-Norfolk, MCI-Shirley, Middlesex House of Correction, North Central Correctional Institution, Pondville Correctional Center, and Worcester County Jail.
Participants in the training will form a “circle” of engagement, making full attendance essential for a complete and cohesive learning experience. We kindly ask that only those able to attend all four sessions register, as full participation is crucial to both the material and group dynamics. If you are unable to commit to all four days, please consider joining us for a future training session.

Register HereTraining Overview:
What: 4-Day Restorative Justice Training
Instructor: Sam Williams, lead facilitator
Training Schedule:
Day 1: Saturday, September 20, 10:00 AM–2:30 PM
Day 2: Sunday, September 21, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Day 3: Saturday, September 27, 10:00 AM–2:30 PM
Day 4: Sunday, September 28, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Location: West Concord Union Church, 1317 Main St, Concord, MA 01742
During this comprehensive training, you will gain insights into restorative justice theories, practices, principles, trauma-informed practices, and group facilitation skills. The objective is to equip you with the necessary skills to effectively facilitate our Restorative Justice Reading Group programs.
To express your interest in participating, please register here or go to rjcpo.eventbrite.com. Spots are limited!

Petals for the Unnamed: Daffodil Planting at Concord Reformatory Cemetery
2025-09-27 12:00 - 16:00 | Concord Reformatory Cemetery, 37B Commonwealth Ave, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Petals for the Unnamed
Join us for a day of remembrance and renewal as we plant daffodils at the Concord Reformatory Cemetery to honor those laid to rest there. Together, we will bring color and beauty to this historic ground, ensuring that the lives of those buried are not forgotten.
📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025🕛 12:00 PM📍 Concord Reformatory Cemetery, 37B Commonwealth Ave, Concord, MA 01742
You can also take part by sponsoring a daffodil for $10 at donorbox.org/reformatorycemetery.
Sponsor a bouquet of daffodils All are welcome to take part in this act of community care and commemoration.

October 4 – Holiday Gift Bag Assembly Day at Congregational Church of Littleton
2025-10-04 09:30 - 15:00
For decades, Concord Prison Outreach has sponsored the Holiday Gift Bag Project, providing a bag of simple, useful gifts to each incarcerated man in Concord’s state prisons. Each bag contains toiletries, writing materials, and a greeting card—a reminder that people “outside the walls” care about them during the difficult holiday season.
This year, we’re expanding to serve five correctional facilities, including an additional 1,000 gift bags for the men at Souza Baranowski. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, October 4 at the Congregational Church of Littleton (330 King St, Littleton, MA 01460) to help assemble bags.
Volunteer Shifts:
• 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
[Sign up for a shift here]
Leaving No One Behind:
Along with volunteering, you can extend the impact of this project by sponsoring the cost of holiday gift bags. Together, we can make sure no one is left behind this holiday season. Contribute at donorbox.org/hgb.
Sponsor a Gift Bag

October 18 – Holiday Gift Bag Assembly Day at First Parish Church of Groton
2025-10-18 09:30 - 15:00 | First Parish Church of Groton, 1 Powderhouse Rd, Groton, MA, 01450, United States
For decades, Concord Prison Outreach has sponsored the Holiday Gift Bag Project, providing a bag of simple, useful gifts to each incarcerated man in Concord’s state prisons. Each bag contains toiletries, writing materials, and a greeting card—a reminder that people “outside the walls” care about them during the difficult holiday season.
This year, we’re expanding to serve five correctional facilities, including an additional 1,000 gift bags for the men at Souza Baranowski. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, October 18 at First Parish Church of Groton (1 Powderhouse Rd, Groton, MA 01450) to help assemble bags.
Leaving No One Behind:
Along with volunteering, you can extend the impact of this project by sponsoring the cost of holiday gift bags. Together, we can make sure no one is left behind this holiday season. Contribute at donorbox.org/hgb.
Sponsor a Gift Bag

Annual Community Appreciation Event: Leaving No One Behind
2025-10-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, 01742, United States
Save the Date / Annual Community Event:
Leaving No One Behind
RSVP FOR EVENT HEREJoin the CPO community for an evening of reflection, connection, and gratitude. Enjoy an inspiring keynote from Michael J. Tougias, author of The Finest Hours, who will speak on resilience and the commitment to ensuring no one is left behind. The evening will also feature an art exhibit, open museum halls, and time to gather over wine, beer, and refreshments.
📅 Wednesday, October 22, 2025🕕 6:00 – 8:00 PM📍 Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA 01742
Suggested donation: $50
donateRSVP to Jeannette at outreach@concordprisonoutreach.org
All are welcome!

October 25 – Holiday Gift Bag Assembly Day at First Parish of Sudbury
2025-10-25 09:30 - 15:00 | First Parish of Sudbury, 327 Concord Rd, Sudbury, 01776, United States
For decades, Concord Prison Outreach has sponsored the Holiday Gift Bag Project, providing a bag of simple, useful gifts to each incarcerated man in Concord’s state prisons. Each bag contains toiletries, writing materials, and a greeting card—a reminder that people “outside the walls” care about them during the difficult holiday season.
This year, we’re expanding to serve five correctional facilities, including an additional 1,000 gift bags for the men at Souza Baranowski. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, October 25 at First Parish of Sudbury (327 Concord Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776) to help assemble bags.
Leaving No One Behind:
Along with volunteering, you can extend the impact of this project by sponsoring the cost of holiday gift bags. Together, we can make sure no one is left behind this holiday season. Contribute at donorbox.org/hgb.
Sponsor a Gift Bag

Community Event Featuring Sam Williams: 5th Annual Race and Community Dialogue Series
2025-10-28 15:30 - 17:00
Event Description:We’re proud to share that our Executive Director, Sam Williams, will serve as a moderator at the 5th Annual Race and Community Dialogue Series, hosted by the Center on Crime, Race, and Justice and its Community Advisory Board.
Public Safety Meets Public Health: Examining Public Safety, Substance Use, and Mental Health in the Mass & Cass Community will bring together practitioners, service providers, policymakers, and researchers for a solutions-focused conversation addressing the complex challenges facing the Mass & Cass and Downtown Boston communities.
This important dialogue explores how public safety, substance use, and mental health intersect, and what collaborative, community-centered strategies can help create lasting change.
Speakers include:

Deputy John Brown – Zone Commander, Boston Police Department, Bureau of Field Services

Dr. Abigail Judge – Clinical & Forensic Psychologist; Co-Founder & Director, Boston HEAT; Instructor in Psychology, Harvard Medical School

Sandra Andrade – Senior Peer Advocate, Dee Kennedy Family Justice Center; Co-Director, Boston HEAT

Dr. Bisola Ojikutu – Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director, Boston Public Health Commission

Jada Y. Vaughan – PhD Student, Criminology and Justice Policy & Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Northeastern University

Moderators:

Charlene D. Luma, LICSW – Chief of Staff, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; CRJ Community Advisory Board Member

Sam Williams – Executive Director, Concord Prison Outreach; Co-Director, CRJ Community Advisory Board, Northeastern University

📅 Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025🕞 Time: 3:30 – 5:00 PM (ET)💻 Location: Virtual Event, register here
Free and open to the public! Join this meaningful conversation on the intersection of justice, health, and community well-being.

November 1 – Holiday Gift Bag Assembly Day at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton
2025-11-01 09:30 - 15:00 | First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Rd, Stow, MA, 01775, United States
For decades, Concord Prison Outreach has sponsored the Holiday Gift Bag Project, providing a bag of simple, useful gifts to each incarcerated man in Concord’s state prisons. Each bag contains toiletries, writing materials, and a greeting card—a reminder that people “outside the walls” care about them during the difficult holiday season.
This year, we’re expanding to serve five correctional facilities, including an additional 1,000 gift bags for the men at Souza Baranowski. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, November 1 at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (353 Great Rd, Stow, MA 01775) to help assemble bags.
Leaving No One Behind:
Along with volunteering, you can extend the impact of this project by sponsoring the cost of holiday gift bags. Together, we can make sure no one is left behind this holiday season. Contribute at donorbox.org/hgb.
Sponsor a Gift Bag

November 15 – Holiday Gift Bag Assembly Day at Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church
2025-11-15 09:30 - 15:00 | Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church, The Common, 9 Ayer Rd, Harvard, 01451, United States
For decades, Concord Prison Outreach has sponsored the Holiday Gift Bag Project, providing a bag of simple, useful gifts to each incarcerated man in Concord’s state prisons. Each bag contains toiletries, writing materials, and a greeting card—a reminder that people “outside the walls” care about them during the difficult holiday season.
This year, we’re expanding to serve five correctional facilities, including an additional 1,000 gift bags for the men at Souza Baranowski. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, November 15 at Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church (The Common, 9 Ayer Rd, Harvard, MA 01451) to help assemble bags.
Leaving No One Behind:
Along with volunteering, you can extend the impact of this project by sponsoring the cost of holiday gift bags. Together, we can make sure no one is left behind this holiday season. Contribute at donorbox.org/hgb.
Sponsor a Gift Bag

November 22 – Holiday Gift Bag Assembly Day at Northeastern University
2025-11-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
For decades, Concord Prison Outreach has sponsored the Holiday Gift Bag Project, providing a bag of simple, useful gifts to each incarcerated man in Concord’s state prisons. Each bag contains toiletries, writing materials, and a greeting card—a reminder that people “outside the walls” care about them during the difficult holiday season.
This year, we’re expanding to serve five correctional facilities, including an additional 1,000 gift bags for the men at Souza Baranowski. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, November 22 at Northeastern University from. 1:00-4:00pm.
Leaving No One Behind:
Along with volunteering, you can extend the impact of this project by sponsoring the cost of holiday gift bags. Together, we can make sure no one is left behind this holiday season. Contribute at donorbox.org/hgb.
Sponsor a Gift Bag

Concord Prison Outreach 2-Day Restorative Justice Training March 2026
2026-03-14 09:00 - 15:00 | West Concord Union Church, 1317 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742
Concord Prison Outreach 2-Day Restorative Justice Training
This 2-day Restorative Justice training is designed for individuals who are interested in and committed to facilitating the Restorative Justice Book Group program at one of the following facilities: MCI-Framingham, MCI-Norfolk, MCI-Shirley, Middlesex House of Correction, North Central Correctional Institution, Pondville Correctional Center, and Worcester County Jail.
Participants in the training will form a “circle” of engagement, making full attendance essential for a complete and cohesive learning experience. We kindly ask that only those able to attend both sessions register, as full participation is crucial to both the material and group dynamics. If you are unable to commit to both days, please consider joining us for a future training session.

Register HereTraining Overview:
What: 2-Day Restorative Justice Training
Instructor: Sam Williams, lead facilitator
Training Schedule:
Day 1: Saturday, March 14, 9:00-3:00 PM
Day 2: Sunday, March 28, 9:00-3:00 PM
Location: West Concord Union Church, 1317 Main St, Concord, MA 01742
During this comprehensive training, you will gain insights into restorative justice theories, practices, principles, trauma-informed practices, and group facilitation skills. The objective is to equip you with the necessary skills to effectively facilitate our Restorative Justice Reading Group programs.
To express your interest in participating, please register here or go to rjcpo.eventbrite.com. Spots are limited!

Patriots’ Day Parade: Sign up to march with us!
2026-04-20 08:00 - 13:00 | Concord, MA, Main Street, Concord, 01742, United States
We are so excited to once again be marching in the Concord Patriots’ Day Parade on April 20th, 2026! If you’d like to walk alongside our team and show your support, we’d love to have you join us.
Please fill out the sign-up form below to participate.
JOIN CPO AT THE PARADE!

Community Book Discussion Group: Until We Reckon by Danielle Sered
2026-04-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Online Zoom Meeting
Community Book Discussion Group: Until We Reckon by Danielle SeredWe’re excited to host another book discussion group on Until We Reckon by Danielle Sered. This book explores themes of violence, mass incarceration, and restorative justice. This group will meet on Fridays from 10:00-11:00 AM via Zoom. All are welcome to this open group; you do not need to be an active CPO volunteer to participate!
Full Event Schedule & Details:
Zoom Meeting Link Here
April 24: Introductory Meeting
May 8: Discussion of Chapters 1& 2
May 22: Chapters 3, 4, & 5
June 12: Chapters 6 & 7
If interested, please email:
carley@concordprisonoutreach.org
Zoom Meeting Link HereBook ReviewUntil We Reckon: Violence, Mass Incarceration, and a Road to Repair by Danielle Sered
Submitted by Alison Ruch
Sered not only tears apart the idea that mass incarceration succeeds at addressing what a victim of violence considers just – safety, accountability, and equitable application – but also exposes even deeper underlying issue: the system does aim towards the same goals as the victims in the first place. From the start, Sered convincingly offers the undeniable conclusion that until success is measured by survivor-centered ends, the system does not and cannot adequately, or even remotely, enable victims to begin the healing process.
The arguments in Until We Reckon are meticulously crafted, a seamlessly flowing mix of emotional appeals, statistics, and case studies to cement every assertion along the way. This intensively comprehensive yet easily digestible plea is a must read for anyone swept up in the intumesce of the debate over the appropriateness of mass incarceration.
Available on Amazon >
Learn more about the author >
Book Talk: Until We Reckon: Violence, Mass Incarceration, and a Road to Repair

CPO Community Picnic
2026-05-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Gerow Pavilion, 369 Commonwealth Ave, concord, 01742, United States
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details about CPO’s Community PicnicThe event begins at 1:00 PM on May 1st, located at Gerow Pavilion, along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Concord, MA. We may even get to see some blooming daffodils that CPO volunteers planted last fall at the Concord Reformatory Cemetery!
Bring your chairs/blankets and your favorite picnic food to share as we commemorate May Day.
Bring your family and friends. A free ice cream truck will be available!
Let us know you’re coming, Sign Up Below.
Sign Up For Event Here

May 2026, Continuous Education Dialogue: CPO, Are We Serving Correctly?
2026-05-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Zoom Meeting
We invite you to join Concord Prison Outreach’s
Monthly Volunteer Network DialoguesEvent Details:
Held on Zoom on the fourth Thursday of each month. *Registration is required to send out the article in advance to participants.
May’s Monthly Dialogue: Thursday, May 28
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
ZOOM REGISTRTION HEREAn engaging and reflective space designed to deepen your understanding and strengthen your impact as a volunteer. This ongoing series explores critical topics such as social and criminal justice, health and healing, trauma-informed leadership, and best practices for working with vulnerable populations in prison settings.
May’s Continuous Education Dialogue topic is: CPO “Are We Serving Correctly” (Aligning Needs with Incarceration Levels)
This dialogue explores whether current programming and services are effectively aligned with the actual needs and population levels within incarceration settings. Participants will reflect on gaps, resource distribution, and how to better match support systems with those most impacted.
Each session offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about real-time justice events, reflect, and connect with others who are committed to this work. Together, we will build the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to serve with compassion, intentionality, and effectiveness.

Interfaith Gathering: Faith Over Fear
2026-05-31 14:00 - 16:00 | First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Bringing together diverse faith communities to connect and build partnerships rooted in compassion and justice.PLEASE RSVP TO JEANNETTE:
Email: JEANNETTE@CONCORDPRISONOUTREACH.ORG
Phone: 978-369-1430
Event Details:
Hosted by First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA 01879
Sponsored by Their Racial Justice Action Group
Light refreshments will be served

Concord Prison Outreach 2-Day Restorative Justice Training June 2026
2026-06-13 10:00 - 16:30 | Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Concord Prison Outreach 2-Day Restorative Justice Training
This 2-day Restorative Justice training is designed for individuals who are interested in and committed to facilitating the Restorative Justice Book Group program at one of the following facilities: MCI-Framingham, MCI-Norfolk, MCI-Shirley, Middlesex House of Correction, North Central Correctional Institution, Pondville Correctional Center, and Worcester County Jail.
Participants in the training will form a “circle” of engagement, making full attendance essential for a complete and cohesive learning experience. We kindly ask that only those able to attend both sessions register, as full participation is crucial to both the material and group dynamics. If you are unable to commit to both days, please consider joining us for a future training session.

Register HereTraining Overview:
What: 2-Day Restorative Justice Training
Instructor: Sam Williams, lead facilitator
Training Schedule:
Day 1: Saturday, June 13, 10:00-4:30
Day 2: Sunday, June 14, 10:00-4:30
Location: Northeastern University
Address: 380 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 – Churchill Hall, Room 301
During this comprehensive training, you will gain insights into restorative justice theories, practices, principles, trauma-informed practices, and group facilitation skills. The objective is to equip you with the necessary skills to effectively facilitate our Restorative Justice Reading Group programs.
To express your interest in participating, please register here or go to cpo-rj.eventbrite.com. Spots are limited!

First Parish Democracy Fair
2026-06-13 11:00 - 14:00 | First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
A Weekend For Democracy!
Come say hello to CPO’s table at the First Parish in Concord Democracy and Freedom Fair, Saturday, June 13 11-2pm

June 2026, Continuous Education Dialogue: Hear Our Voices (MCI-Framingham) – Report 2025
2026-06-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Zoom Meeting
We invite you to join Concord Prison Outreach’s
Monthly Volunteer Network DialoguesEvent Details:
Held on Zoom on the fourth Thursday of each month. *Registration is required to send out the article in advance to participants.
June’s Monthly Dialogue: Thursday, June 25th
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
ZOOM REGISTRTION HEREAn engaging and reflective space designed to deepen your understanding and strengthen your impact as a volunteer. This ongoing series explores critical topics such as social and criminal justice, health and healing, trauma-informed leadership, and best practices for working with vulnerable populations in prison settings.
June’s Continuous Education Dialogue topic is: Hear Our Voices (MCI-Framingham) – Report 2025
This session centers the lived experiences of incarcerated women at MCI-Framingham, using the 2025 report to highlight systemic challenges and opportunities for change. The dialogue will focus on elevating often-unheard voices and translating insight into action.
Each session offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about real-time justice events, reflect, and connect with others who are committed to this work. Together, we will build the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to serve with compassion, intentionality, and effectiveness.

July 2026, Continuous Education Dialogue: Align Initiative – Massachusetts DOC Strategic Plan 2026–2031
2026-07-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Zoom Meeting
We invite you to join Concord Prison Outreach’s
Monthly Volunteer Network DialoguesEvent Details:
Held on Zoom on the fourth Thursday of each month. *Registration is required to send out the article in advance to participants.
July’s Monthly Dialogue: Thursday, July 23rd
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
ZOOM REGISTRTION HEREAn engaging and reflective space designed to deepen your understanding and strengthen your impact as a volunteer. This ongoing series explores critical topics such as social and criminal justice, health and healing, trauma-informed leadership, and best practices for working with vulnerable populations in prison settings.
July’s Continuous Education Dialogue topic is: The Align Initiative – Massachusetts DOC Strategic Plan 2026–2031
Participants will examine the Massachusetts Department of Correction’s strategic plan and its alignment with rehabilitation, public safety, and equity goals. The discussion will assess how policy intentions translate into real-world impact within facilities and communities.
Each session offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about real-time justice events, reflect, and connect with others who are committed to this work. Together, we will build the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to serve with compassion, intentionality, and effectiveness.

August 2026, Continuous Education Dialogue: Massachusetts Prison Health Care System
2026-08-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Zoom Meeting
We invite you to join Concord Prison Outreach’s
Monthly Volunteer Network DialoguesEvent Details:
Held on Zoom on the fourth Thursday of each month. *Registration is required to send out the article in advance to participants.
August’s Monthly Dialogue: Thursday, August 27th
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
ZOOM REGISTRTION HEREAn engaging and reflective space designed to deepen your understanding and strengthen your impact as a volunteer. This ongoing series explores critical topics such as social and criminal justice, health and healing, trauma-informed leadership, and best practices for working with vulnerable populations in prison settings.
August’s Continuous Education Dialogue topic is: Massachusetts Prison Health Care System
This dialogue reviews the structure and effectiveness of the Massachusetts prison health care system, with a focus on access, quality, and accountability. Participants will explore how health care delivery impacts the dignity, outcomes, and overall well-being of incarcerated individuals.
Each session offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about real-time justice events, reflect, and connect with others who are committed to this work. Together, we will build the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to serve with compassion, intentionality, and effectiveness.

September 2026, Continuous Education Dialogue: Prison Mental Health – Why Are Prisons the New Asylums in America?
2026-09-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Zoom Meeting
We invite you to join Concord Prison Outreach’s
Monthly Volunteer Network DialoguesEvent Details:
Held on Zoom on the fourth Thursday of each month. *Registration is required to send out the article in advance to participants.
September’s Monthly Dialogue: Thursday, September 24th
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
ZOOM REGISTRTION HEREAn engaging and reflective space designed to deepen your understanding and strengthen your impact as a volunteer. This ongoing series explores critical topics such as social and criminal justice, health and healing, trauma-informed leadership, and best practices for working with vulnerable populations in prison settings.
September’s Continuous Education Dialogue topic is: Prison Mental Health – Why Are Prisons the New Asylums in America?
This session examines the growing role of prisons as de facto mental health institutions and the systemic failures that have led to this reality. The dialogue will explore implications for justice, treatment, and long-term societal impact.
Each session offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about real-time justice events, reflect, and connect with others who are committed to this work. Together, we will build the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to serve with compassion, intentionality, and effectiveness.

October 2026, Continuous Education Dialogue: Family Violence - When a Family Member Commits a Serious Crime
2026-10-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Zoom Meeting
We invite you to join Concord Prison Outreach’s
Monthly Volunteer Network DialoguesEvent Details:
Held on Zoom on the fourth Thursday of each month. *Registration is required to send out the article in advance to participants.
October’s Monthly Dialogue: Thursday, October 22nd
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
ZOOM REGISTRTION HEREAn engaging and reflective space designed to deepen your understanding and strengthen your impact as a volunteer. This ongoing series explores critical topics such as social and criminal justice, health and healing, trauma-informed leadership, and best practices for working with vulnerable populations in prison settings.
October’s Continuous Education Dialogue topic is: Family Violence – When a Family Member Commits a Serious Crime
This discussion focuses on the often-overlooked impact of crime on families of those who cause harm. Participants will explore themes of grief, stigma, accountability, and pathways toward healing within affected families.
Each session offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about real-time justice events, reflect, and connect with others who are committed to this work. Together, we will build the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to serve with compassion, intentionality, and effectiveness.

November 2026, Continuous Education Dialogue: No Pills, Needles, Just Paper – Synthetic Drugs
2026-11-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Zoom Meeting
We invite you to join Concord Prison Outreach’s
Monthly Volunteer Network DialoguesEvent Details:
Held on Zoom on the fourth Thursday of each month, however, November’s Dialogue will be held on the 3rd Thursday, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. *Registration is required to send out the article in advance to participants.
November’s Monthly Dialogue: Thursday, November 19th
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
ZOOM REGISTRTION HEREAn engaging and reflective space designed to deepen your understanding and strengthen your impact as a volunteer. This ongoing series explores critical topics such as social and criminal justice, health and healing, trauma-informed leadership, and best practices for working with vulnerable populations in prison settings.
November’s Continuous Education Dialogue topic is: No Pills, Needles, Just Paper – Synthetic Drugs
This dialogue examines the rise of synthetic drugs in correctional settings, particularly paper-based substances, and their impact on safety, health, and facility operations. The session will explore prevention strategies and systemic responses to this evolving challenge.
Each session offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about real-time justice events, reflect, and connect with others who are committed to this work. Together, we will build the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to serve with compassion, intentionality, and effectiveness.
