Stewardship at the intersection of environmental justice and mass incarceration.

BRAIN CARE

Strengthening Emotional and Behavioral Growth by Supporting Brain Growth 

In partnership with Earth Equity, the incarcerated people of San Quentin plan to design a weekly “Brain Care” class dedicated to promoting knowledge of brain science and brain healthy lifestyles.

A significant portion of San Quentin’s population are elderly, traumatic brain injury survivors, and/or facing the neurological harms of multiple COVID outbreaks. For many incarcerated people, authentic rehabilitative growth requires the development of new neural networks, flexibility, mindfulness, and impulse control.

The Brain Care class will empower participants to inquire into the ways sleep, hygiene, nutrition, activity, and stress-release habits impact behaviors, as well as the development of new brain tissue. Through the study of neuropsychology, neuroplasticity, and lifestyle factors accessible in a correctional setting, this class will support incarcerated individuals in finding agency and building positive Brain Care habits. Activities include lectures, assigned readings, group discussions, memory building games, and meditation. 

CURRENT

OPPORTUNITIES 

 Earth Equity is supporting the incarcerate people of San Quentin Prison who are planning the Brain Care and Diabetes Education Circle programs described here. We work to connect them with professionals who can provide important resources and, eventually, teach these programs side by side with the incarcerated volunteers.

Earth Equity is looking for health professionals who want to work with highly motivated incarcerated people at San Quentin to co-create curriculum for each program. Each of these curricula will include both peer-to-peer and Sponsor-led work. There will be weekly classes over a six-month period.

Opportunities exist for curriculum development, weekly classroom work, full sponsorship, and guest speakers. Options include one Sponsor committed to sponsoring the full six-month class, or a few Sponsors scheduled part-time to provide the necessary weekly support 

.For more Information or to volunteer, please email Earth Equity Opportunities

DIABETES EDUCATION CIRCLE

In May 2023, Earth Equity completed a successful Diabetes Justice workshop at Mt. Tamalpais College, in San Quentin Prison, which was Co-Facilitated by our Project Manager Julia Dunn.

In  the workshop students studied links between diabetes, racial injustice, and climate change. The advocacy tools and self-care knowledge participants developed through this workshop will enable them to more effectively care for themselves, their communities, and their loved ones.

 As a direct result incarcerated participants were inspired to create new permanent educational programs, including the Diabetes Education Circle. This Circle will be co-led by incarcerated students and one or more health care professionals.