Dear John,

I was once an individual who possessed an extreme sentence.

I’ve dispelled the myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings of people serving “no end in sight” sentences.

I know people are redeemable. I know people deserve second chances. And the research proves it – revealing that people mature out of crime. I know people who receive second chances can excel beyond expectation because I’m one of them.

I’ve accomplished milestones that were once a figment of my imagination when I lived in a prison cell: becoming a proud father to a beautiful baby girl, landing my first ever full time job, and becoming a registered voter.

None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for my second chance.

Being awarded a second chance has revived my hope and confidence with life. I’m ecstatic about embracing my inherent freedoms and civil liberties.

Let’s make second chances the rule rather than the exception. Let's embrace new and informative processes that help assess individuals serving extreme sentences who are ready to return home and contribute to society.

We have reached a point in America where hundreds of thousands of people are being warehoused in prisons with no meaningful opportunities for release. This must change.

This April, please use your voice and power to support second chances.