Introduction
It is proposed to set up a non-profit organization for the main purpose of reducing recidivism in the US. It is of concern to all of us that recidivism has been on the increase and that almost two thirds of those leaving US prisons are being re arrested for crimes. This causes concern in the areas of safety and cost for the general population. With the setting up of this organization, it is hoped that a difference can be made first in our locality and slowly expanding to other states, by ourselves, through partnerships or as an example to others who have similar aims.
Structure
It is proposed that we have a strong organizational structure. The organization will be registered as a not for profit society. It will be headed by a board of directors comprising of representatives from the business community, justice department, law and other professionals in the field of psychology and sociology. A chairman for the society will be selected from one of the directors. Under the board, it is proposed to have four committees, namely program, fund raising, budget/finance and nomination. There will be a CEO (Executive director or President). Under this post the society will have the following managerial positions. Asst. Director for development, Asst. Finance Director, Asst. Director for Operations, Asst. Director for Planning and Marketing, Asst. Director for PR and Community Affairs and Asst. Director for HR. Staffing under each managerial department will be done as required. (Traditional Nonprofit Organizational Structure, 2004).
Bye-Laws
A detailed bye-law will be prepared at the earliest. The main aim as shown in the bye-law would be for the purpose of taking active steps for the reduction of recidivism in the country.
Funds
Raising funds will be main function of the fund raising department. But they will be assisted by all other departments and personnel in their efforts. Funds can be raised through donations and grants. It is fortunate for us that The Second Chance Act has been passed on 9th April 2008. According to the Act, grants can be made available to non-profit organizations engaged in objectives similar to our own. “This first-of-its-kind legislation will authorize various grants to government agencies and nonprofit groups to provide employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, housing, family programming, mentoring, victims support, and other services that can help reduce re-offending and violations of probation and parole.” (Second Chance Act, 2007).
Functions
Some of the specific functions of the society based on studies of other organizations and other research are given below. This is with regard to inmates who are to be released from prison.
- Teaching interpersonal skills
- Teaching about family and home. Most of them would have had no close touch with their family for quite a long time.
- Behavioral programs
- Residing in the community
- Individual counseling
- Employment training
The above functions have been selected because they have been found to be the most effective in reducing recidivism. “Effects on Recidivism rates of Most and Least Effective Types of Intervention with Institutionalized Youth (Estimated).” (Steinberg).
Providing new clothing, employment and housing to released inmates has been found to be very effective in reducing recidivism. This is because the feeling of owning something has never been in their lives and such a feeling creates a responsibility on their part. “If you have somebody else’s clothes on and you’re living in somebody else’s house, it’s easy to go back; but when you have your own possessions and you are somebody, it’s a lot harder to go back.” (Building Support Systems to Reduce Recidivism: Ms Amy Kroll, 2007).
Leadership Skills
Certain leadership skills are considered to be essential for all those associated with the society in managerial capacities. They are, broadly speaking, problem solving, decision making, delegation, communication, managing meetings, interpersonal skills.
Succession
It is inevitable that people will leave the organization for various reasons. A Succession plan should be in place so that at least key positions are never left unfilled. It is proposed that the either of the departmental heads can take the up the post of the CEO in case of vacancy. The ideal candidate among them would be selected by the board of directors. Similarly key managerial positions can be filled from qualified staff from the respective departments. In case of vacancy in the chairman’s post, one among the board of directors can be appointed with common consent.
Communication
Communication is one of the most important elements in managing an organization. An effective communication channel within departments and among departments will be set up. Communication flow from bottom to top and reverse should also exist and proper steps for the same too will be incorporated.
This initial proposal has been sent to a lot of prospective members. They have been given sufficient time to study and meeting with them will be arranged at the earliest. Soon after this, the society will be formed and registered.
References
Traditional Nonprofit Organizational Structure. (2004). Hurwit and Associates, Legal Counsel for Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Sector. 2008. Web.
Second Chance Act: President Bush to Sign Unprecedented Prisoner Reentry Legislation. (2007). Reentry Policy Council, A Project of the Justice Center, The Council of State Governments. 2008. Web.
Building Support Systems to Reduce Recidivism: Ms Amy Kroll. (2007). Civic Bulletin, No 48, 2003, MI. Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. 2008. Web.
Steinberg, Jean. Evidence Based Programming Within Residential Settings to Reduce Recidivism. North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. 2008. Web.