Terrell A. Blount, MPA’s Post

Join me on May 8 for the JFFLabs Youth Skills First Entrepreneurs Demo Day! I'll be joined by fellow mission-driven entrepreneurs who are empowering youth and working to eliminate barriers to quality jobs. We'll share how our solutions are driving advancement opportunities for young people by supporting skills-based talent solutions anchored in youth apprenticeship. See you there! https://lnkd.in/gZiTmKan  Heather Terenzio

It is second chance month. I will be sitting on a panel about second chances and reentry in a few minutes. Reasons I struggle with the term. What are your thoughts? What can/should we be discussing in this space? I see my job as a barrier remover not a chance giver. They aren't mine to give. Society has an obligation to all of our young people. The term "second chance" can be troubling for a few reasons: Implication of failure: The phrase "second chance" implies that the person has already failed or made a mistake, and is now being given another opportunity. This can be stigmatizing and suggest that the person is not worthy of a first chance. Paternalistic tone: The term can come across as paternalistic, with someone in a position of power or authority deciding whether someone else "deserves" a second chance. This can undermine the person's autonomy and agency. Lack of context: The term doesn't provide any context about the specific situation or why the person needs a "second chance." It can oversimplify complex issues. Potential for discrimination: The notion of "second chances" is sometimes applied unevenly, with certain groups (e.g. formerly incarcerated individuals, people with addiction issues) being denied opportunities more often than others. Implying an end to consequences: While second chances can be important, the term can also suggest that past mistakes or wrongdoing will be fully forgiven and have no further consequences, which may not always be appropriate. Overall, the term "second chance" can be problematic as it can carry implicit biases, oversimplify nuanced situations, and undermine the dignity and agency of the person being offered the chance. More thoughtful and contextual language is often preferable when discussing opportunities for rehabilitation, redemption or a fresh start.

Reflecting on a recent post by Glenn E. Martin on second chance month. How is this really played out in the US? I see companies patting themselves on the back for their initiatives yet they have other discriminatory practices in place. An example, a financial institution that people think is doing amazing second chance work but closes people credit accounts solely due to their record (nothing to do with their current finances). The employer who will hire a front line worker but will not elevate someone into a leadership role. Government agencies that proclaim it’s second chance month but have processes and systems in place that don’t actually allow opportunities for people to regain their full citizenship. There is no federal clean slate outside of a presidential pardon 🤔 Please tell me how are these actions different then any of the other months that we host events, take photos, and talk about what should be done with no direct action to actually change the laws that keep these discriminatory laws and policies in place. I know there are national and state organizations working to address this. I am speaking to all the businesses and government entities that could correct their policies so that they aren’t discriminatory. How about we start with the 13th amendment? Let’s look at the fact that taxes are collected from people, yet many have no voting rights in certain states. How about we then look to the financial institutions and other companies that deny people based on their record? There is a long list and so few are taking action. Grateful for the organizations out there like Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments and Nation Outside who are addressing these issues head on. Would love to see more state and federal organizing done. Happy Second Chance Month!

Yesterday, I came across a post applauding JP Morgan for their efforts during Second Chance Month. Additionally, I read a post by Glenn E. Martin, and it gave me pause. How can JP Morgan receive praise for supporting second chances when their actions don't fully embrace the concept? Hiring individuals with felony convictions is commendable, but it's contradictory when they turn around and close the bank accounts of those same individuals. We need to hold companies accountable for their actions and ensure that their policies truly align with the values they claim to support. It's reminiscent of the troubling notion of "good slave masters" – anyone who unjustly controls another person's life needs to be held accountable. #Secondchancemonth #SecondChances #FairChance

Drawing inspiration from the evolution of Pride Month and its various iterations thanks to presidential proclamations, I introduce the second post in my series dedicated to dismantling the "Second Chance" narrative.