The Detroit tribune., 1963-10-12
GOVERNOR
RONINEY
aSaCaD DdDHsTS

In speech to the Michigan Probation Pri-
son and Parole Association outlined of the prob
lens which face professional workers in the field
rections
They know better than anyone else that their job is
not just punishment and custody They know the misery
and the confusion and the Illustration which can destroy
the potential for good and the self respect of the offender
They know that time after time they the only ones
who stand between an individual and disaster
But there is another member Of the corrections team
who also has decisive part to play though he
sometimes doesn't know he's in the game That member
is YOU. the individual citizen
1t to me that there are three ways in which
citizens assist in the rehabilitation of those who have
gone asray of the law
First of all they serve as volunteers working
alongside professionals the task of rehabitatng Of
tenders Secondly. they employers willing to
take chance the rehabiated criminal And finally
they become active informed concerned citizens
building climate of understanding support for rehab
ilitated criminals,
There many ways that citizen volunteers can help
the professionals in their job of rehabilitation There are
probably more than 100 and in our state who
take time out from their personal activities to meet in
weekly social education sessions with inmates of correc
tional institutions
By their very presence inside the walls of penal In
uton these volunteers demonstrating that the COM
munity outside does about what happens to the men
who inside
Not everybody, of course lives close enough to
Pena institution 100 participate In this kind of volunteer
program.
But many of you who read this are in q position to
employ the rehabitated criminal or to encourage employ
crs to hire him.
When an offender is placed on probation or when he
IS released on parole he has to job Not only does
ne need the money that e working he needs the
sense OF stability and confidence which honest work affords
But unless some employer is willing to give him a
chance all the rehabitaye services which government
possibly provide will miss the mark
Not long ago received the following letter from
former prisoner:
Sir:
Please consider my letter of request | am an ex
prisoner who was released from prison without Job and
no place TO 1--we have begged and did everything possible
10 keep myself in the right road Sir there are many
prisoners who are doing likewise But the handicap is so
severe Tor u.s. Sir you understand the great strain
one must be under whenever he is denied of the lob or
chance because of something that happen in the past
Slr' there are many men such as me who walking the
streets day and night seeking employment to no avail
ihey don't want to commit any crimes against society
but why can't there be type work set up for us?
individual citizens help the professionals by Great
ing community environment sympathetic to the plight
Oh iome prisoners such the who wrote that letter
II we don't get back to the fundamental principles on
whch our country was founded personal responsibility
ana love OF our neghbo shall lose the last best hope
Of earth "@'' '@''