Prison Programs
 Touchstones has two goals in correctional institutions: to empower the prisoners to humanize the prison environment for themselves through their own interaction and to prepare prisoners for productive lives after their release. Touchstones discussions provide a meaningful experience within the prison walls, and the skills gained through the program help reduce the rate of infractions by offering inmates constructive and nonviolent methods for managing anger, frustration, and disagreement.
Through structured and guided weekly Touchstones sessions that center around short texts from classical and contemporary works, the prisoners reflect on their own values, beliefs, and behaviors. The Touchstones process helps them to strengthen their ability to understand other peoples' values, to recognize the consequences of their actions, and to take greater responsibility for their choices. The Maryland State Parole Board includes the Touchstones’ Certificate of Completion among the considerations for an inmate’s parole. More than 1,000 prisoners have participated in Touchstones weekly sessions since the program began in Maryland state prisons in 1996.
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