The Director`s Awards - Pathways to Success Foundation

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Corrections
Official Newsletter
of the Virginia
Department of
Corrections
Vol. 1, Issue 8 - October-November 2013
Editor-in-Chief Debra D. Gardner
Director’s Message
Editor Lisa E. Kinney
VADOC Honors Its Employees
Today we continue a conversation begun in March regarding The Leadership Challenge by Posner and Kouzes.
This research-based book provides a
leadership model with five practices:
inspire a shared vision; allow others to
challenge the process; enable others to
act; model the way; and encourage the
heart.
We turn today to the idea of enabling
others to act. At the VADOC, many
people are passionate about their work
and possess a great deal of ingenuity.
One of my goals as the agency’s director is to seize that passion and ingenuity
to foster a climate of interdependence.
None of us does this job independently; we are all dependent upon one another to move forward as a progressive
organization.
When we work together to create a shared vision and allow others to challenge
the process, what results is a road map. Once a road map is established, leadership
must empower staff to excel in their areas of expertise and let staff decide how best
to get the job done, while remaining available to help tackle roadblocks.
When you’ve got the right people in the right positions and they’re enabled to act,
creativity and problem-solving flourish. The agency’s new strategic plan is a road
map all of us will follow together for years to come. I encourage you to work with
your team to find your place in the plan and take ownership of the work that needs
to be done. Harold Clarke
Each year in early October, the Virginia Department of Corrections honors its employees with events
recognizing them for their excellence, professionalism and commitment in serving all Virginia. Employees received the Director’s Value Award, the Director’s Award and Employee of the Year honors.
Honorees are listed on pages 2, 4 and 6. Photo galleries for each of three major events can be found
on page 9.
READ MORE: DIRECTOR’S VALUE AWARD
READ MORE: DIRECTOR’S AWARD
READ MORE: EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR
CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTO GALLERIES
New Secretary of Public Safety Named
Effective November 1, Bryan Michael Rhode was appointed by Governor Bob McDonnell to be Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety. His predecessor, Marla Graff Decker, recently accepted an appointment to the Virginia Court of Appeals.
As a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, the Secretary of Public Safety advises the Governor, as well
as develops and implements public safety initiatives. In addition, Secretary Rhode is responsible for
eleven state agencies and the numerous boards and commissions that make up the Public Safety Secretariat. NuPath Transition Program To Help Veterans
READ MORE
On September 16, the Virginia Department of Corrections and the non-profit Pathways to Success
Foundation joined forces to open a new program to help homeless military veterans reintegrate into
society.
NuPath Transition Program is designed to provide safe, transitional housing for up to 24 months for
homeless veterans who are ex-offenders returning into society.
READ MORE
VADOC Honors Its Employees: The Director’s Value Awards
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Director’s Value Awards, Director’s Awards, and Employee of the Year Winners Honored
Each year in early October, the Virginia Department of Corrections honors its employees with events recognizing them for their excellence, professionalism and commitment in serving all Virginia. Below are the winners for the Director’s Value Awards.
Director’s Star Award
Director’s Innovation Award
The STAR award is presented to those who have contributed to the overall mission, objectives and values of
the Department.
The INNOVATION award is presented to those who produce results such as increased productivity,
efficiencies or cost savings through creativity and bright ideas that are implemented within the Department.
Shakita Bland, Unit Manager - Pocahontas State Correctional Center*
Laura Dobson, Chief, District 19 Newport News
John Owen, Building & Grounds Supervisor, Rustburg Correctional Unit 9
John Raiford, Warehouse Manager, Agribusiness
Major Margie Holcomb, Academy for Staff Development
Director’s Career Achievement Award
The CAREER ACHIEVEMENT award is presented to those who have a record of consistent achievement
over time that has significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department’s operations.
Larry Jarvis, Warden – Marion Correctional Treatment Center
Marvin Dodson, Regional Operations Manager for Institutions, Eastern Regional Office
Gary Bass, Regional Administrator, Central Regional Office*
Buck Rogers, Operations Manager – Field
Kevin Barber, Sheet Metal Supervisor – Wallens Ridge State Prison*
David Mitchell, Building & Grounds Superintendent, Indian Creek Correctional Center
Wendy Goodman, Chief, District 9 Charlottesville
Robbie Jones, Utility Plant Manager, Environmental Services
Director’s Teamwork Award
The TEAMWORK award is presented to those that consistently exhibit the qualities that make teamwork essential to the Department’s success.
D Building Staff – Wallens Ridge State Prison*
Food Services Department, Indian Creek Correctional Center
Marcus Hodges, Regional Administrator, Central Regional Office
The DOC HR Division (Atmore) – Opening of River North
Director’s Workplace Health Award
Gwynne Cunningham, Program Administrator, Re-Entry & Programs
Director’s Community Service Award
The COMMUNITY SERVICE and VOLUNTEERISM award is presented to those who volunteer on their
own time in non-profit community activities or serve as the “extra pair of hands” in Department activities.
Vickie Moran, Executive Secretary – Augusta Correctional Center
Ronald Revish, Chief, District 7 Petersburg*
Hermene Rocamora, Deputy Chief, District 29 Fairfax
Harvey Smith, Security Manager, General Services Unit
Director’s Customer Service Award
The CUSTOMER SERVICE award is presented to those who consistently provide a notable level of service
to solve customers’ problem(s); communicates effectively with customers about services, policies and procedures; and treats customers with dignity and respect.
The WORKPLACE HEALTH, WELLNESS, & SAFETY award is presented to those who promote a
safe and healthy work environment, suggest workplace improvements, and encourage healthier lifestyles.
Stephanie Coughlan, Probation and Parole Officer, District 20 Bedford*
Stephanie Lawson, Operations Manager, Indian Creek Correctional Center
Melvin Woods, Surveillance Officer, District 11 Winchester
Patsy J. Waskey, Administrative and Office Specialist, CTSU
* (asterisk) denotes statewide winner
Deborah Joyce, Employee Ombudsman – Western Regional Office
Constance Alobele, Laundry Officer, St. Brides Correctional Center
Barbara Hill, Office Services Specialist, District 21 Fredericksburg
Joyce Lehman, Personnel Assistant, Human Resources Unit
John Proctor, Food Services Director, Academy for Staff Development*
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Veterans Day Celebrations
Indian Creek, Haynesville Hold Special Events
Indian Creek Correctional Center and Haynesville Correctional Center held special ceremonies recently to recognize
the importance of Veterans Day, November 11.
Both facilities house special programs designed to help incarcerated military veterans reenter society.
The ceremonies honored all who served in the military and
recognized the importance of recovery and healing among
all veterans.
NuPath Transition Program Will Aid Homeless Veterans
On September 16, the Virginia Department of Corrections and the non-profit Pathways to Success Foundation
joined forces by opening a new program to help homeless
military veterans reintegrate into society.
Indian Creek’s event marked the first anniversary of the
November 8th 2012 opening of ICCC’s veterans dorm.
Veterans read an explanation of the purpose of Veterans
Day, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and General
Douglas MacArthur’s farewell speech.
The Haynesville event, also held on November 8, featured
guest speaker Larry Greene, a local Air Force veteran. Mr.
Green delivered an uplifting and inspiring message, discussing the importance of the United States flag.
NuPath Transition Program is designed to provide safe,
transitional housing for up to 24 months for homeless veterans who are ex-offenders returning to society.
NuPath, which is based in Petersburg, is the second program of its kind in the United States.
The effort is the brainchild of VADOC Director Harold
Clarke, Chief Corrections Officer David Robinson and
Lisa Monroe, Director of Pathways to Success Foundation.
In addition to providing transitional housing, the program will focus on the following primary objectives:
1. Provide services to assist in reintegrating VADOC
homeless veterans into transitional housing toward permanent housing.
2. Provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force.
3. Create a healing environment service delivery systems
that will address the complex problems facing VADOC
homeless veterans
4. Provide comprehensive, wrap-around and continuous
support
“Virginia has many veterans, and unfortunately, many
of them are homeless. NuPath is a special effort to reach
those who have served and now find themselves without
other options,” said Ron Revish, Chief of Probation and
Parole in Petersburg. Revish, a veteran himself, said the
NuPath program holds special meaning for him. “This
program can help a lot of people turn their lives around,”
he added.
Scenes from Indian Creek
Clockwise from the top left: Megan Skelding of Community Education Centers, (CEC), CEC Regional Vice President Steve
Tomlin CEC Regional Vice President, “Missing Man Table,” one for each branch of the service. Table close up: each item on
the table symbolized something: the table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our missing men. The tablecloth
is white -- symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty. The single red rose, displayed in a vase,
reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the[ir] loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers. The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing. A slice
of lemon is a reminder of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears
endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.
Eventually, NuPath will house as many as 100 homeless
veterans. Currently four veterans are participating in the
program.
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VADOC Honors Its Employees: The Director’s Awards
Director’s Value Awards, Director’s Awards, and Employee of the Year Winners Honored
Each year in early October, the Virginia Department of Corrections honors its employees with events recognizing them for their excellence, professionalism and commitment in serving all Virginia.
include seven categories.
Director’s Safety Award
Director’s Commitment Award
Director’s Honesty Award
The SAFETY award is presented to those who ensure that the physical and
psychological safety of the public, staff and individuals in the care of corrections are paramount and evident in all they do.
The COMMITMENT award is presented to those who consciously and
boldly contribute to the mission of the Department.
The HONESTY award is presented to those who express a compassionate
genuine voice, speaking the truth; not remaining silent when the truth is
being hidden.
Mohsin Mahmood, Corrections Officer Sr. – Cold Springs Work Center #42
Brian M. DeRosa, Probation and Parole Officer (Gang Specialist), District 31
Chesapeake*
Charles Smith, Institutional Safety Officer, Buckingham Correctional Center
Mike Williford, Department Safety Specialist, Procurement & Risk Management Unit
Director’s Ethics Award
The ETHICS award is presented to those who behave with high standards of
conduct.
Kesa Nagy, Probation and Parole Officer District 15 Roanoke
Robert M. Hawkins, Sr., Corrections Officer Sr., Indian Creek Correctional
Center*
Robinette Clark, EBP/Re-Entry Institutional Manager, Virginia Correctional
Center for Women
Tom Young, Capital Operations Manager, Architectural & Engineering
Services Unit
Director’s Learning Award
The LEARNING award is presented to those who are competent and knowledge oriented; transforming information and experience into knowledge,
skills, attitudes, and actions.
DCE Principal Mark Hutchinson, Lead Teacher Jimmy Yates – Keen Mountain Correctional Center Division of Correctional Education
Yulonda Wyche, Corrections Lt./Shift Supervisor, Greensville Correctional
Center
Sherri Perez, Probation and Parole Officer District 37 Rocky Mount
Belinda Beverley, Office Services Supervisor, District 5 Gloucester
Sonia M. Alford, Executive Secretary – Pocahontas State Correctional Center*
David P. Nagel, Probation and Parole Officer, District 25 Leesburg (Warrenton Sub-Office)
Larry Wyche, Corrections Sergeant/Special Housing Supervisor/Investigator
– St. Brides Correctional Center
Trina R. Holt, Human Resources Analyst, Human Resources*
Troy Strickland, Probation and Parole Officer, District 8 South Boston
Director’s Support Award
Rick Davis, Information Technology Manager, CTSU
The SUPPORT award is presented to those who promote with courage and
passion the Department’s cause and its employees; and performs as a team
player voicing, reinforcing, challenging, and promoting accountability.
Director’s Healing Environment Award
Doug Blevins, Corrections Lieutenant - River North Correctional Center
Tameka Williams, Corrections Captain, Sussex II State Prison
Stacy Beverly, Human Resources Officer, Coffeewood Correctional Center
Babetta H. Gee, Administrative Staff Assistant, Budget Unit;*
Keith Dawkins, Program Administration Specialist, Offender Management
Services Unit*
Western Region Dialogue Practitioner Team: Lt. Lafayette (Fate) Fleming
Red Onion State Prison; Kaye Bryant, Probation and Parole Officer District
12 Staunton; Donna Carter, Probation and Parole Officer Senior, District 22
Martinsville; Tecora Johnson, EBP Manager, Western Region; Gary Bowker,
Corrections Lieutenant, Green Rock Correctional Center; Shakita Bland,
Unit Manager Pocahontas State Correctional Center
The Entire Staff of District 33 Warsaw*
The Entire Staff of District 11, Winchester*
Jessica Lee, Program Administration Manager, Re-Entry & Programs Unit
Director’s Respect Award
The RESPECT awards is presented to those who have an appreciation of the
differences and the dignity of individuals; valuing others’ point of view, accepting people as they are – being polite, courteous, and empathetic.
Bernard W. Booker, Assistant Warden - River North Correctional Center*
Darryl Jones, Probation and Parole Officer, District 3 Portsmouth
Angela Edmonds, Executive Secretary, Lunenburg Correctional Center
Frank R. Sykes, Administrative Office Specialist, General Services Unit
* (asterisk) denotes statewide winner
Do you have a story idea for the newsletter
(or IDOC)? Please contact Win Sisson at
george.sisson@vadoc.virginia.gov or call
(804) 887-8072.
Phillip L. Lyle, Corrections Officer Sr., Nottoway Correctional Center*
Major Margie Holcomb, Trainer Supervisor, Academy for Staff Development
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Bryan Michael Rhode Named Secretary of Public Safety
Effective November 1, Bryan Michael Rhode was appointed by Governor Bob Mc- of the Pennsylvania State University, the University of Virginia School of Law, and
Donnell to be Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety. His predecessor, Marla Graff the London School of Economics.
Decker, recently accepted an appointment to the Virginia Court of Appeals.
A former Captain in the United States Marine Corps, Secretary Rhode served four
As a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, the Secretary of Public Safety advises the years on active duty as an infantry officer and deployed twice overseas. Secretary
Governor, as well as develops and implements public safety initiatives. In addition, Rhode served for nearly six years as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in
Secretary Rhode is responsible for eleven state agencies and the numerous boards Richmond, where he worked with local, state and federal agencies to investigate
and commissions that make up the Public Safety Secretariat. The responsibilities and prosecute a wide variety of crime. Prior to serving as a prosecutor, Rhode was
of the agencies include: enforcing criminal, highway safety, and alcoholic beverage an associate corporate attorney at Hunton & Williams, LLP. laws; protecting the public through confinement, treatment, and re-entry preparation of offenders; training firefighters and other first responders; coordinating the Secretary Rhode is actively engaged in the community, serving on numerous protraining and deployment of the Army and Air National Guard during disasters; fessional and community boards and organizations, including the Goochland Free
and planning and coordinating the Commonwealth’s emergency preparedness, re- Clinic, the Goochland Rotary Club, and the Marine Corps League of Richmond.
sponse, recovery, and mitigation efforts.
He was named to Style Weekly Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2007. Rhode and
Prior to this appointment, Secretary Rhode held several posts in the McDonnell his wife Lynne live in Goochland with their two sons, Andrew and Bryan, Jr.
Administration including Commissioner of the Department of Alcoholic Bever- To read more, please go to the Secretary of Public Safety’s website.
age Control and Deputy Secretary of Public Safety. Secretary Rhode is a graduate
Haynesville Correctional Center Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Haynesville Correctional Center celebrated its 20th year of existence in October, inviting former wardens George
Hinkle (1993-2001) and Daniel T. Ma-
hon (2001-2013) to return as guest
speakers for the event. During the event,
held October 1, staff remembered the
facility’s history while honoring veteran
staff members, especially
those who helped open
HCC in October 1993.
The event also honored
staffers who had passed
away. Director of Administration
Cookie
Scott served as a guest
speaker, offering words
of praise for the facility
staff.
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VADOC Honors Its Employees: Employees of the Year
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Director’s Value Awards, Director’s Awards, and Employee of the Year Winners Honored
Each year in early October, the Virginia Department of Corrections honors its employees with events recognizing them for their excellence, professionalism and commitment in serving all Virginia. Below are the Employees of the Year.
Employees of the Year (By Facility/District)
WESTERN REGION
EASTERN REGION
Matthew Stout, Corrections Officer, Coffeewood Correctional Center
James Fauber, Business Education Instructor, Augusta Correctional Center
Clara Jewell, Office Services Assistant, District 43 Tazewell
Heather Staylor, Personnel Assistant, Deep Meadow Correctional Center
Liwana Davis, Corrections Sergeant, Bland Correctional Center
Deborah Childress, Office Services Specialist, Caroline Correctional Unit 2
Larry White, Corrections Officer, Dillwyn Correctional Center
Mohsin Mahmood, Corrections Officer Sr, Cold Springs Work Center #42
Terry Lucas, Corrections Officer Sr., Deerfield Correctional Center
Ronald Gilmer, Institutional Training Lieutenant, Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women
Sarah Collins, Instructor/Trainer, Green Rock Correctional Center
Jerrell Adams, Corrections Officer, Greensville Correctional Center
Aubrey Griggs, Corrections Officer/Safety Coordinator, Halifax Correctional Unit 23
Debra Arwood, Corrections Officer Sr., Keen Mountain Correctional Center
Mark Lewis, Food Operations Director, Haynesville Correctional Center
Melvin Wiley, Corrections Officer, Lunenburg Correctional Center
Ella Davidson, Registered Nurse Coordinator, Marion Correctional Treatment Center
Maurice Davenport, Corrections Officer Sr., Haynesville Correctional Unit 17
Phillip L. Lyle, Corrections Officer Sr., Nottoway Correctional Center
Elaine Pace, Registered Nurse, Patrick Henry Correctional Unit #28
Brian Schuyler, Corrections Officer, St. Brides Correctional Center
Anish Dev, Corrections Sergeant, Powhatan Correctional Center
Shakita Bland, Unit Manager, Pocahontas State Correctional Center
Sherri Leigh, Office Services Assistant, Southampton Detention Center
James Torrence, Corrections Officer, Rustburg Correctional Unit 9
Floyd Maples, Corrections Officer Sr., Red Onion State Prison
Walter Williams, Corrections Officer Sr., Sussex I State Prison
Carolyn Crump, Recreation Supervisor, Virginia Correctional Center for Women
Elaine Cox, Fiscal Technician, River North Correctional Center
Shawn Cain, Corrections Lieutenant, Sussex II State Prison
Patricia Boone, Corrections Lieutenant, Chesterfield Women’s Detention/Diversion Center
William Gunter, Corrections Officer Sr., Wallens Ridge State Prison
Julie Chavez, Probation and Parole Officer Sr./Team Leader ISP, District 2 Norfolk
Terrill Smith, Corrections Officer Sr., Stafford Men’s Diversion Center
Crystal Lawson, Office Services Specialist, Wise Correctional Unit #18
Kelli Workman, Probation and Parole Officer, District 3 Portsmouth
Linda Belcher, Probation and Parole Officer Sr., Appalachian Men’s Detention Center
Kit Laxton, Probation and Parole Officer Sr., District 4 Accomac
Harold Butler, Jr., Corrections Officer, White Post Men’s
Diversion Center
Rob Byrd, Probation and Parole Officer Sr., Harrisonburg Men’s Diversion Center
Belinda Beverley, Office Services Supervisor, District 5 Gloucester
Kaye Bryant, Probation and Parole Officer, District 12 Staunton
Raquel Walker, Probation and Parole Officer, District 6 Suffolk
Cristianne Ottinger, Probation and Parole Officer Senior, District 13 Lynchburg
Shante Thweatt, Deputy Chief, District 7 Petersburg
Ed Long, Probation and Parole Officer, District 14 Danville
Lynn Page, Probation and Parole Officer Sr., District 19 Newport News
Sean Sweeney, Probation and Parole Officer, District 15 Roanoke
Shannon Moore, Probation and Parole Officer (Gang Specialist), District 23 Virginia Beach
Arlene Morgan, Office Services Assistant, District 16 Wytheville
Vickie McNeel, Surveillance Officer, District 30 Hampton
Rebecca L. Dupont, Probation and Parole Officer, District 10
Arlington
Jennifer Helbert, Probation and Parole Officer Sr. District 17 Abingdon
Dana Watson, Probation and Parole Officer/Pre-Sentence Report Writer, District 31 Chesapeake
Barbara Williams, Probation and Parole Officer/Mental Health Caseload, District 11 Winchester
Adam Belcher, Probation and Parole Officer, District 18 Norton
Jessica Vaughn, Probation and Parole Officer/Sex Offender Specialist, District 33 Warsaw
Henry J. Ponton, Probation and Parole Officer, District 21 Fredericksburg
Pat Forrest, Secretary Sr., District 20 Bedford
Jennifer Kittrell, Deputy Chief, District 34 Williamsburg
Mary Hardy McKay, Secretary Senior, District 24 Farmville
Michele Whitlow, Probation and Parole Officer Sr., District 22 Martinsville
Shaunda Hardy, Surveillance Officer, District 38 Emporia
Jacqueline O. Johnston, Office Services Supervisor, District 25 Leesburg
Trudy Taylor, Office Services Assistant, District 28 Radford
Ossie Purvis, Probation and Parole Officer, District 42 Franklin
Mark O’Connell, Probation and Parole Officer, District 26 Culpeper
Linda Mack, Office Services Assistant, District 37 Rocky Mount
Marilyn Hill, Contract Liaison at Lawrenceville Correctional Center, Eastern Regional Office
Karen Nicole Wilson, Probation and Parole Officer, District 27 Chesterfield
Jessica Fletcher, Probation and Parole Officer, District 9
Charlottesville
Iris Stallworth, Probation and Parole Officer, District 29 Fairfax
Vanessa K. Haskins, Office Services Specialist, Baskerville Correctional Center
Angela Kelchner, Probation and Parole Officer Sr., District 32 Henrico
David LeSueur, Unit Manager, Buckingham Correctional Center
Kimberly Settle, Probation and Parole Officer Sr., District 36 Alexandria
John Henry Smith, Corrections Lieutenant, Central Virginia Correctional Unit 13
Jane Delores Ferguson, Deputy Chief, District 41 Ashland
Western Region Employee of the Year
Central Region Employee of the Year
Deborah Joyce, Employee Ombudsman, Western Regional Office
Eastern Region Employee of the Year
Jonathan D. Thackston, Probation and Parole Officer Sr.,
District 8 South Boston
CENTRAL REGION
Karin Dewan, Surveillance Officer, District 39 Harrisonburg
Melody Hale, Office Services Assistant, District 40 Fincastle
Jennifer P. Beck, Probation and Parole Officer, District 1
Richmond
Arthur McBride, Corrections Officer Sr., Indian Creek Correctional Center
Michael Carlson, Probation and Parole Officer Sr., District 35 Manassas
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Headquarters/ASD/VCE Employee of the Year
Liz Rafferty, Project Manager, Research and Management Services Unit, Headquarters
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DIALOGIC PRACTICES
Did you know that it is impossible to have a high
quality conversation without these practices?
VOICE
without pretense
SUSPENSION
LISTENING
without certainty
without distraction
RESPECT
without violation
However good you are, if you practice you will get better…
The atmosphere within which people talk and think together is dependant on
the Dialogic Practices. Deepening the practices makes the atmosphere richer
and more conducive to thinking well together by making a stronger container.
Dialogue is a mode of talking and thinking together that...
...helps people to find a common understanding and a common purpose. The
decisions and actions that result from good dialogue make common sense to everyone
involved. Good dialogue requires a set of simple and practical skills that can easily be
learned and bettered with practice. In dialogue people express their own views, needs and
aspirations, listen to others, agree and disagree with one another, support and challenge
each other, become aware of their own assumptions and impact on others, come to
appreciate diversity and to accommodate differences in ways that may not have been
obvious at first. With the benefit of dialogue it is possible to undertake participatory
change with people rather than imposing change by doing it to people. Change of this kind
is sustainable over time because it feels right and is based on collective common sense.
Dialogue Associates Ltd:
The Pioneers of Organizational Dialogue since 1993
WHAT ARE THE DIALOGIC PRACTICES?
The Dialogic Practices are at the heart of the
Dialogue skills that are being introduced into
the Virginia Department of Corrections. They
are ethical, they are fundamental to good communication and if they are absent it is not possible to have high quality exchanges with others.
They are called Practices because the more you
practice them the better you get. The more you
understand and use the Dialogic Practices the
higher the quality of your encounters with others will be. There are only four Practices and they
reinforce one another. They are simple enough
to remember and use whilst you are talking with
others and you then notice the quality is not as
good as you would like it to be.
VOICE: The beginning of finding your voice is
to speak up. The conversation may not be going
so well because you know something that is not
being said, and if it were said it would make a difference to how people are thinking and the decisions they are making. As long as you don’t speak
up, the conversation lacks you contribution.
Once you do speak up, the practice is learning to
be more genuine and authentic in what you say.
Every person is unique and has a unique perspective which enriches the conversation when they
speak up genuinely. Some people say one thing
in the room in front of others, and then another
thing behind their backs. That gives poor information for the decisions being made, and is also
likely to offend people. So the practice of Voice is
saying what you think, feel or mean in the room,
and feeling comfortable being quoted accurately
later as having said it. Sometimes the challenge is
doing so when there are more senior people present, but more senior people do need to hear and
understand your genuine views and to take them
into account in their decisions. Things said with
respect will be listened to and will help understanding, whilst things said disrespectfully will
lead to reaction and the polorisation of views.
The practice of Voice is saying what you think
whilst respecting that others may have good
reasons for thinking differently. That creates the
greatest potential for constructive progress.
VOICE:
Level 1: Speaking up
Level 2: Saying what you think, feel & mean genuinely and respectfully
LISTENING: The first step with Listening is
hearing what other people are actually saying.
Generally speaking, people don’t participate as
well as they think they do, and are poorer listeners than they believe they are. People tend
to listen when they are interested or agree with
what is being said, but often get distracted and
thereby ignore much of what others say. What
many people don’t realise is that their listening
affects the speaker and that their lack of listening
leads the other person to be less interesting. The
more carefully you listen, the easier it is for the
other person to speak up and to be genuine and
authentic about what they are trying to say. Once
you are listening to what is said, the practice is to
try to understand what the person really means.
The tone of their voice, their choice of words, their
level of comfort or discomfort and the things they
don’t say are all helpful in understanding what is
really meant. As you listen you may helpfully access similar experiences in yourself that enrich
your understanding, empathy and compassion.
In particular, when people are in a very different
situation from your own, the practice of Listening
requires you to remember that their experience is
not your experience, and that each individual has
a unique journey through life.
LISTENING:
Level 1: Hearing what is said
Level 2: Participating with people to un-
derstand what they really mean
RESPECT: Fundamental to Respect is how you
see and respond to what is similar and what is different. Some things said by other people are similar to your own views or experiences, whilst other things said are not. Where you agree with what
is said because it resonates with your own views
then it is easy to listen and to receive what they
are saying. Where you do not agree, you have a
choice. On the one hand you can ignore that different view (which devalues the person saying it
and may be experienced by them as a violation),
or you can reject outright what was said (which
will be experienced as some level of violence).
The practice of Respect is one of learning how
to receive constructively that which is different
and that you do not immediately agree with or
even understand. It is about receiving difference
whilst not necessarily supporting or condoning
that difference. Rather than withdrawing or rejecting, this requires listening to the other person
to hear what they are saying and what they mean,
which in turn will help them to be more articulate and genuine. It requires an acceptance that
the other person, who holds different views from
yours, has a reason for holding their views which
is valid to them. Because each person is unique
and has a unique set of experiences, you may not
know what that reason is for them. Respect leads
you to receive their view (not agree with, support
or condone their different view) and creates the
conditions to discover why they hold that view.
A coherent understanding is the fruit of Respect.
Continued on Next Page
www.dialogue-associates.com
©
Dialogue Associates Ltd, 2012
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WHAT ARE THE DIALOGIC PRACTICES?
Continued from Previous Page
RESPECT:
Level 1: Being open to both similarity and difference
Level 2: Receiving different views in a way that creates coherent understanding
SUSPENSION: The first step in Suspension is following what happened. When we talk and think together with others, there is a sequence to the way things develop and to what is said and how it is
received, ignored or rejected. Things that are said lead to proposals
and explanations that in turn lead to others. Sometimes we trip ourselves or each other up, or get caught in repetitive cycles that impair
or prevent progress. Sometimes people even find themselves arguing
with one another not realising that they actually agree with each other.
Looking back on it reflectively we may realise where we went wrong.
When you suspend your view you step back to look at how you come
to hold that view. Rather than simply judging a person or a situation,
you ask yourself how you come to be forming that judgment. The
deeper practice of Suspension is the art of following what happens as
it is happening, and adding that perspective in order to free things up
and help to make progress. This requires awareness, attention, insight
and flexibility. When there is no Suspension, individuals will be absolutely certain that they are right, and that their view is how it really is.
If others don’t agree then there is an impasse. Suspension is required
to free locked horns. The practice of Suspension leads to an inquiry
into how the view (that people are certain is right) has been formed.
What have people seen, heard or read, and what assumptions have
been made? What reasoning has been used and have they jumped to
any conclusions to form the belief held? What are the implications of
acting on that strongly held view? It is this inquiry into our individual
and collective views through Suspension that enables us to be more
open-minded in the way we engage with others. The wisdom developed by the Practice of Suspension enables us to change and grow as
individuals. When people in Dialogue collectively suspend their views,
then this enables changes of collective thought and enables change and
development in the overall culture in the agency.
Cognitive Community Graduation & Treatment
Officer Pinning Ceremony
On November 1, VADOC
celebrated cognitive community graduation at the
Academy for Staff Development Western Campus in Marion. Western
Regional Administrator,
Operations George Hinkle served as guest speaker. During ceremonies 28
staff received certificates
for completing Cognitive
Community
Training.
Also, 17 officers received
pins recognizing them as
Treatment Officers.
SUSPENSION:
Level 1: Following what happened in an open-minded way
Level 2: Witnessing what happens as it happens to bring wisdom Submitted by Peter Garrett
Women’s Conference in Virginia Beach
Sussex II Holds First Cognitive Community Graduation
On October 16-17, the VADOC held a “Women
in Corrections” conference in Virginia Beach. The
conference was hosted by the Eastern Region and a
similar event in Staunton was hosted by the Western Region in July. The women’s conference is in its
second year following last year’s first-ever women’s
conference.
On October 15, Sussex II State Prison held its first
Cognitive Community Commencement Ceremony. Sussex II State Prison was recently recognized as
the first Security Level-4 Intensive Re-entry Site in
the Commonwealth. This event recognized 26 men
that are transitioning back into society from Sussex
II and have successfully participated in this reentry
environment. Chief Deputy Debra Gardner served
as the keynote speaker offering words of wisdom
and encouragement. Successful businessman and
former offender, Michael Hart, offered words of
motivation and encouragement as well. Families of
the community members as well as staff members
from Atmore, Community Corrections, and several other institutions also attended the ceremony in
support of this on-going reentry initiative.
Director Harold Clarke opened the conference, and
Chief Deputy Director Debra D. Gardner served as
the event’s keynote speaker on the first day, which
also featured a panel discussion and remarks by
Statewide Evidence Based Practices Manager Mike
Seville, who focused on humor in the workplace.
The second day’s featured speakers were Lisa K.
Thomas, a motivational speaker and author, and
Deputy Director for Administration Cookie Scott.
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Wallens Ridge Reentry Resource Fair
Motivational Interviewing
Association of State Correctional Administrators
Gives Two Scholarships in Virginia
Wallens Ridge State Prison held its 3rd Annual Reentry Resource Fair on October 8. As an institution, WRSP is dedicated to the department’s mission of providing a healing environment, ensuring
public safety, and preparing offenders for their release. This year’s Resource Fair hosted volunteers
from 20 different community agencies including:
• ARCHS • Frontier Health
• Career Readiness
• Learning & Job Placement Coach
• Child Support Enforcement
• Mountain Empire Community College
• Community Reentry Specialists
Norfolk P&P Officer Stephanie Nelson just had a feel- She left a message.
ing.
When Officer Nelson arrived to work the next day, her
During a motivational interview with a client, the cli- telephone’s message light was flashing. Her client had
ent revealed that the one-year anniversary of his son’s left a message to say that he was doing fine and that he
death was approaching. Using techniques involved in appreciated her concern.
motivational interviewing, Officer Nelson asked him
how he might cope with it all. “My whole intent was to Such interactions represent a change to the way Officer
let him know, ‘I don’t want you to relapse,’” said Nelson. Nelson approaches her job. Motivational interviewing
is just one evidence based practice (EBP) that she has
Officer Nelson noted the anniversary date in her cal- been utilizing in the last two years, and they are making a big difference, she said. “I build a trustworthy rapendar.
port with my clients. They realize they have to trust me,
Less than a year earlier, the client’s twenty-something and they have to know that I am not just a person here
son had been shot to death and the case remains open. to lock them up,” she said.
• Occupational Enterprises Inc
• Dept. of Business Assistance
• People Inc/VA Cares
• Dept. of Motor Vehicles (Gate City)
• People Inc/Veterans Assistance
• Dept. of Social Services
• Probation & Parole District #18
• Dickenson Co Behavioral Health Services
• Regional Adult Education
• Division of Education
“I could not imagine having to go through that,” she
said.
• Roanoke Reentry
To cope, Ms. Nelson’s client said he planned to work
extra and stay close to his family. He knew it was a dangerous time for his recovery, and he had no plans of
relapsing or otherwise falling into any criminal behaviors.
• Food City
• Virginia Employment Commission
In all, 63 offenders participated in the Resource Fair. “Both the community participation and offender participation was a huge success,” said Joseph Stallard, Unit Manger, B-Building. “Wallens
Ridge is committed to the many different aspects of reentry and strives to lead the way in providing
reentry services to enhance public safety.”
When the anniversary date came, Officer Nelson called
her client.
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She is enthusiastic about the positive impact of motivational interviewing. “We are trained to motivate from
the inside out and meet them where they are,” Officer
Nelson said. Little things like well-timed phone calls
can change lives, she added. “If you get to know the
client, you can really help that person and hopefully
prevent criminal behaviors, and maybe you can even
have such an impact that you can even break the cycle
that might affect the next generation.”
No answer.
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Family Reunification Efforts in Chesterfield
On September 26, District #27 sponsored
its first Family Reunification Program at the
Central Library in Chesterfield. Family Reunification brings family members together with probationers and parolees
and they learn “the story” of probation and
parole. This increases family involvement
which is critical to the successful transition of
ex-offenders back to society.
This reunification brings family members
together, informs and educates them so that
Catch VADOC in the News!
they can contribute to their loved one’s future
success.
DMV CONNECT: Collaborative effort hits major milestone in reentry success. Coverage by the
Richmond Times-Dispatch, November 5.
The program is part of the Governor’s Reentry Initiative and has been implemented by
VADOC around Virginia.
During the event, past and current probationers/parolees openly shared their stories with
the audience and provided inspiration for all
who attended. CAROLINE CORRECTIONAL CENTER: Collard
greens and cabbage help men make a new start.
Coverage by the Caroline Progress, October 31.
GREENER PASTURES: Horses, men find new
life at James River Work Center. Coverage by the
CBS 19 Charlottesville, November 8.
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Unit Heads Conference:
Leaders Discuss Tenets of FISH! at Statewide Conference
Attendees at the Unit Heads Conference in Crozier on October 21-23 heard from a
variety of speakers including Director Harold Clarke and Dr. Susan D. Williams. The
conference focused on improving attendees personal and professional lives as promoted
in the popular Fish Tales, which promotes four tenets:
1. Choose your attitude. There is always a choice about the way you do your work.
2. Play! You can be serious about your work without being too serious about yourself.
3. Be present – focused, not daydreaming.
4. Make someone’s day – engage and respect.
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Middle Managers: The Heart of the Healing Environment
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Assistant Unit Heads Conference
The Assistant Unit Heads Conference in Richmond October 28-29 focused on the importance of the agency’s middle managers, giving special
attention to team building, wellness, gang issues and operational issues.
Sam Parker, author of the best-seller 212 The Extra Degree, served as one
of several guest speakers.
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