Advocating for human rights within the criminal justice system

What does social innovation (SI) mean to you?

I think SI is about working together to learn and adapt to support and resolve social issues. Ultimately, I think SI should be empowering. 

What sparked your interest in social innovation and social justice work?

My interest in social justice work and SI sparked when I started going to Toronto Metropolitan. At a young age, I was introduced to the criminal justice system through the incarceration of a close family member. Growing up, I began to both learn and unlearn the realities that are the injustices within the criminal justice system. Through that experience, it became a goal of mine to confront those injustices and immerse myself into carceral spaces to support those inside.

Can you tell us a bit more about a specific problem you are hoping to solve through work in SI? 

I want to build awareness of social issues within the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system in Canada has historically been an oppressive system for the most discriminated against and marginalized persons. Through education, I hope to improve in some capacity, the social conditions inside of prisons, and improve the effectiveness of the penal system and rights of those inside so that their needs can be supported. 

How did you first get involved in SI work on and off-campus?

I first got involved in SI on-campus through my Career Boost placement at the Office of Social Innovation (OSI). Working at OSI, I was able to understand that SI isn’t reserved for just one arena, and my understanding of SI now is that it can be initiated anywhere. That is a concept that I now carry with me when I do my own work in social justice.

Through my personal experiences and my learning at Toronto Metropolitan, I decided to get involved in social justice work by volunteering at a local provincial prison when I was 18 years old, helping to facilitate weekly programs. On-campus, for two years, I was the President of the Psychology Students Association (PSA) (external link, opens in new window) . During that time, my team and I focused a lot on harm reduction, specifically in Toronto and on-campus, as well as prison reform. I also worked with the Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP) (external link, opens in new window) . With CSSDP, we've done a lot of work with harm reduction but also with prisoner's rights, which has been very rewarding.

What did you gain from working at OSI? Do you have some learnings or takeaways you’d highlight?

Before working at OSI, I found I used to place myself into a box of what I could and couldn't do. I thought that because I was a Liberal Arts student that there was no way I could do things like marketing or event planning, but now here I am doing it. I've also made a lot of connections through working with OSI; it has been especially exciting when the team will connect me with other students and community members to network with and learn from. 

Something that working at OSI has made me more aware of is how many different perspectives, identities, and actors there are within one system. Working at OSI and being a part of various programs has helped me build this understanding that yes, systems are big, and I may not understand everyone's experiences or perspectives. Therefore, it is my job to be there, listen, and learn from other folks. 

What advice would you give to a student at Toronto Metropolitan looking to get started in working in SI?

My advice would be to immerse yourself in spaces with folks that care about the same things you do.  If you want to be a changemaker, it is a good idea to surround yourself with people who want to do the same. It is also important to remember that social change takes time, so it is important to pool your resources with others and to find a mentor and ask questions. I think finding a mentor is really important. I consider the staff at OSI mentors for me, and even though they may not be inside the same space as me directly in terms of the prison system, I'm still able to discuss concerns or ask for advice and resources. 

It's also important to put yourself out there. I got my volunteer position at the prison by walking into the prison and saying, "I want to volunteer here, how do I go about it?" 

What is next for you and your work?

I'll be continuing with my volunteer work with both the prison and Elizabeth Fry Toronto (external link) . I'm also hoping to start an art program at the prison, looking at different forms of art like literature, music, and perhaps some visual art if it is allowed. In September 2020, I'll be returning to Toronto Metropolitan to pursue my MA in Criminology and Social Justice.