There are now more than two dozen Inside-Out think tanks meeting regularly around the world.
Think Tanks are groups of Inside-Out alumni (both incarcerated and non-incarcerated) and faculty who meet regularly on a voluntary basis at a correctional facility. The groups form organically, based on local interests and initiatives, and are a testament to the civic engagement, human connection, and sense of agency that Inside-Out courses inspire.
Think Tanks operate with the Inside-Out model, which facilitates learning through the building of community across social difference. Think Tanks create their own projects, which may include leadership development, re-entry programs, training Inside-Out faculty, or community workshops on topics such as restorative justice, conflict resolution, and racial inequality.
This list includes think tanks that have existed and/or still exist within the Inside-Out network.
To contact any of the Think Tanks, please send an email to Lori Pompa (lori.pompa@temple.edu).
Australia
Australia Women's Think Tank
Dame Phillis Frost Center / RMIT University – Melbourne
Australia Men's Think Tank
Marngoneet Correctional Centre / RMIT University – Melbourne
Mexico
Mexico Think Tank
Reclusorio Metropolitano / Guadalajara, Jalisco
United Kingdom
Low Newton Tanket
HM Prison – Low Newton / Durham University
Frankland Think Tank
HM Prison – Frankland / Durham University
Alabama
Restorative Justice for Alabama
Limestone Correctional Facility / University of North Alabama
Arizona
Arizona Transformation Project Think Tank
Arizona State Prison Complex – Florence / Arizona State University
California
California Think Tank
California Rehabilitation Center – Norco / Pitzer College
Georgia
Big Bang Theory Group
Floyd County Prison in Rome, GA / Berry College
Illinois
Inside-Out Visionaries / Project X / My Life Matters Project / Restoration Collaboration Project
Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill, IL / DePaul University
Law and Politics Think Tank
Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill, IL / DePaul University
Indiana
New Leaf New Life Think Tank / Monroe County Jail Think Tank / Advancing Education Think Tank
Monroe County Jail in Bloomington, IN / Indiana University – Bloomington
Louisiana
Renaissance Think Tank
Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex / Nicholls State University
Maryland
Maryland Positive Change Think Tank
Jessup Correctional Institution / Towson University
Massachusetts
Elm Street Think Tanks
Franklin County House of Correction in Greenfield, MA / Greenfield Community College (there are separate think tanks for the medium and minimum-security facilities)
Michigan
Michigan Theory Group
Macomb Correctional Facility in Macomb, MI / University of Michigan
Ohio
People for Change Think Tank
Toledo Correctional Facility / University of Toledo
The Pantheon of Critical Criminologist Think Tank (T-POCC)
Southeastern Correctional Complex-Lancaster / Ohio State University
Oregon
A.C.E. (Another Chance at Education) Think Tank
Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem, OR / University of Oregon
Pennsylvania
New Destiny Think Tank
State Correctional Institution at Albion / Gannon University – Mercyhurst University
Phoenix Think Tank (formerly Graterford Think Tank)
The State Correctional Institution at Collegeville, PA / Temple University
Tennessee
S.A.L.T. (Schools for Alternative Learning and Transformation) Think Tank
Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, TN / American Baptist College
West Virginia
United Circle 4 H.O.P.E. Think Tank
United States Penitentiary at Hazelton / West Virginia University
We Are Voices United Think Tank
Federal Correctional Institution at Hazelton – Secure Women’s Facility / West Virginia University
Hazelton Men's Think Tank
Federal Correctional Institution at Hazelton – Secure Men's Facility / West Virginia University
“Inside-Out is a way to uncage the mind. ...A process where ideas can be discussed freely is very rare for those imprisoned; therefore, Inside-Out has a liberating effect. I’ve witnessed the positive change in the thinking of many men as a direct result of their having experienced the Inside-Out course. And as people are freed of stereotypes for a richer understanding of the issues, we as a society benefit in countless ways. Often, through Inside-Out, we take a more holistic approach and connect the dots that the media purposefully ignores. A more informed public makes better decisions which creates a healthier society.”
(Inside Student)
