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Testimonials about BayNVC's Restorative Justice WorkMy need for freedom is met because when I step in this class, I step out of prison for two hours.
--Nicholas Kohlmann, San Quentin prison inmate
Mr. Henry Edward Frank J-80928 3N13L CSP San Quentin Wednesday, June 13, 2007 A-Ho Brothers and Sisters, I am a Pomo, my Father is Rickey "Dimpy" Frank and my Grandfather is Barney Frank. I am also a Yurok, which tribe I am an enrolled member. I am writing this to you because I was asked by Mair to inform you of the benefits from Non-Violent Communications. Mair was one of my first instructors in the basic's class, at first I was a resistant, because I thought it was hippie love thy neighbor crap. As I stuck with the course, I realized that I had trust issues; I did not want to expose my feelings because I did not want to be manipulated with my emotions. However as I was walking around with this façade as being stoic, I was becoming what I was displaying and proclaiming to be. As trust was built among my peers, of all races (including Mair and Carol), the walls I have built were coming down and I was becoming more open outside of the classroom. The philosophies that I was adapting into my life was improving all my relationships with my parents, friends, coworkers, my tribal council, my incarcerators, my wife, people in general and most importantly with myself. I will warn you now that puppets will be involved to help ease you into the teachings and practices. Once you get used to that, it is a very beneficial experience. I have been involved with NVC for almost 2 years now and I look forward to coming to class. I am no longer in Mair's class; I am in the Next Step class, where you use what you have learned from the writings and exercises from Basic's in small and large groups. We do roll plays, check ins, and all other sorts of interactive exercises. I highly recommend taking this class and bringing a friend. I believe I am a better person, friend, son, brother, and husband because of the teachings of NVC. I hope you give NVC a chance and enjoy the experience. I have to go now, I don't want to be late for my NVC class. ALL MY RELATIONS, [signed] Henry Edward Frank Back to BayNVC Restorative Justice Project |