Calling ourselves SageWriters, in 1999, students in my creative writing class in prison began working with me on Celling America’s Soul: Torture & Transformation in Our Prisons and Why We Should Care. Our critically acclaimed first book was recommended by NPR and NAMI as "the best book in print that describes prison from most every perspective." Banned (with the book) from the prison as "dangerous", this grandmother of thirteen speaks widely about prison reform, putting a human face on prisoners and their loved ones, strengthening families and enhancing self-esteem. They feel hope with their creative, practical skills, expressed in Healing with Words. I host a weekly internet radio show, "Healing Justice" which explores positive alternatives to imprisonment. In April I’ll host a monthly multi-media event highlighting the music, art, poetry and films by the formerly incarcerated, their loved ones and their victims, an approach to social change and reducing violence through education and entertainment. With eight books published, SageWriters is now a recognized national non-profit working with volunteers, some formerly incarcerated, and funded from my social security check and a bank loan. Lifer Patrick Middleton, our Senior Editor’s Healing Our Imprisoned Minds: a People’s Guide to Hope and Freedom is being used in treatment programs around the country. I’ve been deemed "Peacekeeper of the Year", and an "Author Who Makes a Difference" and recently received the Leeway Foundation’s "Transformation Award" for women artists who use their art for social change. My photography has been in several exhibits and books. In March 2007, with a Resolution from Philadelphia City Council, I directed Justice Month, 31 days of performances, presentations and a national conference on alternatives in Philadelphia with more than 100 groups working on change. This massive community education and public safety initiative inspired other cities, like LA and Chester, PA, to do the same. In the spring of 2007, I created "Re-Entry Healing Through Writing Circles" for people coming home from prison, an issue which politicians, even the president, acknowledge is a grave one. With Leander Ellis, M.D.,(age 79) I’m working on "The Anti-Violence Diet." In this pilot project, a holistic approach to re-entry, the idea for The Global Kindness Initiative was born. Partnering with PSI, the Public Safety Initiative lifers created out of concerns about violence, courses are offered, with administrative support, inside prison in anger management, manhood issues, relationship skills and AVP, the Quaker’s Alternatives to Violence Project, which will help distribute Kindness Cards in prisons internationally. Kindness Cards, given to someone showing kindness to another, will say, "Thank you for your kindness" "Kindness is the antidote to violence" "Please have the courage to be gentle and pass this on to another kind person" Kindness Cards will be available in bulk for sale through Sagewriters, and groups in Europe and Jamaica are waiting for them. Once we get adequate funding, we’ll create a CD, "Calming for Kindness" and Kindness workbooks for various groups. We may even have Kindness Contests! Perhaps even restore some civility to our culture!