Why Language Matters in the Reentry Conversation
Words Shape Outcomes How we talk about people coming home from prison is more than semantics. Language can either reinforce stigma or create space for growth. And when it comes to reentry, the stakes are high. At PEP, we choose our words carefully because we know they can influence how someone sees themselves, and how […]
PEP & the Power of Language: Redefining Identity
Language Shapes Identity The words we choose carry weight. In the context of incarceration, terms like “inmate,” “convict,” or “felon” have long been used to define individuals by their past actions, often overshadowing their humanity and potential for growth. Recognizing this, the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) has adopted person-first language, referring to individuals as “participants,” […]
