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P. 40
The goal is for inmates to share Changes
positivity and creativity with each The newsletter has changed
other and to be an inspiration to dramatically since the initial issue.
others. The page count has increased from
The first issue of the SMART 8 pages to 12–24 pages. The first
Way Newsletter far exceeded the anniversary issue is a whopping
expectations of the Social Service/ 35 pages! The newsletter is now in
Substance Abuse Service staff as color instead of the initial black-
well as that of jail administration. and-white so that the level of detail
Inmates who submitted items that and talent in these works can truly
were published requested extra cop- been seen and appreciated. Every
ies to send to their families. Some single issue has new contributors,
even mentioned to staff that this artists, writers, poets, and creators
was the first time in their lives they committed to this project. In addi-
had received attention for some- tion, there are also returning con-
thing that they had done right! tributors whose commitment and
level of investment in this project is
Others were delighted to see
their names in print. The participat- awe-inspiring.
ing inmates gave each other positive Another change is an unwritten,
reinforcement, creating a sense of unspoken competition for the cover
community as “artists,” encourag- of the newsletter. As the artwork
ing and supporting each other. Plus, gradually became more prevalent,
they encouraged other inmates to Ms. Ruane began featuring one of
participate. the artworks submitted on the front
38 | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 AMERICANJails
