10/13/2025
✊🏿⛓️💥⚖️💼 For My Formerly Incarcerated Professionals, Entrepreneurs & Re-entry Facilitators:
Before you say “yes” to that nonprofit or “volunteer opportunity,” take a breath and ask the right questions. Our time, energy, and experience are valuable — and when we start acting like it, they’ll have no choice but to start treating it that way.
Here’s what to ask 👇🏽
🧾 1. “What’s the budget for speakers, facilitators, or contributors?”
If there’s a budget for a fancy venue, a catered meal, or $300 tickets, there’s a budget to pay you. Ask upfront — it sets the tone for professionalism.
🚗 2. “Are travel, lodging, or prep time covered?”
If they expect you to show up, speak, or provide services, that comes with costs. Don’t absorb those expenses quietly.
🤝 3. “Who else is sponsoring or partnering on this event?”
If major players (like corporate funders) are attached, there’s money on the table. Knowing that helps you negotiate from a place of awareness.
📋 4. “What exactly are you asking me to do, and for how long?”
Define the deliverables. Is it a 15-minute panel? A 3-hour workshop? A full-day shoot? This helps you measure value and decide if it’s worth your time.
💬 5. “Will I retain ownership of my story or creative work?”
Your lived experience and creative output aren’t marketing props. If they want to record, publish, or use your content, get clarity and written consent terms.
🧠 6. “What’s the long-term relationship here?”
Is this a one-time token gig, or are they building genuine partnership? Your time should go toward people and orgs that invest in your growth, not just your trauma.
🪙 7. “If this isn’t paid, what’s the exchange of value?”
Maybe it’s a professional video reel, promo photos, a media feature, or a contract referral, but make sure there’s real value on both sides.
📚 8. “Can I get the request in writing?”
A written outline protects you, and reminds them this is a business exchange, not a favor.
🧾 9. Keep Receipts.
Track every unpaid request, name, org, date, and context. Over time, patterns will show you who’s aligned with your values and who’s just using your story for clout. (And send me that list too)
🧩 10. Remember: You are not a prop.
You are a professional with expertise earned through experience, and that deserves compensation, respect, and care.
The more of us who ask the same questions and set the same standards, the quicker we’ll force this nonprofit world to evolve from “representation” to real reciprocity.
Respectfully your sometimes friendly neighborhood legal eagle 🤓,
Chokolate Expressions
*Knowledge given by: Johnny Perez
