Open Hearts Open Minds

10/16/2026

Has a film ever changed how you see justice?

You're invited to a nationwide Zoom watch party for *A Different Kind of Justice*, a documentary from Humans First Productions on how strengthening the emotional intelligence of prison leadership can transform prisons for good. After the film, filmmaker Dara Barlin joins us for interactive group discussion — reflections, lived experiences, and practical ideas for healing, reducing trauma, and supporting families and returning citizens. Come add your voice to a safe, respectful space for listening, learning, and imagining more just communities. All are welcome.

Friday, October 23 at 5:30 PM PT on Zoom. Registration is free — sign up through Connecting 4 Justice International.
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10/16/2026

You're invited to a nationwide Zoom watch party for *A Different Kind of Justice*, a documentary from Humans First Productions on how strengthening the emotional intelligence of prison leadership can transform prisons for good. After the film, filmmaker Dara Barlin joins us for interactive group discussion — reflections, lived experiences, and practical ideas for healing, reducing trauma, and supporting families and returning citizens. Come add your voice to a safe, respectful space for listening, learning, and imagining more just communities. All are welcome.

Friday, October 23 at 5:30 PM PT on Zoom. Registration is free — sign up through Connecting 4 Justice International

10/15/2026

We are so happy to welcome Pacific University practicum student Kaydence Dyson! She'll be with Open Hearts Open Minds for a few months, and we're already finding fun things to dive into together. Looking forward to the rest of our time with her.

10/15/2026

10/13/2026

Open Hearts Open Minds brings the arts inside prison!

Stories from inside the classroom. First word on performances and film screenings. Ways to fuel the work. Our newsletter delivers it all to your inbox. Sign up through the link in our bio.

10/09/2026

Happy birthday to Momma Sharon, a truly wonderful woman with a heart that shows up for people. She writes letters of encouragement to folks who need to know someone cares, and she hasn't stopped.

Sharon, you are love in action. Happy birthday. The world is better with you in it.

10/06/2026

I wish you could sit in on this class.

Every week at Columbia River, a group of writers gathers around a table and does the bravest thing I know, they tell the truth on paper. About their childhoods. Their mistakes. The people they miss. The people they're trying to become. And they dream up entire worlds that never existed, because imagination doesn't do time.

One past participant put it like this: "I've discovered a new joy and passion. It will add to my daily life from here on out."

That's the whole thing, right there.