Yesterday’s New York Times published an article describing how a former lobbyist established several nonprofit corporations that raised pretax funds from sponsors, and then deployed those funds to the former lobbyists regular business. I was interested in the corporate structure he established because I anticipate that I will need a similar structure to reach some of the career goals I expect to achieve upon my release.
The career I’ve been preparing myself to lead when I’m free has many spokes. Part of my work will center on corporate training; part will center on publishing; part will center on speaking; and part will center on providing educational services. Most of the revenues my work generates will flow through a regular business entity, but I expect the overall plan will also require a nonprofit venture.
To that end, my friend Justin Paperny has taken the initial steps to launch The Michael G. Santos Foundation. He has organized a board of directors, hired an attorney to draft documents, written the corporate bylaws and business plan, and secured commitments for funding from other philanthropic organizations. Those funds will cover the costs associated with distributing some of the literature I’ve written to at-risk communities.
During the remaining months of my imprisonment, I will produce content that will serve as a useful resource for counselors who work with at-risk adolescents. Some of these youngsters have a curiosity about prison, and because of the lengthy sentence I’ve served they pay attention to what I have to share. My consistent message is that I regret the bad decisions I began making during a reckless adolescence, and I try to show the strategies that have helped me grow through 23 years of imprisonment.
A nonprofit entity will enable me to expand these offerings when I am free. I hope to find businesses, organizations, and individuals to sponsor this work so that I can contribute educational services to needy communities. The places that can benefit from my work most frequently lack resources to purchase such materials. Since I cannot produce them for free, I’m hoping a nonprofit entity will help raise the funds necessary to make it possible. The foundation that Justin began may serve this purpose. My understanding is that the IRS will make a decision on the foundation’s 501(C) 3 nonprofit status before summer’s end.
One of the areas in which I expect to make a contribution to society is by creating programs that will improve reentry options for those in prison. Our nation’s recidivism rates threaten the fabric of our society. To reduce those rates, administrators need to encourage more prisoners to embrace adjustment strategies that will lead to success upon release. I feel uniquely qualified to offer coursework that will help, and I’m hoping the business community will see the value in sponsoring such work.
Ran 10 miles / 4,932 miles over 554 days
200 pushups / 66,200 pushups in 2010
Saturday, 19 June 2010
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