Onesimus Workbook

A PPENDIX • 41

A PPENDIX 1 TUMI Curriculum and Criminogenic Factors

TUMI’s Capstone Curriculum (seminary training) and Fight the Good Fight of Faith (introduction to Christian faith), both address the factors that contribute to recidivism: Beliefs: Thinking errors that affect how prisoners interpret and process information such as entitlement, self-justification, blaming others, unrealistic perceptions of reality, taking on a “victim stance” (for example, “the system is out to get me”), misinterpretation of harmless remarks as threats (“he disrespected me”), confusing wants with needs. TUMI Curriculum: Helping prisoners to think biblically through study, discussion, reading, writing, memorizing. They receive new information to help them start thinking differently. This results in genuine sorrow for their crimes and a desire for restitution. Peers: Associating primarily with friends involved in criminal behavior puts one at high risk of sharing in that behavior. Over time, the incarcerated person loses contact with “prosocial” people, and then has no social support network to help reinforce appropriate behaviors. Choice of companions may actually be the greatest predictor of criminal behavior. Personality: Habits of deceit, irresponsibility, aggression, violence, or impulsiveness; failure to conform to social norms and laws; reckless disregard for others’ safety; little remorse for their mistreatment of others; substance abuse. TUMI Curriculum: Students observe each other’s behaviors 24/7 and hold them to account. TUMI students are leaders and must to demonstrate a higher standard of behavior. Also, the modeling of volunteers’ Christian lives is a powerful influence for prisoners. This results in a new respect for authority and desire to conform with rules of civilian behavior. TUMI Curriculum: Forming cohort learning groups where prisoners learn and process together in Christian community.