No policy should be decided by any representative without the full and direct participation of members of the group affected by that policy. Impacted people have direct experience that must be factored into policymaking, and often superb ideas about how to improve the situation.

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And yet, in the planning for a new jail, our commissioners and their hired consultants conducted no surveys, polls or direct inquiries into the experiences of those who will be most affected by the jail. 

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Building Justice in Berks is doing that research now. Our Walk With Us listening tour involves in-depth interviews with more than 100 formerly incarcerated individuals whose race, ethnicity and socioeconimic status mirrors the jail population. Interviewers likewise have been incarcerated or impacted. We are grateful for the support of numerous organizations in this endeavor, including Connections Work, Easy Does It, New Journey Community Outreach, Hope Rescue Mission, and Berks Community Action Program.