Opportunity:

Volunteer Pardon Coach

Description

Looking for a volunteer role that will change a life?  You can help an individual, who has bettered their life after involvement in the justice system, apply for a pardon so they can move forward in their life without the burden of their record holding them back. Pardon coaches help applicants tell their stories, assisting them with writing the essay portions of the application, to submit their best possible application to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons.

*Research has shown that, nationwide, a past conviction history raises well over 40,000 barriers, including employment, education, housing, loan borrowing, professional licensing, and voting. These barriers also impact families; preventing legal guardianship, or even assisting with their children’s little league. 

 

Current Opportunity Status

Ongoing
Individual or Group
Individual
Date
Starting:Thursday, Sep 29, 2022
Minimum age required
18
Volunteer Should Provide

Volunteers should be able to listen to the applicant and help them tell their story, and assist them with writing it in essay form.

Volunteers complete an application, sign a confidentiality agreement, and receive a 1-hour training.  Once trained, volunteers meet with individual applicants at times that are agreed upon between the volunteer and applicant.  The average time with the applicant is 2-4 hours.

Agency Will Provide

BCPS provides a 1-hour training, tip sheet, and ongoing support for volunteers and applicants.  BCPS will pair the coach and applicant, providing the coach with a pre-filled application.  The volunteer and applicant will complete the final two essay sections and send the application back to BCPS for submission. 

Skills
Writing/Editing
Available to
AdultsIndividualSeniors
Interests
Adults (26-54)AdvocacyLow Income/PovertySubstance AbuseVeterans