Prison Activism Now: Seventh Step

Seventh Step works to reduce recidivism through transitional services and mental fitness. Seventh Step was founded by Bill Sands, a former San Quentin prisoner, in the 1960s. The Willamette Valley chapter of Seventh Step was founded in 1973.

Their transition support includes county-specific resource packets for prisoners, assistance with parole planning, and an annual “Transitional Fair.”

Background: Seventh Step works to reduce recidivism through transitional services and mental fitness. Seventh Step was founded by Bill Sands, a former San Quentin prisoner, in the 1960s. The Willamette Valley chapter of Seventh Step was founded in 1973.

Their transition support includes county-specific resource packets for prisoners, assistance with parole planning, and an annual “Transitional Fair.” They also do more intensive support by and for members in the form of an ongoing six-month class called Pre-release Transition Enhancement Program (PTEP). The program invites DOC staff, Oregon CURE members, victim/crime survivors’ groups, and others to talk about job skills and housing options on the outside, along with other opportunities for learning and personal development. In the 2 ½ years since the class began, over 250 prisoners have gone through the class (not all have left prison yet) and there has been almost no recidivism among graduates.

As part of their service to others, Seventh Step has hosted “Victims' Impact” classes for prisoners since 1999 and also conducted fundraisers to allow the members to make a positive contribution to the community.

In 2005: During the last year Seventh Step engaged in what is quickly becoming known as a “Reciprocal Empathy Circle.” Survivors of crime come in to share their stories and talk about the impact violence has had on their lives. What is different about this “Victim Empathy Circle” from previous “Victims’ Impact” panels is that the men of Seventh Step also get to share how violence has impacted their lives. It is an attempt to recognize the circular patterns of violence and to recognize that someone in prison may also be a survivor. Seventh Step members see this as an important step in the prevention of future violence and crime.

This year, Seventh Step also held a fundraiser for the young son of an annual club visitor. The boy’s family received money to help build the child a tree-house he had asked for during his chemotherapy.

This profile originally appeared in the Fall/Winter 2005 Justice Matters.