N4J: Biggest Misconception

Ogden, UT

July 25, 2018

Narratives for Justice [N4J] is an initiative from the heart. In a recent project update meeting, Director Kelly Vause wanted to make sure it was recognized that way. When discussing the obstacles and roadblocks to launching N4J, first to mind was the misconception of its intent. “Sure we get turned down, but getting turned down isn’t the problem,” Kelly said. “The problem is when people tell us no because they don’t want to be involved in, or responsible for, research.” Kelly wanted to make certain that everyone participating in N4J was prepared to stress the mission of the project is real change.

“We aren’t researching anything,” Kelly continued. “Research is an academic and intellectual pursuit. It is the gathering of data to weigh a theory or hypothesis. Research is good but it is limited; it is separate from application. What we are striving to accomplish here is application. N4J is pure application.”

Kelly went on to tell the group that focus on humanity is what makes the project so powerful in application. “We are gathering real stories of real people to share,” Kelly said further, “and this sharing makes what we are doing a tool for real change.”

Kelly warned that the narratives are not intended to end up on a dusty bookshelf for would-be sociologists to reference for thesis research. “There is no value to what we are doing [with Narratives for Justice] if we can’t get these stories into the hands of people, everyday people,” Kelly explained. “The only way we will make an impact for change is to begin with awareness.” Awareness starts with the narratives reaching targeted audiences. “Even though we feel there is something for everyone in every story we release, N4J has identified the audience where the need is greatest …where potentially the most good will come from sharing.” That audience is at-risk youth.

N4J operates under a hierarchy of real world concepts. Kelly reminded the group foremost is prevention. “If we can prevent just one person from falling to a life of crime, then we have been successful.” Next on the list is rehabilitation. “Inmates who participate in Narratives [for Justice], are reclaiming their humanity by giving back; this act is by definition an act of rehabilitation.” Final of the operating hierarchy is reform. “The systematic discounting of an entire population is not in the best interest of society.”

Kelly concluded the update with a phrase deceptively simple: research is good, application is great.