Volunteer Opportunities and Events

WHAT: Provides a forum for education, advocacy, and direct service of justice in our incarceration systems.

Mission of the Incarceration Justice Group

We believe, as part of a faith community, that God’s love extends to all, including individuals who are incarcerated and those returning to the community. We strive to educate ourselves and others about incarceration justice, promote an expectation of care, dignity and respect for all, and partner with other organizations to advocate for needed change.

The Incarceration Justice Group meets monthly to discuss carceral systems in our country. We write letters to DC residents imprisoned in federal facilities, host speakers and events and partner with volunteer organizations and service providers in our region. For more information, contact incarcerationjustice@stmarks.net


Upcoming Events

    August-September, Incarceration Justice Ministry Proctors Needed

    August 1 – September 30, 2026

    MIT/Georgetown Coding class at the DC Jail is operated by Brave Behind Bars https://bravebehindbars.org/. The MIT PhD students teach the class via zoom.  In order for the DC Jail to offer the class, proctors are needed (no computer knowledge necessary) to sit in on the classes, which are Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30-3:00 pm through early September.

    If any colleagues, friends, community members, interns etc. would be available to assist with proctoring, please sign up using the form below.  No minimum time requirement necessary.  Even if it is just for one class, that would be a great help (need 4 proctors per class – two on one side of the jail and two on the other). Volunteers can sign up using this link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8XvRRIVHZ-4LqJyknA_p9swFXE_W5OvU-US9NkT1TW0GNSg/viewform.

    A background check is required by the DC Jail, and will be sent to those who sign up.  It takes a few weeks to complete this and schedule individuals. Regards, Zia M. Faruqui, United States Magistrate Judge

    Contact incarcerationjustice[at]stmarks.net

    St. Mark’s Incarceration Justice Ministry and Panel of Returning Citizens

    Tue Sep 8 | 7 pm, Baxter Hall

    We will continue discussing the legal system and consequences for those with severe criminal charges. Our panelists will discuss an array of topics, including but not limited to the challenges of returning home after incarceration, the impact incarceration has had on how they navigate the world, and how we, as a community, can better support returning citizens.

    Contact for information: incarcerationjustice@stmarks.net

Selected Past Events

    Beauty Behind Bars closing reception, art walk, and panel discussion

    Sun Jul 26 | 12:30 pm in the Nave

    Art created by individuals who are or were incarcerated, who each found ways to express meaning and passion creatively

    Incarceration Justice Arts Walk

    Sun Jul 26 | 12:30p

    The Beauty Behind Bars Art Show is up now in our Nave.  The artwork was created by individuals who are or were incarcerated.  Each one found ways to express meaning and passion through creative endeavors.  On Sunday, July 26th, the last weekend of the show, we’ll host a reception, art walk and panel discussion with some of the artists who are home. 

    Rev. Sam Wells Talk on “A Church for the 21st Century”

    Thurs July 23 | New York Ave Presbyterian Church [NYAPC]

    Rev. Sam Wells, is Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. Advance registration requested.

    Free Minds Write Night

    Tue Jul 14 | 7 pm, Baxter Hall

    You’re invited to connect with incarcerated poets through a mutual exchange of creativity, inspiration, and hope.

    Join St. Mark’s Incarceration Justice Ministry and Attorney Meghan Shapiro Tuesday, June 9th, at 7:00 PM in Baxter Hall

    Tues June 9 | 7 pm in Baxter Hall

    We will continue discussing the legal system, and consequences for those with severe criminal charges, most often life sentences. Meghan Shapiro has been a trial, appellate, and habeas litigator for 17 years. …

    The Deserving Book Talk – with Liz Vartkessian

    Tues May 12 | 7pm in Baxter Hall

    Join Elizabeth Vartkessian to discuss her new book, The Deserving, and the role we all play in creating a more humane and just world. Founder and director of nonprofit mitigation team Advancing Real Change, Inc., Dr. Vartkessian works with criminal defense teams as a mitigation specialist.

    DC Dream Center Job Fair

    Thur Apr 23 | 10am-1pm | Anacostia River Church

    DC Dream Center Job Fair Nationwide Days of Second Chances job fair in Washington D.C., hosted by Anacostia River Church. 2826 Q St SE Washington, DC 20020 * Lifts up job seekers who …

    Incarceration Justice – Community Art Workshop

    Sat Apr 11 | 12-3:30 pm | Baxter Hall St Mark's

    Returned Citizen artists will demonstrate their work and lead all of us in a community art project.