CHANGES TO EXODUS

Since 1968 Exodus has operated under a few different names. Early on, the program was called Comprehensive Study Group, which was a think tank devoted to exploring issues facing the incarcerated. In the early seventies the name Exodus was chosen to reflect the biblical struggle of the Jews’ “exodus” from Egypt (from captivity, to the wilderness, to the promised land) as a metaphor for the prison experience and the group became known as The Exodus Cadre. Since then we have referenced Exodus Study Group, Exodus Work Group, Exodus: Lifers in Transition and for about the last three decades, simply, Exodus, or The Exodus Program. Under that name, Exodus, groups met weekly, first in Green Haven, then moved to Eastern. Exodus later expanded to Woodbourne, Shawangunk, and Fishkill.

In recent years there has been confusion between Exodus and Exodus Transitional Community. Rev Muller sought a way to alleviate the confusion. The meetings, contract, lifeline, and practical projects required an “agenda.” When that agenda is effective, new ways of thinking and new attitudes develop, the imagination is engaged and the New Man emerges. Hence, Exodus New Life Agenda.

Now, we have this website to explore. It is a growing resource, a compendium of study papers, essays, history, and media.

Live meetings were suspended at the onset of the Covid outbreak, however Gordon W. Brown, an Exodus Facilitator since 1997, re-conceived the format and continues to promote Exodus Concepts and provides study materials and study papers via email, bi-weekly, to incarcerated men in New York and New Jersey, for Exodus members who have rejoined society, and for former volunteers and friends.

EXODUS NEW LIFE AGENDA

A Program Overview

Exodus is a group that focuses on examining one’s life: past, present, and future. We hope to inspire the imagination and help members to get in touch with, and achieve, their potential. Personal growth comes from self-study, self-criticism, thoughtful and critical discussions, and the Exodus New Life Agenda Contract which requires formation of practical and relevant goals in virtually every aspect of life. These methods generally result in positive changes in thinking and lifestyle. The program also helps to define a realistic plan for a future beyond prison. There are no certificates or diplomas. Reward is achieved by engaging the imagination and discovering the “new man” who is an “intentional human being.” In Exodus progress is seen as change, making improvements, and coming to terms with one’s own life while learning to contribute to the lives of others. For decades Exodus has helped men of all religious, racial, and cultural backgrounds find their footing and begin again as life-givers. Countless Exodus members have achieved goals, great and small, that they had never before believed possible, both while still incarcerated and as returning citizens.

Note: Since onset of Covid and suspension of onsite programming we have maintained the program through the New York DOCCS Tablet Program, including members in the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

 

To receive the biweekly emails click on this link ___________________________

(above contributed by Gordon W. Brown)

Exodus New Life Agenda, aka Exodus, is not affiliated with Exodus Transitional Community