Congratulations Robert! Tremendously exciting to hear of you becoming a VISTA and a Toastmaster! Collaborating closely with many re-entry folks over the years who've been incarcerated and are now transforming lives and communities through modeling and mentoring others, I'm continually inspired by their wisdom and heart-based leadership. Always sharing with them the power of their voice, the most inspirational words and insights come from those with lived experiences. 

And I just love the title of the program in the Humboldt jail system ~ The Hope & Resiliency Speakers Series. 

I 'passed' an FBI/NCIC [criminal record] check, to be a VISTA (now Americorps) Volunteer-my first term, while I was still 'incarcerated' [as a 'Youthful Offender"-supposedly 'No Criminal Record'].... After also joining Toastmasters International-which had just changed their by-law requirement for membership that applicants had to "be of good moral character", I learned some public speaking [and parliamentary procedure], providing 'constructive feedback [to others] skills, and impromptu speech skills, I had an opportunity to address high school student audiences-in the hopes of preventing students from ending up incarcerated...

....This story is 'Heart-warming', (especially so, with Toastmasters international headquarters being in such close proximity (Santa Ana, Calif.) ...