Ok, I just got back from the PACT conference, or at least the last little bit that I saw of it... :p Yes, it seems I am living up to my "LATE" reputation.. Didn't get there until 2:30'ish I believe but I saw the best part... PTO'ers... :)

I'll leave all the real news and pictures up to MLK and the others... (Though she better leave out some of the pics :p)

I am going to blackmail her to make sure she post alllll the pics David........:D

We were talking about that the other day, I am glad you haven't disappointed us and started being on time...........LOL

softie

Well everyone I will tell you I have truley enjoyed this weekend. I wanted
to thank all of you who came along. I truely had a wonderful time! ;)

I will post a summory of the "events" soon. I will tell you this though. It seems like the theme of the day when we asked questions it was either "I don't know" or "we will check into that".

As soon as I can get the pics together I will get them posted.
Oh and yes David I have been blackmailed bye Softie to post "all the pics" :cool:

I will only tell you that I had no choice!;)

Just wanted to say that I enjoyed getting together with all the PTO'ers! We WERE noticed. As far as the conference is concerned....................... It was not as thorough as last year. They left out 2 very important topics of Discussion this year--FOOD Service and Parole!!! So this year, I visited more booths then last year.

TDCJ is at Capacity
They are working on a link on TDCJ for programs for children of inmates.ie (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
They are also focusing on stopping Prison Rape (uh.... you take away there pics and Playboy and uh yeah.... thats gonna be a problem)
They new correspondence rules were thouroughly explained. They had a diagram of HOW TO ADDRESS A LETTER LOL I found this women to be extrememly sarcastic and she contradicted her self by saying that the reason that they cannot draw on enveloped is that it makes it hard for the postal service because they cannot run it through the scanners so they have to sort it manually. When the question came up of why we were able to send drawn on envelopes in but they could not go out and wouldnt this be singling out a group (inmates) by the postmaster she responded by saying that it was TDCJ mailrooms that were having the problem not the postmaster. Hmmmmmm.

The San Antonio Current is doing an article on families of inmates. Look out for that article. They do have a website.

Many people came up inquiring about our Tshirts and writing down the webh address.

I asked about the food and they are not issuing sack lunches. I saw the 2005 menu guide and it was basically the same as last year.

As I think of more I will post

MLK--- post that picture LOL

You know they cut out the 2 most important parts of this conference - which upset a few of us. they cut out Food Service, and they cut our Parole. That was not apart of the conference itself, but they had a booth out in the exhibit hall...

-It kills me that they can spend approx $2.25 on a slide to show us how to properly address and envelope (Like I give a hoot how they want me or the inmate to do it) that money could go to something more valueable... (maybe an employee that cares) and isnt a sarcastic witch . It was quite humerous - they cut off the woman whom was shooting their "story down" by telling her that "we dont have time to answer anymore questions" that is what they usually do when they are proven wrong. As sonnysgirl stated - The spokeswitch for the Mail issues contradicted herself in her presentation. she First blamed the postmaster for the changes in the policy for how the inmate may address the envelope - then she turned around and said the Mailroom - so much hot air happening....

- They did hit on several good points though (ok 1 topic) and that is the programs that they are doing for Children of incarcerated men/women. they have several wonderful things out of the women's correctional facilities, like Taping the inmate reading childrens books so that the inmate can send it to their families. they are working on trying to get this into more men's facilities.

-I touched on the marriage classes with the Head chaplin of TDCJ. It seems that IF they have enough manpower that is when they offer it. HOWEVER- in that area they are VERY understaffed (is that a shocker)

I believe that they have been granted a 1.9 million dollar budget to fund this Prison Rape Program. (if Im thinking of the right slide) They say that they are installing Video in the units to help with the "Gray area's that often go unseen" However the only ones I know of on a few units are in Visitation- things that make you go Hmmmmm

there was some useful information, but basically they blew alot of smoke. Does that shock us?

~ Yanno Fed-X, being late is alright, you got to hear the best part of the whole presentation (yeah that came from X-Inmates)

Ladies and Fed-X, I had an awsome time this weekend. We made a VERY powerful statement and got the word out there about the one thing loved ones of incarcerated men/women need - Support from someone who cares - and someone that understands - and that is PTO!!! Everyone was awsome :D even if we were singing in the rain :D

I cant wait to see all of the photo's posted....

Was there any mention of DWI offenders being all sent through Mineral Wells?

You know they cut out the 2 most important parts of this conference - which upset a few of us. they cut out Food Service, and they cut our Parole. That was not apart of the conference itself, but they had a booth out in the exhibit hall...

-It kills me that they can spend approx $2.25 on a slide to show us how to properly address and envelope (Like I give a hoot how they want me or the inmate to do it) that money could go to something more valueable... (maybe an employee that cares) and isnt a sarcastic witch . It was quite humerous - they cut off the woman whom was shooting their "story down" by telling her that "we dont have time to answer anymore questions" that is what they usually do when they are proven wrong. As sonnysgirl stated - The spokeswitch for the Mail issues contradicted herself in her presentation. she First blamed the postmaster for the changes in the policy for how the inmate may address the envelope - then she turned around and said the Mailroom - so much hot air happening....

- They did hit on several good points though (ok 1 topic) and that is the programs that they are doing for Children of incarcerated men/women. they have several wonderful things out of the women's correctional facilities, like Taping the inmate reading childrens books so that the inmate can send it to their families. they are working on trying to get this into more men's facilities.

-I touched on the marriage classes with the Head chaplin of TDCJ. It seems that IF they have enough manpower that is when they offer it. HOWEVER- in that area they are VERY understaffed (is that a shocker)

I believe that they have been granted a 1.9 million dollar budget to fund this Prison Rape Program. (if Im thinking of the right slide) They say that they are installing Video in the units to help with the "Gray area's that often go unseen" However the only ones I know of on a few units are in Visitation- things that make you go Hmmmmm

there was some useful information, but basically they blew alot of smoke. Does that shock us?

~ Yanno Fed-X, being late is alright, you got to hear the best part of the whole presentation (yeah that came from X-Inmates)

Ladies and Fed-X, I had an awsome time this weekend. We made a VERY powerful statement and got the word out there about the one thing loved ones of incarcerated men/women need - Support from someone who cares - and someone that understands - and that is PTO!!! Everyone was awsome :D even if we were singing in the rain :D

I cant wait to see all of the photo's posted....

I forgot to mention how good you ladies looked in your PTO "Blues"... :) And a huge thank you for mine... You definitely did make a statement and I hope it makes it into the San Antonio paper where it deserves to be. :)

Yes mlk do post allll those pictures and yes David I blackmailed her good, so she is right she has nooo choice. Pictures here we come.......:D

softie

ok..... just got off the phone with Mike Carey with the San Antonio Current and they will be doing a story on the TIFA Conference because that is what he was sent for............but... He is looking at doing other ideas for stories. He said that Bob Sanders from the Ft Worth Newspaper was talking about the reason that they were not wanting to let go of inmates is because of the big business they have with the "free help" Hmmmmmmmmmm I think I have heard that somewhere before. (Did you notice the table with the brochures for the furniture stores, garment factories etc?)

well what do you know...... they get free help and we have to pay twice for furniture. once with the fact on incarceration and the other the major profit they are getting from this "free" labor..... makes you want to go hmmmmmm

I dont doubt anything with TDCJ - they only care about the almighty dollar - they dont care about anything or anyone else.

Makes you want to overstep TDCJ and go straight to the person that could do something about it... Oh yeah I forgot, They dont care either. Dang - what was I thinking???

Hey everyone, Glad to see everyone made it home safe and sound. Had so much fun this weekend, Fed-X, thanks for the ride, we WON'T be doing it again, LOL
Ladies thanks for the night out I know we all needed it.

We did make a statement with the T-Shirt, I know yall had a hassel with them but it all turned out for the good, we did have some issues, and I am sure we left people knowing that. :) I really enjoyed all the people that took the time to come up to us and ask about PTO, I am sure we'll be getting some new members out of it.

I have to agree there was alot of smoke blowing and alot more I dont knows Ill have to check on that. But at least some of us got the main questions handled. Should have know they were going to cut out the parole part of it. At least some of the members showed up. The only reason I like the PACT is cause you do get a chance to talk to the people that is so hard to get to on the phone, at least this way that can't blow you off by saying the are not in the office. This way they have to stand there and at least play like they care and are listening to you talk.

Next year I hope more people turn out and I would love to see PTO give a booth or something(hint hint FED-X) Yea I know you dont do crowds, but you got a year to get over it. LOL

Again the best part was the reactions to our shirts. I am going to have to wear my shirt to visit, get us some more members. I am sure Will is going to agree that I do have issues. :) Well thats all I have for now, Remembers ladies we must get together again and soon.

Well of all the pictures did you know girls we didn't get a group picture. I guess that means we need to get together again:D Ok here are some

1 Tx_Angel
2 TX_Tornado; Sonnysgirl and Linda(sonnysgirls mother in law)
3 Now don't hurt anyone TX_Tornado :eek:
4 Willsgirl
5 FED_X and mlk2001 in prison????? what the heck happened....lol
6 sonnysgirl singing her heart away. (how where those hotdamn shots....lol)
7 Willsgirl had everyone in awe.....;)

It probably will be the end of me posting these pictures. Softie I hope you have my back.......lol You know we love ya FED_X!!!!!!!!!!:D Now be easy on me ok...

:D not only are you jail with Fed-X is he sitting on the toilet?????......David.......:D:D:D

I got your back, and front and every part of you.......:D

Well my my David you look like you are boxing, and the other one looks like a deer caught in the headlights and in my opinion you look wayy to comfortable on that bunk........Oh he is going to kill me mlk, now I got your back, but I need someone to have mine....:D

Softie.. MLK... Are you ready?

:)

Hello? Cat got your tongues? hehehe

This is my favorite picture... :)

Ok everybody Fed-X is a smart butt he banned both of our hinneys.........:D I was hoping that you would leave it David we were wanting a vacation

Are those pics from inside the cell at the Prison Museum in Huntsville? I have been there once and it looks like it. ;)

LOL @ David banning ya'll :D hehe

Yes Cel that is where the cell is.
haha for banning us who's side are you on. I thought us women were suppose to stick together.......:D:D:D

Yeah i was hoping for a vacation......lol

I love the caged dweller id also Fed_X........lol

I knew i would pay for this...lol

Cage Dweller is better then Supper Moderator..........:D

David you showing us how to bunny hop, right? LOL

We sure didnt get a group, guess we had to many issues to think of it, MLk you should take a pic of the shirt and put it up.

WillsBabyGirl... The Armoral didn't get the scratch marks out of my car girl... What'cha gotta say about that? haha

I aint afraid to say I was scared when I rode with you. I am from the country we drive slow. LOL

Yes Cel that is where the cell is.
haha for banning us who's side are you on. I thought us women were suppose to stick together.......:D:D:D

LMAO!! :D Hmmm I don't want it to say "banned" under my name...so I guess I am on David's side! ;) :ha: :D lol lol (You know who's side I am really on though Softie ;) hehe)

LOL Cel yeah I know where your loyalty lies. I guess I have to be on Davids side too, I can't save myself......LOL
His banning wand is bigger then mine.........:D

softie

Heck no! Ya'll aren't getting off that easy. :p

Ok everybody Fed-X is a smart butt he banned both of our hinneys.........:D I was hoping that you would leave it David we were wanting a vacation

ok sounds like the joke is back on us..........my feelings are tender David..... so be nice....lol I was already warned by Teb not to ever take over 24 hours off again.....lol
Doesnt look like I will be getting that vacation huh? lol

I want a vacation too - Come on girls, Ill steal you (oops shouldnt say that should I) and take you on a cool Vacation with me....