365. Good Humans of 2022: Jon - Adrian "JJ" Velasquez

Meet JJ. He’s worked tirelessly to redefine the humanity of incarcerated people . Even while spending 24 years incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit, he seized every opportunity to learn, lead, support and give to others. This fierce advocate for justice holds many titles including son, dad and grandpa. He’s co-founder of Voices From Within, an educational program addressing gun violence in New York City as well as Program Director at The Frederick Douglass Project for Justice. From Sing Sing prison to the West Wing. From a prison classroom to Columbia University. JJ will quiet your shock and bitterness and replace it with hope and belief in second chances.  This is a conversation about humanity. About redemption. About chasing justice rather than vengeance. And about how each of us have a role to play in equalizing and humanizing each other.  Thank you for modeling it first, JJ.Episode HighlightsJJ’s childhood growing up (3:30)Re-defining the humanity of men inside the system (26:00)Redemption + Where he’s found hope (45:00)A powerful moment of philanthropy in JJ’s life (56:20)JJ’s One Good Thing: What defines me is not the time I lost, but the time I donated. (1:02:20)JJ’s favorite human quality: humility. (1:03:40)How to connect with JJ (1:04:00)For more information and episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/365.About our Good Humans Week Presenting Sponsor, GoodworldGood Humans Week presenting sponsor Goodworld is helping nonprofits and companies level up their culture and impact by democratizing giving. Goodworld's leading all-in-one solution for workplace giving, donation matching, volunteering, and charitable rewards is perfect for purpose driven organizations of every shape and size. We're partnering with Goodworld to give the gift of giving back. Goodworld's gift cards are the most impactful gift for every occasion. A gift card lets you send donors, employees, customers and friends dollars to donate to their favorite charitable cause. So come on, let's change the world together with gifts that make a difference at goodworldnow.com/givecards.About our sponsor, Philanthropy TogetherWe believe that everyone can be a philanthropist. Together, let’s create a world filled with passionate, empowered people giving collectively and intentionally.The first training of the new year is Wednesday, January 18th - and you can sign up or learn more at philanthropytogether.org.Join us at ImpactUp: Story! Join us online from 12-1:30 CST for a free virtual session including a keynote with storytelling phenom, Afdhel Aziz, and a roundtable convo with 4 amazing nonprofit leaders. Then that evening, in nearly 50 cities around the world are hosting local meetups to keep the conversation going in person.Find a meetup near you or join us virtually! //Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.comSay hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter