The Men’s Advisory Council (“MAC”) was developed to be a conduit for the General Population Inmates to the Warden and all Department Heads as well as Correctional Staff. It is this Council’s Position to effectively represent and communicate the opinions, grievances, suggestions, and recommendations of the inmate population at San Quentin.
There are two primary directives of the MAC: The first is to seek to improve inmate/staff relations. The second is to promote the general welfare of all inmates at SQ.
In order for any relationship to work within a social society, a gated community, marriage, or a common arena, there must be first and foremost a line of communication and a common interest. As many of the veteran staff retires, they are being replaced with younger Correctional Officers fresh out of the Academy with the understanding that all inmates are hostile and not to be trusted. This in turn, breaks down the line of communication, especially here at San Quentin where it is needed the most.
SQ affords more programs than any other prison institution in the State of California with the common interest of Rehabilitation. And, in order for rehabilitation to achieve its goal, Staff, the Administration, and the Inmate population must communicate their community interests.
In order to promote the general welfare of all inmates at SQ, this Council’s objective is to achieve and establish with in the Laws and Regulations governing procedures and guidelines the least restraints and restrictions possible governing its classification of this Level II prison at SQ. By this process, impacting the on-going rehabilitation process towards reentry of all inmates back into mainstream society.
In order to accomplish the improvement of the general welfare of all inmates at SQ, this MAC seeks to improve the following list of everyday concerns and necessities. These are only but a few listed concerns:
SQ Integration policy and forced participation. Culinary Food Quality, Quantity, and Sanitation.
Laundry Exchange (inconsistency).
Notification of Institutional Program changes within units by staff.
Canteen concerns (can exemption, healthier items & price increases).
Institutional Digital Cable Conversion (before February 17, 2009).
The social objective and concerns of this MAC is the betterment of all aspects of living condition and the healthy relationship of Inmates, Staff, and Administration. It is also our interest that all inmate concerns in this social community are needed and valued. A closed mouth does not get fed. Remember, “Respect increases the quality and quantity of a community.
