FICGN presents the Fair Chance Month Narrative Fellows Campaign — a coordinated storytelling and public education effort engaging eight formerly incarcerated leaders to reshape the language, expectations, and opportunities surrounding reentry.
The Fair Chance Month Narrative Fellows Campaign responds by elevating firsthand perspectives that reflect the complexity, skill, and leadership of formerly incarcerated individuals. During a nationally recognized moment for employment advocacy, we increase the visibility and credibility of system-impacted voices — and, crucially, examine the very language we use to describe reentry.
We are moving the national conversation from "second chance" — a framing that implies a limited and conditional grace — toward fair chance : a framework grounded in dignity, access, and belonging. The shift is small in words and vast in consequence.
— Fair Chance Month Narrative Fellows, 2026
FICGN selects eight formerly incarcerated individuals from its national membership to participate as Narrative Fellows. The campaign provides participants with storytelling training, one-on-one editorial guidance, and technical support to produce essays, blogs, and digital content for public distribution.
Each Fellow produces at least one public-facing piece connected to Fair Chance Month themes — employment access, dignity, leadership, and economic mobility. FICGN coordinates dissemination through media outlets, organizational platforms, partner channels, and digital media to ensure broad visibility and audience reach.
The campaign is designed with a strong emphasis on participant agency and care. Trauma-informed practices, informed consent, and participant control over story framing guide the process, ensuring that storytelling remains affirming, ethical, and led by the individuals sharing their experiences.
One national moment.
Fellow Name"Essay working title or key argument goes here — a line or two."Brief bio: role, city, one-line credibility marker tied to fair-chance work.
Fellow Name"Essay working title or key argument goes here — a line or two."Brief bio: role, city, one-line credibility marker tied to fair-chance work.Fellow Name"Essay working title or key argument goes here — a line or two."Brief bio: role, city, one-line credibility marker tied to fair-chance work.Fellow Name"Essay working title or key argument goes here — a line or two."Brief bio: role, city, one-line credibility marker tied to fair-chance work.Fellow Name"Essay working title or key argument goes here — a line or two."Brief bio: role, city, one-line credibility marker tied to fair-chance work.Fellow Name"Essay working title or key argument goes here — a line or two."Brief bio: role, city, one-line credibility marker tied to fair-chance work.Fellow Name"Essay working title or key argument goes here — a line or two."Brief bio: role, city, one-line credibility marker tied to fair-chance work.In collaboration with Word Force, a program of the Narrative Initiative.
Commission an essay. Republish a fellow's piece. Book a fellow for a panel, webinar, or interview. Support the next cohort. The work continues beyond April — and the fellows are ready to lead it.