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Nathaniel Rouse |
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Nathaniel Ray Rouse
Muslim Name: Abdul Shahid Adial
Age: 50
Paroling to: Oakland or San Jose, California
Family: a wife in Oakland and a sister-in-law in San Jose
Why did you join the T.R.U.S.T.?
The T.R.U.S.T. offered me the opportunity to work on my internal values, gaining an understanding that History + Culture = Values. The history of my life invariably shaped on belief creating my set of values. Joining the T.R.U.S.T. gave me focus. Now I am able to give back to society in a way that is conducive to the health and maintenance of the community I hope to return to.
What does being a T.R.U.S.T. Fellow mean to you?
Being a T.R.U.S.T. Fellow means sharing what I have come to understand with other men, young and old alike. It means feeling good inside giving to others with no thought of getting something back other than their success.
Since coming to prison, what have you accomplished?
Academically, I have earned my G.E.D., Associate of Arts Degree. Vocationally, I am a Certified Welder (in all positions), MIG, ARC, GAS, Flax Core and TIG Welding. Earned a certification in computers. I.M.P.A.C.T. facilitator, T.R.U.S.T. Facilitator, Project Choice facilitator. In terms of personal growth, I am a practicing Muslim through which I have learned that the best of us is not the riches, most powerful, or well known, but rather, he or she who is most useful to their community in the sight of Allah.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I like to play pool. It was a means of relaxing for me. These days I like to write or listen to music. I also enjoy thinking about life and how everything plays a role in it. I like to think about how I can best serve life. My hobby now is seeing the look on the faces of the young men I deal with when they discover their personal power.
What programs are you involved with other than the T.R.U.S.T.?
S.Q.U.I.R.E.S.—“San Quentin’s Utilization of Inmate Resources, Experiences, and Studies.” S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. goals are to support and be participatory in community activities, revolving around delinquent youth involved with drugs, gangs, truancy, etc. I.M.P.A.C.T.—“Incarcerated Men Putting Away Childish Things.” One of our goals is to break the cycle of abandonment by teaching incarcerated men relationship negotiations, and conflict resolution skills. A second goal is to inspire participants to embrace and value the role of fathers in society by encouraging them to assume emotional, financial, and legal responsibility for their children. Project Choice is designed to promote positive lifestyle changes dealing directly with the youth of Oakland. And San Quentin Catholic Chapel Interfaith Round Table “Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration.” Our goal is to create accountability and structures that teach and establish the moral and ethical standards in inmates and putting a face on the victims that we as inmates have caused so much pain.
What kind of work do you do with the “inside” and/or “outside” communities?
All of the programs I am a part of work with outside community members. In S.Q.U.I.R.E.S. we deal with Youth Homes, Detention Centers, and independent families’ community members three Saturdays every month. In I.M.P.A.C.T., T.R.U.S.T., and the Catholic Chapel Round Table, we deal with community members and inmates. Project Choice deals with the young men of Oakland.
How do you live up to the T.R.U.S.T. value system? How do you promote the ideals of the T.R.U.S.T. outside the workshops?
I live up to the T.R.U.S.T. values by practicing what I preach. The values I life by determine by behavior towards my community and those values must be of help to my community not destructive. I promote the ideals outside of the workshops through annual Health Fairs in conjunction with the Alameda County Public health Department. Cultural inclusion celebrations with outside groups. Hot dog day with Hitland Ministries. We work with Clear Channel Entertainment and KMEL Radio to promote the Prelude to Peace campaign, which endorses peace and Non-Violence, not only in the San Quentin Community, but also in the outlying communities within the “Bay Area.”
What do you want to do after you parole?
Work with the communities of the greater Bay Area in the capacity of a facilitator for I.M.P.A.C.T., T.R.U.S.T., and Project Choice.
What are your long-term goals?
My goal is to open a youth center for kids. Promote a healthy neighborhood by getting kids and young people together and clean their yard and those of their neighbors. Teaching them respect for their home, as well as social responsibility. In addition, getting parents involved in the lives of their children through the community beautification. In a phrase, Community togetherness!
Personal message to the outside community:
I have often heard it said, “I wish I could turn back the hands of time.” I find that statement to be so sad with the exception of wishing I could give back the life that was not mine to take. Otherwise, to wish I could turn back the hands of time means to me, I haven’t learned anything in the life that I have lived thus far. I have learned that I am nothing without my community and that I am everything in my community. I can’t hurt my community without hurting myself, just as I can’t hurt myself without hurting my community. Consequently, I ask forgiveness from my community for hurting us.
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