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LEAPs’ Executive Director Mahlia Lindquist and LEAP graduate Parker are guest panelists at this event to discuss the impact of parental incarceration on children and the community at large.

By educating participants about the impact of incarceration on children, parents and their families, we hope to increase our community’s empathy for families affected by incarceration and to inspire them to be part of their network of support. The panel is comprised of parents who have experienced incarceration, adult-children of formerly/currently incarcerated parents, and professionals who provide services and support to incarcerated children and their parents.

The 10 Days of Connection (May 1-10) exists to build bridges and weave diverse communities.

A community-wide initiative led by The Miami Foundation, The Children’s Trust, RadicalPartners, United Way Miami, and MCCJ.

A roundtable discussion designed to bring together voices from all sides of the justice system.

Using an Ask-It Basket format, audience members will anonymously submit tough, unfiltered questions to be answered by a diverse panel, including formerly incarcerated individuals, state attorneys, police officers, and judges. This open, honest conversation aims to challenge assumptions, break down barriers, and foster deeper understanding.

Featuring:
● Judge Andrea Wolfson
● State Attorney Jose Arrojo
● LEAP Grad Leeann Parker

Part of 10 Days of Connection

Tickets are free. Please register to attend

LEAP Storytelling Contest: “Leap of Faith”

Inspired by NPR’s The Moth podcast, this contest invites LEAP graduates to share their personal stories of transformation, resilience, and hope.

Theme: “Leap of Faith” 

Graduates, this competition is a chance to share a meaningful chapter of your life, something real you’ve lived through, lost, learned, or gained. It’s your story, told in your voice. Somewhere along the way, if LEAP played a part, let that thread shine through. The goal is to offer guests at the Second Chance Gala a glimpse into the strength and transformation that’s possible when we take a “LEAP” of faith.

Contest Details & Guidelines

**Deadline to Apply: Friday, May 30, 2025
Time Limit: 4 minutes
Stay on Theme: Interpret “Leap of Faith” in your own way, but your story should connect to LEAP and its impact.
Authenticity & Emotion: Your story should be true, personal, meaningful and told in your voice.
No Notes or Scripts: This is a live storytelling event, so practice and make it natural.
Story Structure: Every great story has a beginning, middle, and end. Engage the audience with a strong opening, a moment of change, and a powerful takeaway.

Apply Here

Contest Format

Round 1: Friday, June 6, 2025, 6 PM. Hybrid, in person and virtual. Participants share their stories in front of a panel of judges, including celebrity panelists. A select group will move on to Round 2.
Round 2: Friday, June 20th, 6PM. In person. Finalists refine and deliver their stories again, incorporating any feedback.

Grand Prize: $250 + you get to perform your piece at the Second Chance Gala in September!

Resources for Crafting Your Story

Listen & Learn: The Moth is famous for raw, powerful storytelling. Here are some great examples:

• Finding Your Voice – The Moth Link to video
• A Story of Redemption – The Moth Link to video
• Good vs Bad News – The Moth Link to video

Tips for a Powerful Story:
Start strong – Hook the audience in the first few sentences.
Focus on a moment – A single event or realization makes a bigger impact than a whole life story.
Show, don’t just tell – Use details, emotions, and dialogue to bring the story to life.
End with impact – Leave the audience with a takeaway or reflection.

Are You Ready to Share Your Story?