Host a Screening

RIKERS: AN AMERICAN JAIL is a powerful catalyst to help people think about the human toll of of mass incarceration and the brutal conditions that persist in jails across the country. A free RIKERS DVD and other support for creating a screening is available by contacting Colby Kelly, Executive Director, Communications & Engagement: kellyc [at] publicsquaremedia [dot] org.

Across the country, churches, synagogues, mosques and other faith-based institutions and organizations are coming together to reflect on the moral, ethical and spiritual questions that are raised by America’s high incarceration rate and the toll that it takes on individuals, their families and our communities.

If you want to engage your faith community in discussion of these questions, this downloadable INTERFAITH DISCUSSION GUIDE can help you to plan an event. It includes insights and suggested reference from a variety of faith leaders to help you shape an event that will be most meaningful for your congregation and community.

Join the growing number of organizations and educational institutions that are hosting screenings of RIKERS for their stakeholders, students, faculty, staff and constituencies.

  • Columbia University Center for Social Justice
  • John Jay College of Criminal Justice
  • The Vera Institute
  • #CloseRikers
  • The Fortune Society
  • Writers Guild of America
  • NYU College of Global Public Health
  • Brennan Center Center for Justice
  • More Just NYC
  • Revolutionary Reelz
  • Wesleyan College
  • CUNY Queensborough College

Houses of worship are also using RIKERS to engage their congregations in reflection on the moral issues of incarceration and the impact of Rikers Island jail on their community. Consider bringing your faith-based group face to face with these issues.

  • Riverside Church in Manhattan
  • Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in Queens
  • First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn
  • Middle Collegiate Church in Manhattan
  • New Life Fellowship Church in Queens
  • Park Avenue Christian Church in Manhattan
  • Corona East Elmhurst Clergy Association