Restoring the voice of the voiceless
Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.
Mission
The Voices of Power equips justice-impacted individuals to reclaim their narratives, develop leadership, and drive systemic transformation. Through mentorship, public dialogue, and peer-led training, we cultivate personal growth, elevate community wisdom, and shift public perception to build a more fair, inclusive and equitable community.
Vision
We envision a world where people impacted by trauma, the criminal legal system, and the cycles of harm are replaced by pathways of healing, purpose, and power.
History
The Voices of Power was founded in 2024 by Aaron Hicks and Frank Davis to provide a space for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system to find their voice and drive meaningful change. What began as a conversation between two people who had lived it has grown into a movement - one built on the belief that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.
Built by and for the justice-impacted community.
Aaron Hicks
Co-Founder
Frank Davis
Co-Founder
Dennis Franklin
Board Member
Dr. Jimmy Cheffen Jr
Board Member
Janie Ocejo
Board Member
Education as liberation. Leadership from within.
A hub for mentorship, education, and personal advancement. Inspire Academy equips justice-impacted individuals to turn their lived experience into leadership - through communication training, public dialogue, and peer mentorship.
Effective Communication Training
A transformative, four-day initiative designed to empower individuals to turn their personal experiences into impactful narratives. This immersive training goes beyond enhancing public speaking and storytelling - it equips participants with tools to understand how past trauma shapes their interactions and self-expression. By fostering personal growth, peer support, and practical techniques, participants develop a profound awareness of the power of their transformation stories and their capacity to inspire meaningful change.
- 1.Develop a deep understanding of effective communication principles.
- 2.Master storytelling as a tool for connection and advocacy.
- 3.Build confidence in public speaking through practice and constructive feedback.
- 4.Overcome barriers to communication by addressing how past experiences shape interactions.
- 5.Enhance emotional connection, clarity, and concise messaging for impactful communication.
PowerHouse Discussions (Ph.D.) Panels
We bring together two distinct yet complementary types of expertise: academic knowledge and lived experience. We pair professionals with academic credentials in various fields with individuals who have direct, personal experience - those we proudly recognize as having a "Past History Degree." This unique combination offers a richer, more holistic understanding of critical issues, exploring how people navigate challenges and why traditional clinical or policy-driven approaches may not always yield effective solutions.
Debate Teams
Debate Teams provide a structured platform for participants to develop critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills. By engaging in respectful, structured debate on issues that matter to their communities, team members learn to articulate their perspectives, listen to opposing viewpoints, and build consensus - skills that translate directly to civic engagement and advocacy.
- 1.Develop critical thinking and argumentation skills.
- 2.Build confidence in public speaking and structured debate.
- 3.Learn to research, organize, and present positions on complex issues.
- 4.Practice respectful dialogue across differing viewpoints.
- 5.Translate debate skills to real-world advocacy and civic engagement.
Mentorship
At The Voices of Power, mentorship is not a separate program - it is simply how we do our work. We believe lasting change happens through authentic relationships. Whether someone is navigating reentry, pursuing personal goals, or looking for support, we meet people where they are and walk alongside them on their journey. Rooted in lived experience, our approach focuses on building trust, offering guidance, and helping people recognize their strengths and potential. Through everyday conversations, shared experiences, and meaningful connections, we create opportunities for growth, healing, and success.
Inside the walls, every choice holds an opportunity.
The Pilot Was The Beginning
We've seen what can happen when people are given the space and support to grow. Now we're building on that experience. ECHO is our flagship program operating inside Wisconsin correctional institutions. Through intensive leadership development, communication training, and peer mentorship, participants discover that every choice holds an opportunity for growth, change, and liberation.
We completed our first ECHO pilot at Racine Correctional Institution. 11 participants completed the program, and the experience showed us what is possible when people have a space built around honesty, accountability, healing, and opportunity. It also taught us what we need to strengthen as we move forward.
The pilot gave us proof. Now we need the resources to keep showing up.
Over the next several weeks, we will share what ECHO is, what we learned at Racine, what a full year makes possible, and how students and community partners can be part of it.
Every dollar drives meaningful change that impacts generations.
Fuel the movement.
Your gift directly supports ECHO, Inspire Academy initiatives, and peer-led leadership development inside and beyond the walls.
Your impactA mentorship session inside the walls
Stories of impact from the people who lived them.
Neighbors, leaders, and advocates building power together.
Community Gathering
Madison, WI · 2023
Public dialogue that shifts narratives and changes minds.
Leadership Forum
TVOP Community Event
Inside the walls, every choice holds an opportunity.
ECHO Session
Racine Correctional Institution
Lived experience paired with community partnership.
Founders & Collaborators
TVOP Coalition
Lived experience on stage, in conversation with the community.
Powerhouse Panel
TVOP Event
People who lived it, building what comes next.
Community Leaders
TVOP Event
Neighbors and partners who show up.
Community Allies
TVOP Event
Relationships that open doors.
Partners in the Work
TVOP Event
Small acts, planted with intention.
Every Choice Holds an Opportunity
ECHO Campaign
Education as liberation.
Academic Scholars 2026
Inside the Walls
Showing up together, where the work happens.
On Site with Partners
Community Partnership
From observer to organizer.
TVOP is not just an organization - it is a movement rooted in lived experiences and fueled by a vision for systemic transformation.
We provide the tools, support, and belief necessary for individuals to shine and contribute to a thriving, inclusive society. Your support will directly impact lives, empowering individuals to turn adversity into strength and create a ripple effect of change.
Join the community today.
Mentorship, public dialogue, and peer training are woven into every Inspire Academy initiative. The best way to get involved is to show up - volunteer, mentor, or join a cohort. Lived experience is the qualification.
How can I get involved?
You can mentor a participant through Inspire Academy, volunteer at an ECHO session, join us at a community event or discussion panel, or support the work financially. If you have lived experience with the justice system, your voice and time are especially valuable - reach out below and we'll help find the right fit.
What does being involved look like?
It depends on your capacity. Some people commit to ongoing mentorship, others show up for a single event, training, or action day. Whatever the level, we build around your availability, not the other way around - reach out and we'll help you find the right fit.
We don't do this alone.
We are proud to partner with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a variety of local organizations to provide the best possible support to community members.
