CHANGING THE CONVERSATION We invite all media and partners to follow TLM’s guidelines for humanizing language when discussing programs, services and events associated with the system of mass incarceration. Using people first language reduces the stigmas associated with being a justice-impacted individual by reimagining public perceptions around incarceration. Language Guidelines Returned citizen – A person who was formerly incarcerated.Avoid using: felon, ex con, ex convict, ex felon, ex offender Incarcerated individual/person or resident (of a prison or jail) – A person currently incarcerated in a prison or a jail.Avoid using: prisoner, offender, inmate, convict Justice-impacted individual – A person who has been incarcerated or detained, convicted but not incarcerated, charged but not convicted, or arrested by U.S. law enforcement. Avoid using: felon, ex con, ex convict, ex felon, ex offender, prisoner, offender, inmate, convict Housing unit – The space that an incarcerated person inhabits.Avoid using: home, cell Person on parole/probation – A person with current parole or probation conditions. Avoid using: parolee, probationer Person convicted of XXXX – A person convicted of the specified crime.Avoid using: violent/nonviolent crime or offender, nouns referencing the criminal conviction (ex. murderer, burglar) Student/learner/program participant – A person in a The Last Mile program within a correctional facility.Avoid using: prisoner, offender, inmate, convict