Judith Trustone

Judith is a writer whose work focuses largely on advocating and inspiring others to creative expression. She has worked with diverse groups of imprisoned and free writers, artists and musicians through Sagewriters, a national, non-profit group she founded that has published so far eight books of literary and social merit by prisoners. Celling America's Soul: Torture & Transformation in Our Prisons and Why We Should Care has been called "the best book in print about prison from most every perspective." Sagewriters Senior Editor, lifer Patrick Middleton, Ph.D., is the first prisoner in America to earn his B.A., M.A. and PhD behind bars, 34 years so far. His Healing Our Imprisoned Minds: A People's Guide to Hope and Freedom is being used in prison programs around the country. Judith served as chairperson of Justice Month 2007 and Locked Up: Keys to Prison Change, a conference on alternatives highlighting the art, music and poetry of the incarcerated community. Her goal is to educate the public about prisons by weaving together artistic productions, educational initiatives and ongoing advocacy for prisoners, victims, families and those working in the system. She hosts a weekly internet radio show, "Healing Justice" every Saturday at noon on gtownradio.com. With prisoners, she is creating The Global Kindness Initiative as an antidote to violence. She was honored in 2006 as "Peacekeeper of the Year" by the Delaware County Peace Center and an "Author Who Makes A Difference" by Infinity Publishing.

Judith will use her experience as a writer and photographer to collaborate with Gregory K. Heller on the creation of a screenplay based on her book Celling America’s Soul: Torture and Transformation in our Prisons. The screenplay will share alternatives to the criminal justice system, share personal stories of prisoners, issues with treatment and civil rights, as well as the humanity of those in prison and the possibilities for transformation through art. This screenplay attempts to stimulate a national conversation about changing the criminal justice system.