Staff and Incarcerated Residents Come Together for Chess Tournament at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center
The San Quentin Rehabilitation Center recently hosted a chess tournament for staff and residents, thanks to the collaboration between the Mechanics’ Institute and SkunkWorks. The tournament brought together over 15 staff members, including correctional officers, mental health professionals, and a librarian, to participate in friendly chess matches with the residents.
The event aimed to bridge the gap between residents and staff, with the Mechanics’ Institute, America’s oldest chess club, partnering with incarcerated resident Kai Bannon from SkunkWorks to organize the tournament. The tournament set residents and staff on teams to play chess together for two hours, fostering connections and showcasing the rehabilitative value of games.
Associate Warden Rosalez, who played chess for the first time during the tournament, expressed her enjoyment and appreciation for the opportunity to engage with residents on a different level. Resident Erick Maciel also shared his experience, highlighting the importance of building connections with people he wouldn’t have interacted with otherwise.
SkunkWorks, a nonprofit organization focused on evidence-based research and policy recommendations, operates within San Quentin with impact teams to drive positive change. Resident Michael Hartley, a member of SkunkWorks, took on a leadership role during the tournament, showcasing personal growth and development.
Veteran resident Noah Winchester joined SkunkWorks to explore new opportunities and connect with the San Quentin veteran community. He, along with resident Vernon Evans, taught Office Technician Silva Amador how to play chess, emphasizing the teamwork and camaraderie fostered during the event.
The tournament, originally planned as a competitive event, evolved into a casual and relaxed gathering where participants simply enjoyed playing chess together without a declared winner. Officer S. Lopez highlighted the positive interactions and connections made during the event, emphasizing the importance of breaking down barriers and getting to know each other.
The success of the tournament has inspired plans for future events and activities at San Quentin, with donations of tabletop games and card games from gaming companies adding to the excitement. The event showcased the power of games in building relationships and fostering a sense of community within the rehabilitation center.
Overall, the chess tournament at San Quentin was a testament to the transformative impact of engaging activities and positive interactions in correctional facilities. Through initiatives like these, residents and staff can come together, break down barriers, and build meaningful connections that contribute to rehabilitation and personal growth.