Department of corrections: Dan Pacholke at TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex

Through personal experiences and observations, this story examines how small changes have profound impacts on incarceration. It suggests how incarceration and its story can continue to evolve with a greater connection to humanity and meaning. Bio: Dan has worked for the Washington State Department of Corrections since 1982 holding every position from correctional officer to his current role as assistant secretary for Prisons Division. He's known for implementing innovative programs in staff education and training and for developing emergency response operations training academies; his statewide emergency response system is still used today. Dan's leadership with the Sustainable Prisons Project and his partnerships with higher education have brought prisons into focus as major community resources. He is widely recognized for innovative prison change and for running safe, humane prisons. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)