You have the Power and the Tennessee Department of Correction announced today that they would jointly sponsor a “No More Victims” walk at 8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 2, with a starting location of the former Tennessee State Prison (the Walls).

The walk, the first of its kind in Tennessee, focuses attention on victim’s rights, and the importance of working with offenders to change behavior and reduce recidivism.

Inmates at the 11 Department of Correction facilities and the three Corrections Corporation of America facilities across the state will also show their support through fund raising walks within their facilities and other activities including educational programs, staff car washes, facility bake sales, poster/essay contests and many more. The inmates at each facility have chosen a local charity for which the money will be raised.

“We are very excited about the Victim’s Walk on Oct. 2 and all the other walks and activities to benefit victims that are going on in prisons across the state,” said Correction Commissioner Gayle Ray. “Exposing offenders to the traumatic effects of victimization can be an important breakthrough in their rehabilitation.”

Andrea Conte, First Lady of Tennessee and founder of YHTP, said, “You have the Power has advocated for victims for nearly 20 years. Our No More Victims walk is a collaborative effort with the Department of Correction to raise awareness on the part of the offender about the impact of his/her crime, with an aim of preventing future victimization.”

Starting at the former Tennessee State Prison, walkers will proceed approximately three miles to the Charles Bass Annex. Inmates will join the walk from inside the fence. Inmates have formed a band and will play as the walk ends. A short program will conclude the walk.

The registration fee for the walk is $10 or $35, which will include a ticket to the upcoming concert, “Rock the Power-Unplugged,” on Thursday, Oct. 28, at the Factory in Franklin.

Walkers are encouraged to organize teams and solicit sponsors for each mile they walk. Donations can be made to YHTP. All donations are tax deductible.

You Have the Power is a 501-3 organization founded in 1993 by the Ms. Conte. YHTP advocates for victims and offers educational programs on crime and justice issues to the general public and targeted groups, with a mission to prevent victimization.

The organization’s work with weekly victim impact classes with incarcerated men and women is designed to change behavior and reduce recidivism. YHTP facilitates victim impact classes at the Tennessee Prison for Women, Charles Bass Annex, CCA Harding facility, and the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office.