The International Community Corrections Association (ICCA) presented its highest honor, the Margaret Mead Award, to John Larivee, president and CEO of Community Resources for Justice, at their 23rd annual research conference In Boston on November 9, 2015.
Named for the notable anthropologist, the annual award is given to an individual who has demonstrated leadership in the field of community corrections through innovative thinking, ability to influence public policy and dedicated service to the ideals and goals of community-based correctional programming resulting in positive outcomes in the United States and abroad.
In his acceptance speech, John says:
I was “volunteered” to organize ICCA’s first research conference, something that had no template or model. We knew that we wanted to bring together researchers and practitioners for an exchange that would lead us to better know “what works” and to adopt those practices into our programs. I am proud that the conversation has continued every year since 1993. And like the 22 conversations before, this one further advances our original goal with its focus on “Sustaining Impact: Effective Programs, Measurable Outcomes, and Strong Organizations”.
You’ve heard the story of how ICCA connected with Margaret Mead. As you review more of Dr. Mead’s work, one quote I’m sure will stand out: “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
That spirit has guided ICCA since a small group of thoughtful, committed community corrections practitioners gathered in 1964 to form the International Halfway House Association and to change the world of corrections, to change the justice system.
A sincere thank you to the International Community Corrections Association for bestowing the Margaret Mead award on me. It is very humbling when I look at the 35-year list of prominent community corrections practitioners, social justice advocates and social science scholars.
John’s work has brought collaborations with the National Institute of Justice, National Institute of Corrections, and the Department of Justice. John has also worked as a resource for the Urban Institute’s Reentry Roundtable to examine issues and find solutions to remove the barriers that face offenders returning to their communities.
He is Past President and a founding member of Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Past President of the International Community Corrections Association.