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From Prison to Purpose Through Wildland Firefighting | Royal Ramey | TED

When wildfires rage in California, incarcerated people are often on the front lines fighting the flames. TED Fellow Royal Ramey was one of them. He shares the story of how doing public service in prison inspired him to cofound the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, a nonprofit helping formerly incarcerated people become wildland firefighters —…

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When wildfires rage in California, incarcerated people are often on the front lines fighting the flames. TED Fellow Royal Ramey was one of them. He shares the story of how doing public service in prison inspired him to cofound the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, a nonprofit helping formerly incarcerated people become wildland firefighters — and find purpose along the way. (Recorded at TED Fellows Films 2024 on April 16, 2024)

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18 Comments

  1. @clutron_26

    November 12, 2024 at 11:44 am

    Ted is the best platform ❤

  2. @iftstv9814

    November 12, 2024 at 11:44 am

    1st comment

    • @kinsmed

      November 12, 2024 at 12:22 pm

      Thanks?

  3. @harishrangan

    November 12, 2024 at 11:44 am

    30 sec ago with 0 views bro fell off

  4. @sooma-ai

    November 12, 2024 at 11:49 am

    Royal Ramey shares his journey from incarcerated firefighter to co-founder of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, helping formerly incarcerated individuals become wildland firefighters. He discusses the challenges faced and the transformative power of opportunity and purpose.

  5. @FastestRasar

    November 12, 2024 at 11:50 am

    Amazing! Awesome program fr!

  6. @Timberbeartrail

    November 12, 2024 at 11:51 am

    How do I make something happen here in Maine like the prisoners here in Maine maybe reduce sentence if they come out there where you are to lessen their sentence to go through that program how would I do something like that?

  7. @depro9

    November 12, 2024 at 12:00 pm

    End mass incarceration

  8. @kinsmed

    November 12, 2024 at 12:22 pm

    A great story, and a great production.

  9. @krystle3822

    November 12, 2024 at 12:35 pm

    Since watching fire country I went on a deep dive into it all, and it’s a great program. More places need programs like this.

  10. @judithobatusa

    November 12, 2024 at 12:38 pm

    Thanks bro! This is very inspiring.

  11. @jonniangel3764

    November 12, 2024 at 1:49 pm

    Awesome 👏

  12. @t-lo811

    November 12, 2024 at 2:56 pm

    As a retired correction officer it’s nice to see these young men learn and earn their place in society. Bravo.

  13. @Nurgle-o5c

    November 12, 2024 at 3:02 pm

    It’s an interesting video. I am glad to hear the story of this hero. For me it’s something new. And I see how a man can change and find the meaning of his life.

  14. @DS-mz1gt

    November 12, 2024 at 6:10 pm

    Who’s idea was it to filter these lives through their cerosion, use people with impunity and worst of all..remove all privacy and hope??

  15. @antonyg1701

    November 12, 2024 at 7:22 pm

    I rather dislike Ted talks there’s rarely any substance, no details like how he got funding, whom is funding their program.
    He seemingly ignores they’re still exploited and is seemingly even encouraging more. Forcibly coerced labor in a prison even by an illusion of choice is still slavery.
    Even with weights and better food, like what are they feeding the ones that won’t do it. Seems problematic.

  16. @mbnck9694

    November 12, 2024 at 8:38 pm

    “I was a legal slave forced to risk my life for 12 cents an hour in a work camp fighting fires”

  17. @pearls321

    November 13, 2024 at 1:21 pm

    Dude you are something special. I see a man who overcame, but didnt stop there.

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