Michael Vick -- I'm Trying to Help Jailed Kids ... Through Sports

Michael Vick is currently in Washington D.C. -- meeting with a powerful congressman in an effort to help incarcerated children get their lives on track ... TMZ has learned.

The Philadelphia Eagles QB got together with Rep. John Lewis from Georgia to push Team Freedom Outreach -- a charity that recruits volunteers to play sports with children who are incarcerated.

Vick says he's passionate about TFO because, "Many of these children who are incarcerated receive no visitors."

He adds, "Team Freedom Outreach gives them positive mentorship. It shows these kids that somebody cares. It helps them make a plan."

Second chances -- something Vick knows all about.