Over two million prisoners are incarcerated in the United States, 3,700 of them are on death row facing execution. Many prisoners have little contact with family members, friends or anyone on the outside. Writing a prisoner is a good way to help connect them with the outside world as well as get a sense of the prisoner’s humanity. We thank you for providing this gift of connection.  We hope the following suggestions will be helpful.

·         Be sure to include a return address and use the prisoner’s number. Most prisons won’t allow letters in without this information.

·         You may want to use the address of your school or a local organization.

·         Feel free to sign only your first name.

·         Keep your first letter relatively short and to the point. As you get to know each other you will have more to talk about.

Ø   Say where you heard about him/her and why you decided to write.

Ø   You can write about yourself, background, activities and interests.

Ø   Do not ask the prisoner about the details of the crime-let him/her determine whether they want to talk about it.

Ø   Be clear and realistic about how often you will be able to correspond.  It is important to not promise something you can’t follow through on.

Ø   All mail to prisoners is opened and censored. Don’t write anything that could jeopardize future activities or someone’s freedom.

Ø   Do not include gifts or questionably unauthorized items. They will be confiscated and this may result in disciplinary action for the prisoner.

Ø   Feel free to send art work, postcards and anything colorful to brighten up a prisoner’s cell.

·         Sometimes it takes a long time for letters to travel to and from prisons.  If your pen pals never writes back, don’t feel offended. We can help find you another pen pal.

·         It’s important for you to set your own boundaries and be clear about the parameters of your friendship.

·         If you are asked to send money, you should decide what you are capable or uncomfortable doing.

 

Thank you for engaging in this important activity. Let us know if we can be of help.