|
by Derek R. Burrows '00 Today over two million people are in prison in this country. Many of them for nonviolent crimes. Because of mandatory sentence laws, some people are sent to jail for 5, 10, or even 20 years for simply possessing illegal drugs. One thing that some people do is become pen pals with people in prison. It can be very lonely spending year after year in jail, most of it spent in a single jail block, often for twenty three hours a day. Prisoners lose contact with their family members and friends. A letter can make a tremendous difference. Many people are intimidated by the idea of writing to a prisoner. Just remember that they are people too. Everyone needs and is entitled to having a friend. One prison activist had the following to say about writing prisoners: "I have been criticized for trying to help inmates, by some. I would like to say that inmates are people too, there is no category they fall in except most were poor. People have a right to humane treatment, read the United Nations Standards and Guidelines Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. One thing many people don't think about is the courts make mistakes, there are innocent people in prison. If you will grant me the fact that there is at least one innocent man in prison somewhere, shouldn't we make sure conditions are humane everywhere? There are many prisons in the U.S. that are over 200% occupied. I know for a fact many prisons are below what most people would consider minimum requirements for humane treatment." -Mrs. Rev. Rene Mulkey Largest website. Free. (Costs $19.95 a year for prisoner to list on site.) Info on conviction, release date, etc. Decent site. Free. Good site. Free. Says-- "Death row inmates are alone in a cell 23 hours out of every day. Often the highlight of their day is when they receive mail, a brief reprieve from the outside world in an otherwise lonely and isolated existence. You can make a difference. Don't prejudge. You may be surprised, and make a good friend! "If you write, please remember that death row inmates have to purchase their own stamps, writing paper and even toiletries... send a few US stamps along with your letter if you can, (most prisons allow this, check with the inmate first to make sure.) If you are able, some prisoners would appreciate a few dollars if you can afford it, though your friendship is what is most valuable to them." Has several prisoners seeking penpals, some info. Free. Just a few names. Free. Gives great guidelines for writing to prisoners.
|