WRITING TO PRISONERS/SENDING THINGS
Prison is isolation, so contact with the outside world, letting a prisoner knows she/he is not forgotten, helps break this down. Sometimes just a friendly card can boost their morale.
Writing for the first time to a complete stranger can be awkward. A card with some well wishes, a bit about who you are and asking what you can do to help is often enough. Don’t expect prisoners to write back. Sometimes, the number of letters they can receive/write is restricted, or they just might not be very good a writing back. To help, include a couple of stamps or, if writing abroad, International Reply Coupons (IRC’s) that you can get from any post office. Write on clean paper and don’t re-use envelopes. Remember a return address, also on the envelope. Ask what the prisoner can have sent to them, as this varies from prison to prison. Books and pamphlets usually have to be sent from a recognised distributor/bookshop/publisher (ask at a friendly bookshop). Tapes, videos, writing pads, zines, toiletries and postal orders are some of the things you might be able to send.
SOME ADVICE ON WRITING TO PRISONERS
One of the main problems that puts people off getting involved in supporting prisoners is a feeling of being intimidated about writing to a prisoner for the first time. It is very hard to write a letter to someone you don't know: people find that they don't know what to say, they feel there are things they can't talk about, or think that prisoners won't be interested in what they have to say. Well this is a problem most of us have had to get over, so we've drawn up some suggestions to help you. Obviously these aren't rigid guidelines, and we don't pretend to have solved all problems here. Different people will write different letters. hopefully they will be of some use though.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Some prisons restrict the number of letters a prisoner can write or receive, and they may have to buy stamps and envelopes: and prisoners aren't millionaires. So don't necessarily expect a reply to a card or letter. A lot of prisons allow stamps or an s.a.e to be included with a card or letter, but some don't. Letters do also get stopped, read, delayed, 'diverted'. If you suspect has been or will be nicked by the screws, you can send it Recorded Delivery, which unfortunately costs a lot but then they have to open it in the prisoner's presence. Also you should put a return address, not just so the prisoner can reply (!), but also because some prisons don't allow letters without a return address. Of course it doesn't have to be your address, but be careful using PO box numbers as some prisons don't allow these either!
WRITING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Say who you are, and if it's relevant that you're from such and such a group. Some people reckon it's better to be up front about your politics as well, to give prisoners the choice to stay in contact with you or not. Say where you heard about them and their case. The first letter can be reasonably short, maybe only a postcard. Obviously when you get to know people better you'll have more to talk about. If you are writing to a "framed" prisoner, and you believe them to be innocent, it helps to say so, as it gives people confidence to know that you believe them.Some people when they write to prisoners, are afraid to talking about their lives, what they are up to, thinking this may depress people banged up, especially prisoners with long sentences, or that they are not interested in your life. Although in some cases this may be true, on the whole a letter is the highpoint of the day for most prisoners. prison life is dead boring, and any news that livens it up, whether it's about people they know or not, is generally welcome. Especially if you didn't know them before they went to prison, they want to know about you, what your life is like etc. For people imprisoned from our movements and struggles it's vital to keep them involved in the ongoing resistance - telling them about actions, sending them magazines if they want them, discussing ideas and strategies with them. Use your head though. Some people will just want to keep their head down till they get out.
Remember that all letters are opened and looked through so don’t write stuff that could endanger anyone – this doesn’t mean you should be over paranoid and write one meaningless comment on the weather after the other. Be prepared to share a bit of your life to brighten up someone’s on the inside.
Writings
by Jeff 'Free' Luers
Some words on prisoner support (May 2004) Prisoner support can be a very challenging issue. Any movement is only as strong as it´s support for its fallen comrades. Any movement that fails to aid and support its political prisoners or prisoners of war will ultimately fail. Each prisonerÕs needs will vary depending on their case, length of sentence and where they are imprisoned. All prisoners, however, need emotional and monetary support. Monetary support is an easy one. If you can afford to send a few bucks, it is always appreciated. Many prisoners have to pay for their own hygiene products, as well as food to supplement the prisoner´ diet. These items are often 200%-300% more expensive than on the streets. So, every little bit helps. Fundraisers (bake sales, shows, etc.) are an excellent way to raise money and spread information about prisoners and their cases. They are also a great forum for building support.Perhaps the hardest part of prisoner support is emotional support. It is never easy to write a prisoner for the first time. People are unsure of what to write and how their words will affect the prisoner. As prisoners we experience the outside world through letters. There is nothing I love more than to get a letter describing a beautiful sunset or amazing wilderness someone saw. It is always great, whether you are a prisoner or not, to make a new friend. Getting to know someone through letters can be really fun. Sharing news from the outside, political ideas/views, personal experiencesÉreally just about anything is good. Just getting mail raises the morale of prisoners. Remember not to over commit yourself though. It is easy to want to write a lot of prisoners. But it is better to pick one or two that you can write to regularly (every 1-4 months) than to not be able to keep up with your letters. When it comes to supporting individual prisoners (e.g. long term prisoners fighting for their freedom or life), the support needs to be tailored to fit with their campaign goals. It is important to know things they support being done on their behalf. Communicating with them, or in some cases, their designated support people, and starting a support group in your area is a good way to start. Obviously, needs will vary from prisoner to prisoner. Some will be raising legal funds as a priority, others may simply be asking people to write letters of support to governors or prison officials. Still others may be asking for solidarity actions and/or demos. Strong support networks and visible discontent with a prisonerÕs sentence and/or conditions will be the number one factor in obtaining justice. It is only through the word and dedication of people on the outside that all political prisoners and POWÕs will gain their release. Having said this, I do not know of any prisoner
though I can only speak for myself that would rather have energy directed
toward us than to the causes for which we fought. The absolute most valuable
support that any one person can do is to continue the struggle for which
we came to prison. Never give up; never stop fighting until all are free:
Earth, animal and human. Onward to a world without prisoners. |
PROTEST LETTERS
Writing letters to relevant places requesting something realistic such as an appeal, transfer, vegan food etc on behalf of a prisoner can help improve their chances. Prisoners who seem to be ‘in the public eye’ do tend to be treated better.
SPREADING INFORMATION
There is so much more than con be done, such as publicity for the case. You can make your own flyers, copy and spread them. You can put a "brief information" text on a mailing list or homepage. You can create posters. You can organize info evenings.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
It´s nothing new that trials are expensive. There is al lot of money needed to cover these costs so benefit are always welcome. You can donate money or organise a collective meal, a party or a concert, a tombola or whatever comes your mind. You can offer solidarity badges, t-shirts, postcards and cds.
ADOPT A PRISONER
If you’re active in a group or campaign why not choose one or two prisoners to consistently support. Pass cards round meetings, send useful stuff, knock up a flyposter and get their case some publicity if they could use it, get in touch with the prisoner’s support group if there is one. Of course you can take this on as an individual, too.