How to Write a Prison Pen Pal
Writing to a prisoner is a selfless act. Incarceration is a lonely and humbling experience, and most prisoners find that family and friends write far more during the first year of a sentence than in subsequent years. People on the outside begin to move on while the inmate remains in a sort of stasis. The longer the inmate remains in prison, the less contact with the outside he will have. Having a pen pal often helps to alleviate the sense of loss that comes from a reduction of familiar contact.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Set up a post office box or other private mailing service. It is important to ensure that no mail is sent or received using your home address.
-
2
Find a suitable pen pal. Call a prison directly to get advice or contact a legitimate online service. There are many such programs available, including WriteAPrisoner.com. They should not ask for money or credit card information, and should follow laws regarding contact with prisoners, such as the pen pal must be at least 18 before contacting a prisoner.
-
-
3
Contact the prison to find out about mailing guidelines. Prisons have specifics on letter sizing, addressing and acceptable materials. Failure to follow these guidelines might result in the disposal of the letter or package or its postpaid return.
-
4
Write the inmate an introductory letter. Give some basics about yourself, while withholding personally identifiable details such as your real name and address. Ask if the inmate is interested in being your pen pal. Resist the urge to ask about the crimes the inmate is incarcerated for.
-
5
Print out a handful of puzzles for the inmate. Word searches, sudoku puzzles and crosswords are all appropriate for initial letters.
-
6
Package and mail the letter and any extra pages. Clearly write the inmate's mailing information according to prison guidelines.
-
7
Wait for a response. Be patient. Prison mail can be excruciatingly slow at times.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Consider choosing a pseudonym or nickname for your correspondence. Most inmates are eventually released and some return to a life of crime. Don't let your kindness turn into a criminal opportunity.
Consider choosing a pseudonym or nickname for your correspondence. Most inmates are eventually released and some return to a life of crime. Don't let your kindness turn into a criminal opportunity.
Do not ask about an inmate's offense in early letters. In fact, it is better to leave it up to the prisoner to decide if crimes should be revealed to a pen pal.
Stop writing any inmate that requests money. This type of response comes from an inmate who is looking for only one thing out of the pen pal relationship.
References
- Photo Credit NA/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
