How to Improve an Inmate's Quality of Life

While many people have no sympathy for prisoners, what’s often overlooked is that all prisoners are not the same. While some are murderers or child abusers, many simply made a bad choice. Robbery, traffic violations, fights and fraud can result in prison time, and depending on the number of offenses, a lot of prison time. If you believe in the humanity of inmates and you want to ensure that they have an opportunity for growth while in prison, there are a number of ways you can help improve their quality of life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Donate to a prison book program. Prison book programs are volunteer-staffed initiates that aim to provide prisoners with books. While many jails offer library programs, these libraries are often under-stocked or insufficient. By donating your old books to a prison book program, you’ll provide an inmate with skills, knowledge and imagination (see Resources below).
2. Write letters. Prison is a lonely place. Even when surrounded by hundreds of fellow prisoners, inmates feel disconnected from the real world, and the friends that make in prison are not always the best kind of friends. There are many established programs that set up pen-pal correspondences between volunteers and prisoners (see Resources below).
3. Prevent suicide. Some organizations, such as the Samaritans, run suicide prevention programs for inmates. Representatives visit prisoners who at risk for suicide or self-harm; these volunteers counsel and assess prisoners, but also offer friendship. However, these volunteer programs usually involve extensive and intensive training--if this appeals to you, be prepared to dedicate a lot of time and effort to your cause.
4. Provide spiritual counseling. Many churches have connections to local jails and are always looking for volunteers to visit prisoners as spiritual counselors. If you’re religious and want to keep an inmate’s faith strong, contact your parish and find out how you can help.
5. Offer volunteer opportunities. Some prisoners want to help just as much as they want to be helped. Programs such as Habitat for Humanity offer volunteer opportunities to prisoners who have illustrated respect, progress and initiative. If you’re involved with a non-profit organization, or have founded one yourself, consider included inmates in your efforts--you’ll change their lives as well as the lives of those you serve.
6. Teach courses. Many prisoners desire to start, or continue, their education. While many colleges and universities offer degree programs to prisoners, either as distance learning or as on-site classes, some inmates do not meet the requirements for these courses, or don’t have the time to be full-time students. However, many of these inmates can attend book groups, computer skills seminars or GED preparation sessions. Many of these classes, unlike college degree programs, are not taught by licensed teachers; instead, they are lead by local college students hoping to share their love of knowledge.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay dedicated. Believe it or not, inmates will grow attached to volunteers. If you suddenly stop writing or leave without warning, they'll feel abandoned, and any progress they've made could be at risk.
• Not everyone can volunteer inside a prison. Prison volunteers are required to pass background checks, and their activities are closely monitored at all times both for their own safety and the safety of the inmates.