Getting Involved
Please only initiate correspondence with the individual if you are committed to corresponding on a more or less longer-term basis. For many prisoners serving long or even life sentences, receiving one or two enthusiastic letters from someone promising to correspond regularly, but failing to follow up with further correspondence can be incredibly disappointing and disheartening. This need not be an intense time commitment; letters can be as long or as short as you want them to be, and please be upfront about the regularity that you will be able to write. If it’s only once a month, say so. Don’t make promises at risk of creating false hope, and be clear with your level of commitment.
We encourage you to sign up with a friend, or group of friends! Having someone to write letters with is a great way to stay accountable to writing to your penpal. It also helps to have someone you can chat with about your penpal experience, both to share in the joys and to talk through any issues. You can get in touch with us separately, or one person can email on behalf of the group.
Resources
From time to time, your penpal may ask you to send certain resources. We operate a Resource Library of materials we send inside, most of which are available on our website or in the process of being added. If you are able, we encourage you to print them off and send them in, as your penpal will almost definitely receive them faster this way. If not, send us an email and we will ensure they receive them. If you feel ill-equipped to support your penpal on any front, whether it’s in terms of finding them the resources they need, or in terms of emotional support, please don’t hesitate to seek the support you need in doing this. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, ask a question to our Facebook group, or email us directly.