midnight marauder
10th October 2007, 20:20
Writing to Prisoners
from http://www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk/resources/writing.html
One of the main problems that puts people off getting involved in supporting prisoners is a feeling of being intimidated about writting 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.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Some prisons restict 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 neccesarily expect a reply to a card or letter. A lot of prisons allow astamps or and 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 prisoners prescence. 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 carefull using PO box numbers as some prisons don't allow thes either!
WRITTING 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 upfront 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 reasonblly short, maybe only a postcard. Obviously when you get to know people better you'll have more to talk about.
If you are writting to a "framed" prisoner, and you believe them to be innocent, it he;ps to say so, as it gives people confidence to know that you believe them.
Some peole when they writeto prisoners, are afraid to talking about their lives, what they are up to, thinking this may depress people banged up, especially prisoners with long demtences, 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 thay 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. Use your sense, don't write about anything that is likely to get a prisoner in shit with the screws, or get you or anyone else in trouble with the cops.
THEY'RE IN THERE FOR US, WE'RE OUT HERE FOR THEM
For people imprisond from out movements and struggles it's vital to keep them involved in the ongoing resistance - telling tham about actions, sending them magazinesif they want them, didscussing ideas ans strategies with them. Use your head though. Some people will just want to keep their head down till they get out.
This was adapted from a leaflett produced by the Anarchist Black Cross.
--------------------------------------------------
Dos and Don'ts
A few dos and don'ts on writing prisoners whose backgrounds/politics you may not know.
Dos
Do use common sense. Use a "neutral" address, such as a Post Office Box, for correspondence. Do not divulge sensitive personal information (i.e. your home address, phone number, credit card and bank details, people's full names, etc.) to a prisoner, particularly one you have never dealt with before. This is for your security and that of the prisoner. Be aware that authorities often read these letters and sensitive information can get into the wrong hands. Occasionally, prisoners have misused this information as well. Do not send money or honor immediate requests for money.
Do think ahead. Research local prison regulations. Learn about the prisoner before writing. Make sure to put a return address on your envelope. When first writing to an incarcerated person make sure you ask them specifically what the rules are for writing letters, and make a careful note of them. No one under eighteen years of age should be writing a prisoner -- again, this is for the prisoner's security as well as the writer's.
Do be forward and clear in your letter as well as your intentions. Say who you are, and if it's relevant that you're with an organization. Be upfront about your politics and say where you heard about the prisoners and her/his case. If you are interested in starting a pen-pal relationship and that is all, say so. Ask if they would like to correspond and if they'd like to discuss any topics, as well as what topics they don't wish to discuss. Keep your first letter reasonably short and to the point.
Do be patient. Prisoners may not write back or may take awhile. They may occasionally sound cynical, angry or disinterested in their words -- keep in mind many "supporters" or people who've written before may have stopped writing them, made promises/lied to them, or they just had a rough day and they're venting that on paper. Responding to an angry letter with more anger is not helpful.
Do deal with the right channels. If a prisoner wants you to send a book, ask what channels their institution requires for that, or refer them to a Book-to-Prisoners project near their unit. If a prisoner is getting out in the next few weeks, do not offer your place to stay (no matter how desperate they sound) unless you have corresponded for a significant amount of time and are in contact with both a parole officer and a prison intermediary (e.g. prison chaplain). Even in cases like this, it is far more helpful to a prisoner to help them secure employment and develop a support base (whether that is through her/his church/mosque, family, friends, etc.) than to Chances are, there's a legal process to be dealt with in cases like this and they need to be followed by both you and the prisoner. However, use your head and don't land in a bad situation or one that will land the prisoner back in jail.
Don'ts
Do not make promises. Many well-meaning people write letters offering support to a prisoner, or make offers for help out of good will. Unfortunately, most never follow through and build false hope in a prisoner. This is not fair to them. If you're writing, don't make promises. Don't offer to do a support campaign if you can't make that time. Don't offer to send items when you can't afford it. Be honest. It's best to start writing and keep it that way, at least until a relationship is established.
Do not romanticize prisons or prisoners. Many activists have ideas about who prisoners are, why they're locked up, the system, etc. While it's correct to have political clarity about incarceration and the nature of the criminal justice system, it is not correct to romanticize a prisoner, anything they might be locked up for (especially a "social crime") and their lives. They're people just like you, and have strengths and weaknesses. It is dangerous to assume that anyone (free or jailed) is able to overcome all their personal weaknesses, or be completely truthful, or is not dealing with the stressful situation they're in in negative ways. Some are estranged from their families as a direct result of their own actions. Some may have learned manipulative behaviors over the years. Prisoners are people like you.
Do not discuss potentially illegal political action with a prisoner. Again, this is for your security and theirs. Prisoners have and can be implicated for outside action that violates the law and you should be mindful that, if authorities even find such information in the hands of prisoners, prisoners can face added time and harsh treatment.
Do not attempt to place political judgments on prisoners' experiences. Some prisoners, out of desperation, write publications to get pen pals and may not agree completely with the views of the paper, but read it for information. Some prisoners have been converted to Christianity or are Muslims. Some have views that may be somewhat backward. Rather than attack a prisoner, it's best to be polite, but firm, if there's something you'd rather not discuss or find objectionable. Do not attack or insult a prisoner because of their religions, preferences or experiences. If the prisoner declares her/himself a white supremacist, you are well within your rights to explain your disagreements, encourage them to reconsider their views and discontinue the relationship; please be aware that several white supremacist gangs have ties to the outside from prison and it is smart not to get into insults or threats against such prisoners. Don't send literature unless requested and be aware you don't have to go with every request.
Good luck!
--------------------------------------------------
ITEMS YOU SHOULD NOT INCLUDE WITH YOUR LETTERS
All prisons have STRICT rules about the contents of mail that can be received by an inmate. Sending an inmate unauthorized materials may result in your letter never to be received by the inmate. There are as many rules as to what CAN and CANNOT be sent to a prisoner as there are prisons. However, there are some things that ALL prisons will restrict. Below is a list of several items you should NOT send with your letter.
Cards with yarn or ribbon.
Cards that are padded.
Oversized cards larger than 8x10.
Laminated cards.
Maps.
Letters in foreign languages.
Sticker or adhesive signs.
Excessive magazine and newspaper clippings or photos.
Metal or spiral bound notebooks or calendars.
Pornography or nude pictures.
Polaroid or laminated pictures
Stamps
Cash
Materials with gang signs.
Liquor or items that contain alcohol.
Personal items (find out the rules first).
Anything that might be considered a weapon.
Internet URL references. (remove all email addresses or web site information)
Books or Magazines (must come directly from the publisher)
--------------------------------------------------
ITEMS THAT ARE WELCOMED WITH YOUR LETTERS
These items are usually welcomed by prisoners and are good ideas for making your letters more interesting.
Photos, not Polaroid.
Colorful Post Cards.
Jokes.
Poems.
Colorful one-page calendars.
Cartoon Humor
Articles on current events.
Letters on colorful stationary
Colorful pictures from the Internet (remove all URL information).
Crossword Puzzles (on single sheets of paper).
Newspaper or magazine clippings (not too many at one time).
Birthday or Holiday Cards.
Books (direct from the publisher or retailer).
Magazines (direct from the publisher).
--------------------------------------------------
Partial list of political prisoners; recent as of 2005:
Anarchist & Anti-Authoritarian
Bill Dunne #10916-086, Box 019001, Atwater, CA 95301.
Ojore N. Lutalo PO-861-59860, SBI# 0000901548, Trenton, NJ 08625-0861
Robert Thaxton #12112716, 4005 Aumsville Hwy, Salem, OR 97301.
Animal Liberation & Eco-Defense
TreArrow CS #05850722, North Fraser Pretrial Centre, 1451 Kingsway
Ave., Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 1S2, Canada.
Angela M Cesario #66522-065, Federal Prison Camp Dublin, 5675 8th St.
Camp Parks, Dublin, CA 94568.
Jeffrey Luers (Free) #13797671, OSP, 2605 State Street, Salem, OR 97310.
Jeremy Rosenbloom #66521-065, Federal Prison Camp Sheridan, PO Box
6000, Sheridan, OR 97378.
John Wade #38548-083, FCI Petersburg Low, PO Box 1000, Petersburg, VA
23804.
Helen Woodson #03231-045, c/o Bates County Jail, PO Box 60, Butler, MO
64730.
Anti-Imperialist
Marilyn Buck #00482-285, Unit B, 5701 8th Street, Camp Parks, Dublin,
CA 94568.
Ana Lucia Gelabert #384484, 1401 State School Rd. - GV Unit,
Gatesville, TX 76599.
David Gilbert #83A6158, Clinton Correctional Facility, PO Box 2000,
Dannemora, NY 12929.
William Gilday PO Box 1218, MCI Shirley, Shirley, MA 01464-1218.
William Taylor Harris T-82151, CSP Solano #8-126U, PO Box 4000,
Vacaville, CA 95696-4000.
Alvaro Luna Hernandez #255735, Hughes Unit, Rt. 2, Box 4400,
Gatesville, TX 76597.
Yu Kikumura #090008-050, PO Box 8500 ADX, Florence, CO 81226.
James William Kilgore #09879-000, USP Lompoc, 3901 Klein Blvd.,
Lompoc, CA 93436.
Sara Olson W94197, 506-27-1 Low, CCWF, PO Box 1508, Chowchilla, CA
93610-1508.
Tsutomo Shirosaki #20924-016, USP, PO Box 26030, Beaumont, TX 77720-6030.
Black Liberation
Most of the following prisoners are serving time for "crimes" in the
name of black liberation. Many of them are former members of either
the Black Liberation Army, or the Black Panther Party, or both. They
are either in prison for their clandestine actions against government
and corporate entities, or because they have been framed by the
authorities.
Sundiata Acoli #39794-066, USP Allenwood, PO Box 3000, USP Allenwood,
White Deer, PA 17887.
Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin #EF492521, Georgia State Prison, 100 Georgia
Hwy 147, Reidsville, GA 30499-9701.
Zolo Agona Azania #4969, Indiana State Prison, PO Box 41, Michigan
City, IN 46361-0041.
Herman Bell #79C0262, Eastern Correctional Facility, Box 338,
Napanoch, NY 12458-0338.
Hanif Shabazz Bey (Beaumont Gereau) #295933, Wallens Ridge State
Prison, PO Box 759, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Joseph Bowen AM-4272, 1 Kelley Drive, Coal Township, PA 17866-1021.
Marshall Edward Conway #116469, Box 534, Jessup, MD 20794.
Romaine "Chip" Fitzgerald B27527, CSP/LAC - AL-225, 44750 60th Street
West, Lancaster, CA 93536-7619.
Bashir Hameed (J. York) #82A6313, Box AG, Fallsburg, NY 12733.
Robert Seth Hayes #74A2280, Wende Corr. Facility, 3622 Wende Road,
Alden, NY 14004-1187.
Sekou Kambui (William Turk) #113058, Box 56 SCC (B1-21), Elmore, AL
36025-0056.
Mumia Abu-Jamal AM8335, SCI Greene, 175 Progress Drive, Waynesburg, PA
15370-8090.
Mondo We Langa (David Rice) #27768, Box 2500, Lincoln, NE 68542-2500.
Ojore N. Lutalo #59860, PO 861, SBI #0000901548, Trenton, NJ 08625.
Abdul Majid (Anthony Laborde) #83A0483, Drawer B, Green Haven
Correctional Facility, Stormville, NY 12582-0010.
Ruchell Cinque McGee A-92051, PO Box 7500, SHU-2-C-233, Crescent City,
CA 95531.
Jalil Muntaqim (Anthony Bottom) #77A4283, Box 618, 135 State St.,
Auburn Correctional Facility, Auburn, NY 13024.
Sekou Odinga #05228-054, Box 1000, Marion, IL 62959.
Hugo Pinell #A88401, PO Box 7500, SHU D3-221, Crescent City, CA
95531-7500.
Ed Poindexter #110403, Minnesota. Correctional Facility, 7525 4th Ave,
Lino Lake, MN 55014-1099.
Kojo Bomani Sababu (Grailing Brown) #39384-066, 3906 Klein Blvd,
Lompoc, CA 93436.
Kamau Sadiki (Freddie Hilton) 6DC #1150688, Augusta State Medical
Prison in Grovetown, GA 30813.
Mutulu Shakur #83205-012, Box PMB, Atlanta, GA 30315.
Russel Maroon Shoats AF-3855, 175 Progress Dr., Waynesburg, PA 15370.
Herman Wallace #76759, CCR Upper C Cell 1, Louisiana State
Penitentiary, Angola, LA 70712.
Gary Watson #098990, Unit SHU17, Delaware Correctional Center, 1181
Paddock Rd., Smyrna, DE 19977.
Albert Woodfox #72148, CCR Upper B Cell 13, Louisiana State
Penitentiary, Angola, LA 70712.
Cuban Five
The Cuban Five are five Cuban civilians who were actively trying to
stop the ultra-right terrorist groups in Miami from carrying out
violent actions against the Cuban populace. They were framed up in a
political witch-hunt and railroaded by the U.S. in a seven-month trial
in Miami, where it was impossible for them to have an impartial and
fair trial.
Ruben Campa #58733-004, FCI Oxford, Box 1000, Oxford WI 53952-0505.
Rene Gonzalez #58738-004, FCI Edgefield, Box 725, Edgefield, SC 29824.
Antonio Guerrero #58741-004, USP Florence, PO Box 7500, Florence CO
81226.
Gerardo Hernandez #58739-004, USP-Lompoc, 3901 Klein Blvd., Lompoc, CA
93436.
Luis Medina #58734-004, USP Beaumont, Box 26030, Beaumont TX 77720-6035.
Native American
Byron Shane Chubbuck #07909051, US Penitentiary, PO Box 1000,
Leavenworth, KS 66048.
Eddie Hatcher #0173499, MCI, PO Box 2405, Marion, NC 28752.
Leonard Peltier #89637-132, PO Box 1000, Leavenworth, KS 66048.
Luis V. Rodríguez #C33000, PO Box 7500, Crescent City, CA 95532 7500.
Tewahnee Sahme #11186353, SRCI. 777 Stanton Blvd., Ontario, OR 97914.
David Scalera (Looks Away) #13405480, SRCI. 777 Stanton Blvd.,
Ontario, OR 97914.
MOVE Prisoners
MOVE is a radical, ecological movement that has been attacked by the
Philadelphia Police since its inception. Nine members were convicted
and sent to prison for life following a 1978 siege at their house in
which one cop was killed by another cop. One of those nine, Merle
Africa, died in prison after not being treated for a health issue.
Charles Simms Africa AM4975, SCI Grateford, Box 244, Grateford, PA
19426-0244.
Debbie Simms Africa #006307, 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs, PA
16403-1238.
Delbert Orr Africa AM4985, SCI Dallas, Drawer K, Dallas, PA 18612.
Edward Goodman Africa AM4974, SCI Camp Hill, Box 200, Camp Hill, PA
17011-0200.
Janet Holloway Africa #006308, 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs,
PA 16403-1238.
Janine Philips Africa #006309, 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs,
PA 16403-1238.
Michael Davis Africa AM4973, SCI Grateford, Box 244, Grateford, PA
19426-0244.
William Philips Africa AM4984, SCI Dallas, Drawer K, Dallas, PA 18612.
Puerto Rican Liberation
The colonial reality of Puerto Rico created a national liberation
struggle that produced many independence freedom fighters and
pro-independence organizations; that have been actively educating,
organizing, and mobilizing the Puerto Rican community against US
colonialism. The nature of anti-colonial struggles often gives birth
to clandestine revolutionary organizations, which engage in armed
struggle against the colonial powers. The Puerto Rican political
prisoners were apart of two of these clandestine organizations: Las
Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion Nacional (FALN) and Los Macheteros.
Their arrests and subsequent imprisonment correspond to a planned
effort by the FBI to destroy their organizations and repress their
activities.
Haydee Beltran #88462-024, SCI Tallahassee, 501 Capital Circle,
Tallahassee, FL 32031.
Oscar Lopez Rivera #87651-025, Box 33, Terre Haute, IN 47808.
Carlos Alberto Torres #88976-024, PO Box 1000, Oxford, WI 53952.
Plowshares
Ploughshares is an international movement which uses accountable
non-violent direct action to disarm weapons of mass destruction.
Sister Carol Gilbert #10856-039, FPC Alderson RI, Box A, Alderson, WU
24910.
Sister Jackie Hudson #08808-039, FPC Victorville, PO Box 5100,
Adelanto, CA 92301.
Sister Ardeth Platte #10857-039, FPC Danbury, Route 37, Danbury, CT
06818.
United Freedom Front (UFF)
The following individuals are serving huge sentences for their alleged
role in actions carried out by the United Freedom Front in the 1980's.
The UFF carried out solidarity bombings against the US government on a
variety of issues, including Apartheid in South Africa and US
imperialism in Central America.
Jaan Karl Laaman W41514, Box 100, South Walpole, MA 0207.
Thomas Manning #10372-016, Box 4000, Springfield, MO 65801.
Richard Williams #10377-016, 3901 Klein Blvd., Lompoc, CA 93436.
edit: ther'es already a topic with all of this information!! :o
from http://www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk/resources/writing.html
One of the main problems that puts people off getting involved in supporting prisoners is a feeling of being intimidated about writting 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.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Some prisons restict 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 neccesarily expect a reply to a card or letter. A lot of prisons allow astamps or and 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 prisoners prescence. 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 carefull using PO box numbers as some prisons don't allow thes either!
WRITTING 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 upfront 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 reasonblly short, maybe only a postcard. Obviously when you get to know people better you'll have more to talk about.
If you are writting to a "framed" prisoner, and you believe them to be innocent, it he;ps to say so, as it gives people confidence to know that you believe them.
Some peole when they writeto prisoners, are afraid to talking about their lives, what they are up to, thinking this may depress people banged up, especially prisoners with long demtences, 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 thay 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. Use your sense, don't write about anything that is likely to get a prisoner in shit with the screws, or get you or anyone else in trouble with the cops.
THEY'RE IN THERE FOR US, WE'RE OUT HERE FOR THEM
For people imprisond from out movements and struggles it's vital to keep them involved in the ongoing resistance - telling tham about actions, sending them magazinesif they want them, didscussing ideas ans strategies with them. Use your head though. Some people will just want to keep their head down till they get out.
This was adapted from a leaflett produced by the Anarchist Black Cross.
--------------------------------------------------
Dos and Don'ts
A few dos and don'ts on writing prisoners whose backgrounds/politics you may not know.
Dos
Do use common sense. Use a "neutral" address, such as a Post Office Box, for correspondence. Do not divulge sensitive personal information (i.e. your home address, phone number, credit card and bank details, people's full names, etc.) to a prisoner, particularly one you have never dealt with before. This is for your security and that of the prisoner. Be aware that authorities often read these letters and sensitive information can get into the wrong hands. Occasionally, prisoners have misused this information as well. Do not send money or honor immediate requests for money.
Do think ahead. Research local prison regulations. Learn about the prisoner before writing. Make sure to put a return address on your envelope. When first writing to an incarcerated person make sure you ask them specifically what the rules are for writing letters, and make a careful note of them. No one under eighteen years of age should be writing a prisoner -- again, this is for the prisoner's security as well as the writer's.
Do be forward and clear in your letter as well as your intentions. Say who you are, and if it's relevant that you're with an organization. Be upfront about your politics and say where you heard about the prisoners and her/his case. If you are interested in starting a pen-pal relationship and that is all, say so. Ask if they would like to correspond and if they'd like to discuss any topics, as well as what topics they don't wish to discuss. Keep your first letter reasonably short and to the point.
Do be patient. Prisoners may not write back or may take awhile. They may occasionally sound cynical, angry or disinterested in their words -- keep in mind many "supporters" or people who've written before may have stopped writing them, made promises/lied to them, or they just had a rough day and they're venting that on paper. Responding to an angry letter with more anger is not helpful.
Do deal with the right channels. If a prisoner wants you to send a book, ask what channels their institution requires for that, or refer them to a Book-to-Prisoners project near their unit. If a prisoner is getting out in the next few weeks, do not offer your place to stay (no matter how desperate they sound) unless you have corresponded for a significant amount of time and are in contact with both a parole officer and a prison intermediary (e.g. prison chaplain). Even in cases like this, it is far more helpful to a prisoner to help them secure employment and develop a support base (whether that is through her/his church/mosque, family, friends, etc.) than to Chances are, there's a legal process to be dealt with in cases like this and they need to be followed by both you and the prisoner. However, use your head and don't land in a bad situation or one that will land the prisoner back in jail.
Don'ts
Do not make promises. Many well-meaning people write letters offering support to a prisoner, or make offers for help out of good will. Unfortunately, most never follow through and build false hope in a prisoner. This is not fair to them. If you're writing, don't make promises. Don't offer to do a support campaign if you can't make that time. Don't offer to send items when you can't afford it. Be honest. It's best to start writing and keep it that way, at least until a relationship is established.
Do not romanticize prisons or prisoners. Many activists have ideas about who prisoners are, why they're locked up, the system, etc. While it's correct to have political clarity about incarceration and the nature of the criminal justice system, it is not correct to romanticize a prisoner, anything they might be locked up for (especially a "social crime") and their lives. They're people just like you, and have strengths and weaknesses. It is dangerous to assume that anyone (free or jailed) is able to overcome all their personal weaknesses, or be completely truthful, or is not dealing with the stressful situation they're in in negative ways. Some are estranged from their families as a direct result of their own actions. Some may have learned manipulative behaviors over the years. Prisoners are people like you.
Do not discuss potentially illegal political action with a prisoner. Again, this is for your security and theirs. Prisoners have and can be implicated for outside action that violates the law and you should be mindful that, if authorities even find such information in the hands of prisoners, prisoners can face added time and harsh treatment.
Do not attempt to place political judgments on prisoners' experiences. Some prisoners, out of desperation, write publications to get pen pals and may not agree completely with the views of the paper, but read it for information. Some prisoners have been converted to Christianity or are Muslims. Some have views that may be somewhat backward. Rather than attack a prisoner, it's best to be polite, but firm, if there's something you'd rather not discuss or find objectionable. Do not attack or insult a prisoner because of their religions, preferences or experiences. If the prisoner declares her/himself a white supremacist, you are well within your rights to explain your disagreements, encourage them to reconsider their views and discontinue the relationship; please be aware that several white supremacist gangs have ties to the outside from prison and it is smart not to get into insults or threats against such prisoners. Don't send literature unless requested and be aware you don't have to go with every request.
Good luck!
--------------------------------------------------
ITEMS YOU SHOULD NOT INCLUDE WITH YOUR LETTERS
All prisons have STRICT rules about the contents of mail that can be received by an inmate. Sending an inmate unauthorized materials may result in your letter never to be received by the inmate. There are as many rules as to what CAN and CANNOT be sent to a prisoner as there are prisons. However, there are some things that ALL prisons will restrict. Below is a list of several items you should NOT send with your letter.
Cards with yarn or ribbon.
Cards that are padded.
Oversized cards larger than 8x10.
Laminated cards.
Maps.
Letters in foreign languages.
Sticker or adhesive signs.
Excessive magazine and newspaper clippings or photos.
Metal or spiral bound notebooks or calendars.
Pornography or nude pictures.
Polaroid or laminated pictures
Stamps
Cash
Materials with gang signs.
Liquor or items that contain alcohol.
Personal items (find out the rules first).
Anything that might be considered a weapon.
Internet URL references. (remove all email addresses or web site information)
Books or Magazines (must come directly from the publisher)
--------------------------------------------------
ITEMS THAT ARE WELCOMED WITH YOUR LETTERS
These items are usually welcomed by prisoners and are good ideas for making your letters more interesting.
Photos, not Polaroid.
Colorful Post Cards.
Jokes.
Poems.
Colorful one-page calendars.
Cartoon Humor
Articles on current events.
Letters on colorful stationary
Colorful pictures from the Internet (remove all URL information).
Crossword Puzzles (on single sheets of paper).
Newspaper or magazine clippings (not too many at one time).
Birthday or Holiday Cards.
Books (direct from the publisher or retailer).
Magazines (direct from the publisher).
--------------------------------------------------
Partial list of political prisoners; recent as of 2005:
Anarchist & Anti-Authoritarian
Bill Dunne #10916-086, Box 019001, Atwater, CA 95301.
Ojore N. Lutalo PO-861-59860, SBI# 0000901548, Trenton, NJ 08625-0861
Robert Thaxton #12112716, 4005 Aumsville Hwy, Salem, OR 97301.
Animal Liberation & Eco-Defense
TreArrow CS #05850722, North Fraser Pretrial Centre, 1451 Kingsway
Ave., Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 1S2, Canada.
Angela M Cesario #66522-065, Federal Prison Camp Dublin, 5675 8th St.
Camp Parks, Dublin, CA 94568.
Jeffrey Luers (Free) #13797671, OSP, 2605 State Street, Salem, OR 97310.
Jeremy Rosenbloom #66521-065, Federal Prison Camp Sheridan, PO Box
6000, Sheridan, OR 97378.
John Wade #38548-083, FCI Petersburg Low, PO Box 1000, Petersburg, VA
23804.
Helen Woodson #03231-045, c/o Bates County Jail, PO Box 60, Butler, MO
64730.
Anti-Imperialist
Marilyn Buck #00482-285, Unit B, 5701 8th Street, Camp Parks, Dublin,
CA 94568.
Ana Lucia Gelabert #384484, 1401 State School Rd. - GV Unit,
Gatesville, TX 76599.
David Gilbert #83A6158, Clinton Correctional Facility, PO Box 2000,
Dannemora, NY 12929.
William Gilday PO Box 1218, MCI Shirley, Shirley, MA 01464-1218.
William Taylor Harris T-82151, CSP Solano #8-126U, PO Box 4000,
Vacaville, CA 95696-4000.
Alvaro Luna Hernandez #255735, Hughes Unit, Rt. 2, Box 4400,
Gatesville, TX 76597.
Yu Kikumura #090008-050, PO Box 8500 ADX, Florence, CO 81226.
James William Kilgore #09879-000, USP Lompoc, 3901 Klein Blvd.,
Lompoc, CA 93436.
Sara Olson W94197, 506-27-1 Low, CCWF, PO Box 1508, Chowchilla, CA
93610-1508.
Tsutomo Shirosaki #20924-016, USP, PO Box 26030, Beaumont, TX 77720-6030.
Black Liberation
Most of the following prisoners are serving time for "crimes" in the
name of black liberation. Many of them are former members of either
the Black Liberation Army, or the Black Panther Party, or both. They
are either in prison for their clandestine actions against government
and corporate entities, or because they have been framed by the
authorities.
Sundiata Acoli #39794-066, USP Allenwood, PO Box 3000, USP Allenwood,
White Deer, PA 17887.
Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin #EF492521, Georgia State Prison, 100 Georgia
Hwy 147, Reidsville, GA 30499-9701.
Zolo Agona Azania #4969, Indiana State Prison, PO Box 41, Michigan
City, IN 46361-0041.
Herman Bell #79C0262, Eastern Correctional Facility, Box 338,
Napanoch, NY 12458-0338.
Hanif Shabazz Bey (Beaumont Gereau) #295933, Wallens Ridge State
Prison, PO Box 759, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Joseph Bowen AM-4272, 1 Kelley Drive, Coal Township, PA 17866-1021.
Marshall Edward Conway #116469, Box 534, Jessup, MD 20794.
Romaine "Chip" Fitzgerald B27527, CSP/LAC - AL-225, 44750 60th Street
West, Lancaster, CA 93536-7619.
Bashir Hameed (J. York) #82A6313, Box AG, Fallsburg, NY 12733.
Robert Seth Hayes #74A2280, Wende Corr. Facility, 3622 Wende Road,
Alden, NY 14004-1187.
Sekou Kambui (William Turk) #113058, Box 56 SCC (B1-21), Elmore, AL
36025-0056.
Mumia Abu-Jamal AM8335, SCI Greene, 175 Progress Drive, Waynesburg, PA
15370-8090.
Mondo We Langa (David Rice) #27768, Box 2500, Lincoln, NE 68542-2500.
Ojore N. Lutalo #59860, PO 861, SBI #0000901548, Trenton, NJ 08625.
Abdul Majid (Anthony Laborde) #83A0483, Drawer B, Green Haven
Correctional Facility, Stormville, NY 12582-0010.
Ruchell Cinque McGee A-92051, PO Box 7500, SHU-2-C-233, Crescent City,
CA 95531.
Jalil Muntaqim (Anthony Bottom) #77A4283, Box 618, 135 State St.,
Auburn Correctional Facility, Auburn, NY 13024.
Sekou Odinga #05228-054, Box 1000, Marion, IL 62959.
Hugo Pinell #A88401, PO Box 7500, SHU D3-221, Crescent City, CA
95531-7500.
Ed Poindexter #110403, Minnesota. Correctional Facility, 7525 4th Ave,
Lino Lake, MN 55014-1099.
Kojo Bomani Sababu (Grailing Brown) #39384-066, 3906 Klein Blvd,
Lompoc, CA 93436.
Kamau Sadiki (Freddie Hilton) 6DC #1150688, Augusta State Medical
Prison in Grovetown, GA 30813.
Mutulu Shakur #83205-012, Box PMB, Atlanta, GA 30315.
Russel Maroon Shoats AF-3855, 175 Progress Dr., Waynesburg, PA 15370.
Herman Wallace #76759, CCR Upper C Cell 1, Louisiana State
Penitentiary, Angola, LA 70712.
Gary Watson #098990, Unit SHU17, Delaware Correctional Center, 1181
Paddock Rd., Smyrna, DE 19977.
Albert Woodfox #72148, CCR Upper B Cell 13, Louisiana State
Penitentiary, Angola, LA 70712.
Cuban Five
The Cuban Five are five Cuban civilians who were actively trying to
stop the ultra-right terrorist groups in Miami from carrying out
violent actions against the Cuban populace. They were framed up in a
political witch-hunt and railroaded by the U.S. in a seven-month trial
in Miami, where it was impossible for them to have an impartial and
fair trial.
Ruben Campa #58733-004, FCI Oxford, Box 1000, Oxford WI 53952-0505.
Rene Gonzalez #58738-004, FCI Edgefield, Box 725, Edgefield, SC 29824.
Antonio Guerrero #58741-004, USP Florence, PO Box 7500, Florence CO
81226.
Gerardo Hernandez #58739-004, USP-Lompoc, 3901 Klein Blvd., Lompoc, CA
93436.
Luis Medina #58734-004, USP Beaumont, Box 26030, Beaumont TX 77720-6035.
Native American
Byron Shane Chubbuck #07909051, US Penitentiary, PO Box 1000,
Leavenworth, KS 66048.
Eddie Hatcher #0173499, MCI, PO Box 2405, Marion, NC 28752.
Leonard Peltier #89637-132, PO Box 1000, Leavenworth, KS 66048.
Luis V. Rodríguez #C33000, PO Box 7500, Crescent City, CA 95532 7500.
Tewahnee Sahme #11186353, SRCI. 777 Stanton Blvd., Ontario, OR 97914.
David Scalera (Looks Away) #13405480, SRCI. 777 Stanton Blvd.,
Ontario, OR 97914.
MOVE Prisoners
MOVE is a radical, ecological movement that has been attacked by the
Philadelphia Police since its inception. Nine members were convicted
and sent to prison for life following a 1978 siege at their house in
which one cop was killed by another cop. One of those nine, Merle
Africa, died in prison after not being treated for a health issue.
Charles Simms Africa AM4975, SCI Grateford, Box 244, Grateford, PA
19426-0244.
Debbie Simms Africa #006307, 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs, PA
16403-1238.
Delbert Orr Africa AM4985, SCI Dallas, Drawer K, Dallas, PA 18612.
Edward Goodman Africa AM4974, SCI Camp Hill, Box 200, Camp Hill, PA
17011-0200.
Janet Holloway Africa #006308, 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs,
PA 16403-1238.
Janine Philips Africa #006309, 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs,
PA 16403-1238.
Michael Davis Africa AM4973, SCI Grateford, Box 244, Grateford, PA
19426-0244.
William Philips Africa AM4984, SCI Dallas, Drawer K, Dallas, PA 18612.
Puerto Rican Liberation
The colonial reality of Puerto Rico created a national liberation
struggle that produced many independence freedom fighters and
pro-independence organizations; that have been actively educating,
organizing, and mobilizing the Puerto Rican community against US
colonialism. The nature of anti-colonial struggles often gives birth
to clandestine revolutionary organizations, which engage in armed
struggle against the colonial powers. The Puerto Rican political
prisoners were apart of two of these clandestine organizations: Las
Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion Nacional (FALN) and Los Macheteros.
Their arrests and subsequent imprisonment correspond to a planned
effort by the FBI to destroy their organizations and repress their
activities.
Haydee Beltran #88462-024, SCI Tallahassee, 501 Capital Circle,
Tallahassee, FL 32031.
Oscar Lopez Rivera #87651-025, Box 33, Terre Haute, IN 47808.
Carlos Alberto Torres #88976-024, PO Box 1000, Oxford, WI 53952.
Plowshares
Ploughshares is an international movement which uses accountable
non-violent direct action to disarm weapons of mass destruction.
Sister Carol Gilbert #10856-039, FPC Alderson RI, Box A, Alderson, WU
24910.
Sister Jackie Hudson #08808-039, FPC Victorville, PO Box 5100,
Adelanto, CA 92301.
Sister Ardeth Platte #10857-039, FPC Danbury, Route 37, Danbury, CT
06818.
United Freedom Front (UFF)
The following individuals are serving huge sentences for their alleged
role in actions carried out by the United Freedom Front in the 1980's.
The UFF carried out solidarity bombings against the US government on a
variety of issues, including Apartheid in South Africa and US
imperialism in Central America.
Jaan Karl Laaman W41514, Box 100, South Walpole, MA 0207.
Thomas Manning #10372-016, Box 4000, Springfield, MO 65801.
Richard Williams #10377-016, 3901 Klein Blvd., Lompoc, CA 93436.
edit: ther'es already a topic with all of this information!! :o