History records that handwritten letters have the power to create strong and everlasting impacts. Letters are not just some words put together but a piece of paper that can bring revolutions and change lives. Sending letters to someone is a way of telling them that they are loved and there is someone out there who thinks and cares about them. Let us see how to write a letter to a Prisoner on Death Row.
Every day they have to live with the fear and anxiety that this might be their last day which is probably not a very positive thought to survive with. Having a pen pal is a way for the prisoners to build friendships and find a little calmness amidst all the chaos. Want to be a penpal for a prisoner?
Here is a detailed guide about the procedure and dos and don’ts while writing to a prisoner on death row.
How can I write letter to the prisoner on death row?
Prisoners through various websites and organizations have the opportunity to list themselves for a pen pal.
On the website, they can add their name, a photograph, age, gender, and a short introduction.
You can scroll through the details and select any one prisoner you want to write to.
What is the procedure for sending and receiving the letters?
Sending letters to the prisoners comes with certain rules and regulations that are to be strictly followed. Below is a step-by-step procedure of how to send the letters to the prisoners without much hassle.
- Write your letters on a plain sheet of paper and keep them inside an envelope. Make sure that your envelope is plain white and has no stickers or decorative items.
- Write your full name on the front top left corner of the envelope.
- Write the full name of the prisoner and the prisoner’s ID.
- You can send your letters by three methods; By mail, by email, or by type and print.
To mail your letters you just have to write your letter and mail it to your nearest post box. To send the letters by email you can email your letter to the organization you’re sending it through and they will print the typed letter and then send it. Lastly, if you choose to type the letter then you have to take a print of the same and mail it to the given address on the website.
- If you want to send any other articles like books make sure that the store you’re ordering from is willing to deliver the books.
What are the rules and regulations that I need to keep in mind?
- Do not ask about the prisoner’s crime until they choose to share it on their own.
- If you want to send books you can only send three softcover books at once.
- Adult Magazines and books are not allowed.
- Sending money to the prisoners is strictly forbidden
- Make sure you do not use any stationery that is scented or has glitter.
- Do not send anything else with your letter. Ask the inmate about whatever is allowed.
- You can only send news clippings or photos; stamps are strictly prohibited.
- Don’t use any offensive terms while writing. Avoid mentioning any remarks about the prison officials.
- Some prisons do not allow postcards so write your letter on a plain sheet of paper.
- Avoid drawing any symbols, signs, or maps as they may be considered a gang symbol or a code word for an escape route.
What should I include in my letter?
Writing a letter to a prisoner can be quite intimidating for the first time. Here are a few tips you can go through before you write your first letter.
- Never include your home address.
- Start with greetings and talk about hobbies and interests.
- Never ask about their crimes.
- Be genuinely interested while writing!
Conclusion
When you write a letter to a prisoner you give them hope. Your letters are a way out for them from all the despair and anxiety. Just follow all the rules and be committed to your writing. You just might be the saving grace for a person who has no hope left! Bring a change in someone’s life and start writing your first letter today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I send money to my pen pal?
Ans: No, it is not advisable to send money to any prisoners without the consent of the authorities.
Q2. Where can I find a Pen Pal?
Ans: There are various websites where you can register yourself like writeaprisoner.com, inmateconnection.com, wireofhope.com, and more.
Q3. Can I include my name and address in the letter?
Ans: You can only write the name you want, but you can’t mention your address.
