How to Write a Prisoner Pen Pal
Writing to an inmate can be a rewarding experience for both you and your pen pal, when it is done correctly. Prisoners are often cut off from all ties to the outside world. A pen pal can help them cope with incarceration. However, you should use caution when considering any type of relationship with someone behind bars.
1 Getting Started
2 Set up an anonymous mailbox
Set up an anonymous mailbox from which to receive your correspondence from prison pen pals. Never use your home address. It is also a good idea to consider using a pseudonym rather than your real name.
3 Locate the prisoner
Locate the prisoner you would like to write. Please see the Resources section for helpful links to assist you in locating someone you know, or searching for a stranger who has common interests.
4 Contact the prison
Contact the prison in which your potential pen pal is located to determine the rules and regulations for mail correspondence. Prisons typically search and examine all incoming and outgoing mail. Breaking the rules can result in the mail being destroyed and/or the prisoner being reprimanded.
5 Begin Writing
6 Introduce yourself without disclosing personal or identifiable information
Introduce yourself without disclosing personal or identifiable information. It's a good idea to discuss hobbies and interests, while avoiding topics like prison life or the inmate's criminal history.
7 Include a few games
Include a few games, like crossword or logic puzzles, with your letter. Check the prison regulation first.
8 Be understanding without being gullible
Be understanding without being gullible. As a pen pal, you can offer encouragement and motivation for an inmate to make positive changes in his or her life. However, these men and women are criminals, and until they have been released and had the opportunity to realize those changes, it would be foolish to assume they might.
Related Articles
