Put return address on envelope!!!!

Please forget any preconceptions or stereotypes you may have heard
of people in prison

In your first letter, explain a little about yourself why you are
writing, and ask if the person would like writing to you.

Introduce yourself, describe yourself and the concern that leads
you to write.

Feel free to ask about prison life, about the persons interests,
where they are from, whether they have any appeals in progress etc.

It's good to ask questions, because it gives the person something to
respond to, but do not ask to many at once-especially in the first
letter. Let trust build between you, and always try to share as much
about yourself as you ask the other person to share.

If you feel you only will be able to, for example monthly, make this
clear to the person. It is important not to promise things that you
will not be able to follow through on.

If you want to send things like books, stamps, stationary, or food,
ask first whether the person wants them, whether they will be able
to enter prison and how they will need to be sent.

The person may ask you to send money- if you feel good about that,
ask in which way you could send it. NEVER feel obliged to respond
to a request for money, again, be sure to find out first in what
form it must be sent.

You may want to visit this person in addition to writing. That would
be great!! just ask him or her whether they want you to visit and what
the hours and restrictions are concerning visits.

Most prisons do not allow letters with no senders name and address. It
is possible to use false ones, but bear in mind the prisoner may reply,
so use an address you can receive mail from.

Do not put off if you do not receive a reply straight away, prisoners a
re sometimes limited to how many letters they can write each week.

One thing more to remember: all mail to prisoners will be opened and
censored, so don't write anything that could jeopardize future actions
or someone's freedom.

An extra thing to keep in mind:

Better not ask the prisoner right away what he/she is doing time for,
leave it up to him/her to talk about it....Yet, if you are concerned
you can use the offender look up websites like these: