Best Practice for Letter Writing
Before you start writing, keep in mind that:
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there exists a power differential between you and your comrade, make sure you do not write anything that may cause further harm to the survivors.
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there are mixed literacy levels among incarcerated people, avoid using big words.
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LETTERS ARE NOT PRIVATE, all mail are opened by prison staff before being delivered.
Requirements
Address and Formatting
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Include a cover sheet with your comrade's inmate ID number and the contents of your letter on it (e.g. 1 two page letter, 1 photograph)
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On every page, write your comrade’s name, and inmate ID number in the top right-hand corner
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If you are including a photograph, write your comrade’s name, and inmate ID number on the back of the photo
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If you would like to receive a reply, include the SARP office address in the body of your letter (envelopes may be destroyed during checks)
Pages
Set Boundaries and Expectations
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Do not exceed the page limit of 1 double-sided sheet
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The cover sheet and any photographs are not included in the page count
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How often will they be hearing from you?
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What kind of relationship do you want? (e.g. one-off, pen pal)
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DO NOT MAKE PROMISES YOU CANNOT KEEP
Banned Materials
Some materials are censored at most prisons, avoid using them to ensure your mail has the greatest chance of making it to your comrade inside
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Thick, multi-layered greeting cards
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Colored paper of any kind
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Stickers, glue, confetti, glitter, ribbons/ additional items on greeting cards
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Oversized envelopes
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Drawings on envelopes
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Crayon and colored markers
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Tape on envelopes in general
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Peel and press envelopes and envelopes with metal brads that press down
Write a Letter
Begin writing your own letter to an incarcerated survivor: