Didn't know what was the best forum for this.. so I'll just put this here.. I've been corresponding with several US prisoners for a few years now and I really think it has been an enriching experience for me. They are from such a different world (grew up in ghetto's, gang area's etc).. I developed a nice friendship with them and would love to meet them sometime. I'm just wondering if anyone else on this board does something similar or is interested in this. The main reason I'm doing this is that I believe that every human should have the chance of friendship, regardless of their past and mistakes. Here are website's with adds and information. http://www.thepamperedprisoner.com/ http://www.prisonpenpals.net/ Feel free to ask about my experiences!
well.. I know how manipulative a lot of 'normal' people are as well... and I also know how goodhearted a lot of 'criminals' are too (happen to know a few in 'real life' as well through my work). But I agree that this isn't something for minors.. if it's a relative or sth then it's different, but for a class.. I don't know.. I'm not too familiar with the schoolsystem in the US, how old are 5th graders?
Hm.. second thought.. it might be very good for the kids, now he can first-hand warn them from the consequences of drunk/drugged driving.. one of my penpals is dying to talk to kids who are in his situation (from the ghetto) so he can show them what road not to go.. he's really concerned about the kids growing up in his old neighbourhood.. it's a very hard life. Survival of the fittest..
agreed. But I asume that the whole idea behind the 'project' is to show kids that different world? The fact that they shouldn't give personal info and such is explained to them I guess.. that you should be weary of all strangers to some extend and that not everyone who sounds nice has to be nice. Sheltering kids from all bad things isn't right imho and with the right guidance, a classroomproject like this could be beneficial.. but if you're worried about it, then go talk to the teacher about her exact instructions and views upon the subject.
I grew up on a Farm in the Western Cape of South Africa. We often used to use Prison labour when our farm workers went home to the trustlands during parts of the year. We would pay the Prison for the Labour and the Prisoners got a good meal from us as well as a chance to get out and about, under gaurd of course. Wed also give them gifts of Tobbaco. The reason why we did not pay them was because no sooner have they got back to Prison and the gaurds take it off them. As a result the Prisoners just request Tobbaco. I found most of them to be decent people, most of whom were only in prison because they had been forced into crime out of desperation. They were men who merely wanted to feed their family's.
Please be careful when writing folks in prison. They share letters & photos,they 'group compose' letters,it's a sport! Any info that you give them may get passed to folks outside. They have LOTS OF TIME to write long,creative letters. Don't fall for the heart-tugging tales,don't send money! PLEASE be aware. Thanks. Love,Your Old Auntie Celeste p.s.I know,not everyone in prison is a bad person...
I write to three prisoners frequently.. one of them is in for life without parole since the age of 17.. and even he is taking every chance he gets to educate himself and he's desperate to hear from me what a 'normal' life is like. He's a regufee, got teased constantly by other kids because of that until his older brothers gang took him in.. and when you're like 14 years old and under a huge amount of pressure, you are happy with people that protect you from bullies.. suddenly they respect you! Yes, and later, you find out that everything has it's price.. you get sucked in and can't get out. Just one of the stories.. And about sharing info and 'group composing'.. well.. I know they show my pictures to others because they see me as family and are proud of having an 'outside' friend. At the same time, their letters are extremely personal and they are very protective of me.. they don't want to share the few outside friends they've got left! They treat me as their little sister.. telling me to study hard, keep safe etc. etc. Maybe I was just lucky with these three guys, I don't know.. I did have a less good experience with another as well, but I just quit writing. He wont get released in this decenium and even if he does get out, I'll be living at the other side of the planet
hey there..... back at the age of 15 i was convicted and sentenced to three years of which i served every day. due to the seriousness of my crime i was put straight into an adult populated prison 18+ it was certainly quite a shock. i know it would have made a great deal of difference for some of the people i was in with if they had had some correspondence with the outside world (although admittidly some would abuse this) you know people who have been to prison genrally look at the world with a different light, yes some people go from bad to worse for whatever reason, but there are some which learn a great deal and do walk away a changed man. just be wary, as there really are some nasty people out there. im sure those that appreciate your letters, like the mental stimulation and interest you add to there day. i would just like to say thank you, for the time and effort you are taking for these people love peace and smiles
