PEN PAL PROGRAM

Our pen-pal program offers an opportunity for folks on the outside to get matched with incarcerated comrades and learn about how the letter-writing operates as an abolitionist act of solidarity that builds networks of care in our community. All materials are provided and everyone is welcome!

Penpal Writing Session Monthly Schedule:

  • If you wish to meet strictly for Penpal writing sessions, join us the first Thursday of each month at SeeWhich Books (15 South Hope St. Hampton, VA 23663) 6pm-7pm.

  • You can also learn more about our Penpal program on the last Thursday of the month at Eleanor's Norfolk (Abolition School) (801 Boush St STE B Norfolk, VA 23510) 6:30-8:30pm, which is when HBB hosts our monthly meetings.

If you can’t make it to our in-person sessions, reach out through the “Contact Us” page to get matched with someone on the inside!

Check our instagram for any scheduling changes!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

APPLY

Fill out our simple form sharing a bit about yourself and what you're hoping for in a pen pal relationship.

GET MATCHED

We’ll connect you with someone whose interests and communication style align with yours.

START WRITING

Begin building a relationship that matters, with ongoing support from our team whenever you need it.

PEN PAL FAQs

  • No! If you can't make it to an in-person meeting, email humanitiesbehindbarssolidarity@proton.me to be matched with a pen pal.

  • Most of our pen-pals correspond through snail mail, but some prefer online messaging systems controlled by the jail such as JPay or SmartJailMail.

  • You do not need to use your personal mailing address! You can use HBB's address and we will pass the letter along to you! Just let us know so we can make sure your mail gets to you!

  • We have pen-pals writing us from prisons and jails inside Virginia as well as across the US!

  • We encourage you to communicate up front with your pen-pal about how often you can write to them. But we generally recommend offering to write once per month, especially if using snail mail.

  • Not everyone gets along, inside or outside of the prison system! If you feel uncomfortable or if you and your pen-pal have different expectations for your connection, please let us know! We can re-match you both with someone who may be a better fit.

  • Every jail and prison is different and have their rules for mail on their individual websites. We recommend using black ink on white paper and not including any color drawings, photographs, stickers, or white-out. We also recommend using a white envelope with no security features. Remember, prison guards often read or scan the letters, so don't write anything you wouldn't want a prison guard to see!

  • Unfortunately, all clothing, hygiene, and food items must come directly from the jail commissary itself. If your pen-pal has clothing, hygiene, or food needs, please let us know! Books can often be sent in directly from a publisher. Most jails accept paperback books only, and often have a list on their website of which books are not permitted.