UUs at the Hinsdale Congregation gather to write holiday cards to folx incarcerated in Illinois.
Unitarian Universalist Penpal Program of Illinois
In order to deepen your own understanding of our justice system, and as a way of supporting people who are incarcerated, we encourage those who are interested in being matched with a pen pal to reach out to us. We are so grateful for our volunteers who ensure the that these connections are made through the Unitarian Universalist Penpal Program of Illinois .
If you are interested in becoming a pen pal with someone who is living in prison, it is easy to get started in our work together as free world participants. Please email us and we can get program volunteers in touch with you. Additionally, you can...
If you are interested in becoming a pen pal with someone who is living in prison, it is easy to get started in our work together as free world participants. Please email us and we can get program volunteers in touch with you. Additionally, you can...
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Follow this three step process:
FIRST -watch this video, which we hope will help answer many of your questions about being a pen pal SECOND -
read through the FAQ Also click here to check out the what can and can't be sent on the IDOC Site In addition, you can find a whole bunch of answers to other questions about being a pen pal on THIS FAQ that we adapted from our friends at Black and Pink. 
THIRD -
Let us know you want a pen pal That’s all there is to it!
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Learn more about how one Illinois congregation is leaning into the UU PenPal Program of Illinois by watching this video from Unity Temple, Oak Park.
We encourage you to participate in a PIC training as soon as possible to deepen your understanding of the whole system you are engaged with as a pen pal. Check the home page for upcoming classes. | |||
However, we realize that writing to prisoners on your own can be a bit anxiety-producing, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have. Additionally, you might want to find someone in your congregation who is also interested in writing to a prison pen pal. Pen pal buddies can make the writing process more enjoyable and keep you corresponding on a more frequent, consistent schedule.
Finally, we know that some pen pals are reluctant to use their own addresses. If that is the case, consider reaching out to your church administrator to find out if you can send and receive mail from their address. Additionally, for a fee, you can use this on-line service: https://jmail.cc/.
Finally, we know that some pen pals are reluctant to use their own addresses. If that is the case, consider reaching out to your church administrator to find out if you can send and receive mail from their address. Additionally, for a fee, you can use this on-line service: https://jmail.cc/.