Write to SAC Artists

Corresponding with incarcerated individuals is a revolutionary and transformative act. Prisons are designed to create loneliness and isolation. Writing to people in prison fights back against the inhumane conditions of incarceration by creating solidarity and community that transcends prison walls. Building connections and being in community with one another is necessary to create the world we want to live in. 

"Prisons are built to maintain disconnection. But for each one of us on the inside, it takes an entire community to get us through..." - Lawrence J. 

Things to Know: 

• When addressing the envelope, you must include your full name and return address. 

• If you would like a letter back, include your mailing address in the body of the letter. 

• Remember that all letters will be opened and read by prison staff. 

• Set boundaries and expectations upfront. If you just want to write one letter to let them know you loved their art, that’s great! Just let them know. If you are open to a pen pal relationship, let them know how often you have capacity to write. 

• Do not make commitments and promises that you can’t keep. 

Getting started: 

• Introduce yourself. Tell them your name, pronouns, and what about the Freedom Dreams Exhibit inspired you to write to them. 

• Share some things about yourself. You can talk about your interests or hobbies, what your daily life looks like, what kind of music you like, or anything you would like them to know about you. 

• Ask questions to get to know them. What are their interests? Where did they grow up? Do they like to read or listen to music?

• Learn more from the Connecting and Communicating with Folks Inside Washington’s Prisons zine

Using Securus

Artists incarcerated at WA DOC facilities can also be contacted online through Securus, the main communication platform DOC uses in its facilities. Securus is also where you can add money to inside folks’ accounts. There are, of course, many rules and restrictions around this. For example, you cannot add money to multiple people’s accounts. More information can be found on DOC’s website. While the platform may be a bit frustrating to use, do not be discouraged. It is so valuable to bridge the isolation created by prison walls.

It is free to setup a Securus account:

• Go to “Create an Account” on the Securus homepage

• Launch eMessaging

• Go to “Add a Contact”

• Search for artists by Full Name or ID plus state and agency

  • Full Name is their DOC Name, which may be different than the name they use

  • ID is their DOC number

  • State: WA

  • Agency: Washington State Department of Corrections

• Then, purchase stamps and start sending messages!

• Note: You can also provide a return stamp when messaging so folks inside do not have to use their own.

Physical mail still serves as a vital connection point.