What You Can Do...

Incarceration is on the rise. Over 2,000,000 Americans are currently incarcerated. This number goes up every year. Do the math. Calculate the waste. It is heartbreaking, and it is immeasurable.

FACT: The average cost to incarcerate a youth at a juvenile "boot camp" facility is approximately $34,000 per year.

FACT: The average cost to incarcerate a juvenile offender in a Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration institution is approximately $47,400 per year.

FACT: The average cost to incarcerate an adult inmate in a Department of Corrections institution is approximately $24,500 per year.

If "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" we need to be doing more - MUCH MORE - in our quest to prevent crime and the drug abuse that leads to crime, both which lead to incarceration. Whether measured in the financial burden to taxpayers or the heartache of wasted human potential, crime and punishment in the United States is rampant and on the rise. As a society we must do more to prevent crime and incarceration. We must also reduce recidivism.  Approximately 70% of released prisoners return to jail within five years. We know that shorter sentences that emphasize education and rehabilitation are less expensive and more effective in the long run, but in light of federal sentencing guidelines and lack of drug treatment facilities, these sensible alternatives are not likely to be embraced by our government. So, the burden is shouldered by all of us - the U.S. populace - to prevent people from going to prison in the first place. There are actions each of us can take in this endeavor, and remember, NOT acting has its own consequences as well.

It's easy to sit back and pass judgment on others. It requires no effort and does not even require a command of all the facts. People are quick to form opinions on matters they know little about. We are asking you - IMPLORING you - to get your facts and make informed opinions that will lead to actions on your part. Volunteerism is America's secret weapon against every condition that afflicts our society. Whether you volunteer at your local Literacy Council to teach someone how to read or volunteer as a Big Brother or Big Sister, you could be personally responsible for keeping someone out of jail - someone who might have otherwise gone down the wrong path. You can make a difference. You don't have to wait for "the government" to solve the problem... you can do something today.

FACT: Building more Supermax prisons is NOT the answer. Prevention is.

"The magnitude of our social problems will require that all citizens and institutions make a commitment to volunteering as a way of life and as a primary opportunity to create needed change..." -- George Romney, former Michigan governor

Contact these organizations to learn how you can help.
Tell them WriteAPrisoner.com sent you:

American Literacy Council -The American Literacy Council provides resources and assistance to persons and organizations who are involved in literacy initiatives throughout America. The organization has produced software and publications aimed at solving  the problem of illiteracy in English speaking countries.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America - Big Brothers Big Sisters has been the nation's preeminent youth service organization for nearly a century. Based on the service of volunteers, they are a proven success in creating and nurturing relationships between adults and children.

Habitat for Humanity Prison Partnership - Prison Partnership is a Habitat for Humanity program that facilitates a cooperative effort between Habitat affiliates and correctional institutions. Through the program, offenders have the opportunity to volunteer with Habitat affiliates and homeowners to participate in various aspects of house construction.

Join Together -Taking action against drug abuse and gun violence. Includes issues and resources for prevention.

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information - Emphasis is on prevention and treatment of issues regarding alcohol and drug abuse. Related issues include family and children perspectives and needs.

National Crime Prevention Council - NCPC's mission is to enable people to create safer and more caring communities by addressing the causes of crime and violence and reducing the opportunities for crime to occur.

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention - The OJJDP addresses a multitude of social concerns including causes and correlates of delinquency, delinquency prevention, disproportionate minority confinement, juvenile mentoring, and violence prevention. Grants, resources, programs, and publications are detailed on the site.

Perspectives on Youth - Perspective on Youth was created as a multidisciplinary forum for those that work with youth to exchange viewpoints, research, and experiences with others that strive toward a common goal: promoting the well-being of youth.

Prevent Violence - Choices for Youth is a public education campaign to prevent violence against youth. Target audiences include policymakers and the general public; emphasis is on the need to increase resources for youth violence prevention.

White House Drug Policy - Programs and strategies focus on prevention of drug abuse. Emphasis includes drug-free communities and drug-free workplaces.

"Vision without action is a daydream.
Action without vision is a nightmare." -- Japanese Proverb