Letter Writing Ministry (Pen Pals)
The Letter Writing Ministry of our Worthy Now Prison Ministry matches Unitarian Universalists in the free world with incarcerated UU members of CLF.
Note on language: For many years, we used the term “pen pals” as an easy way to refer to this program. Lately, several prison systems are banning mail that refers to pen pal services because there are some less-than-reputable ones out there. You will still see “pen pals” on many free-world pages and forms and we’re trying hard to switch our language to overcome the censorship of the carceral system.
Letter Writing Partners bring hope and life-saving connection to our incarcerated members.
The mutual exchange of letters helps our incarcerated members overcome the extreme isolation of the prison system, and provides a UU touchpoint in the world outside the prison walls.
Letter writing partners help our incarcerated members deepen their connection to Unitarian Universalism.
Most of our incarcerated members are new to our faith–and eager to engage with a religion that respects their inherent worthiness and allows them to explore their theology.
These connections provide an opportunity to create meaningful relationships with people in very different life circumstances.
This relationship has the power to bring you proximate to the issues of those people who find themselves incarcerated. In turn, your heart may be renewed by witnessing the power of Unitarian Universalism present even in the most difficult of places.
Letter writing partners have the opportunity to live our Unitarian Universalist value that affirms the inherent worthiness of all people.
Our partners make living and real the fundamental philosophy of the Worthy Now Prison Ministry that all people–no matter who they are or what they have done (or been accused of doing)–are worthy of love, respect, connection, and the fullness of their humanity.
Requirements for Participation
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You must be a member of the CLF or another UU congregation or covenanting community (for six months or more).
- You must affirm you have not been arrested, incarcerated, or on parole or probation in the prior 12 months
- You must read and agree to the guidelines.
Become a Letter Writing Partner (Pen Pal)(opens in new tab)
If you feel called to support this ministry of presence and accompaniment by becoming a Worthy Now letter writing partner, please click the button below to apply.
We Need Your Support(opens in new tab)
We rely on the support of thousands of donors to continue this life-saving ministry. This staff-intensive ministry costs us about $300 per member to provide at a bare minimum level. The ministry we would like to offer would cost about double that.
Few of our incarcerated members have the resources to be stewards of their congregation, though they would like to. Because they are legally enslaved, we do not require financial contributions from these members. It is a moment of significant pause to hold a $20 check sent in from a member we know is earning $0.20 an hour at their prison job.
Can you help?