Hi

Im sorry if prisoner is the wrong word, but i am interested in how do you write with someone who on death row? Are there Females too on DR??
Please dont think iam crazy because i ask so much... But this is all very interesting for me..

Thank You all so much for taking you time to read and answer.

Anyone can write to someone in prison--you will need to know where they are incarcerated and their prison number. This can often be found online through the web sites for various state Departments of Correction or whatever it's called in the state in question.

Mind, there are no guarantees that you'll get a reply, and if you do decide to write to someone on the Row, be sincere about it. If someone is interested in corresponding, stick to it. Most people on Death Row have relatively few or no people they can communicate with--it's a real let-down if you write a letter or two and then stop. Remember that people on Death Row are people first and foremost.

And yes, there are both men and women on Death Row. Is there someone in particular that you want to contact?

After doing TONS of research on my death row inmate pal and making sure i was going to be able to be there for him, i just sent a letter telling him i read about his case and how outraged i was that he was on death row. He responded quickly and now we have an amazing friendship.

I agree with Dave you have to be sincere and know that you are going to be able folllow through, b/c letters from people who care about them, means the world to them.

It's probably worth noting that you may receive a very cautious response or none at all to your letter(s) especially if you write to "high profile" prisoners. There are, unfortunately, a certain number of autograph collectors and dealers who write supportive letters in the hope of getting a "collectors item" in response and some prisoners have, with good reason, become very tired of being exploited. Recalling the first contacts I had with my dear friend, she was very distant for some time, and only with time and her realization that I was around for the long haul did our communications truly begin to become personal. As I recall, she sent a couple of signed photos early on--I think in the hope that if I was a collector, I'd be satisfied and go away! In a few months, seven years will have passed since then, along with I know not how many letters which are indeed treasure to me, but which I would never allow another to read.

You stand at the gate of an experience that may prove rewarding beyond all imagination, but which may also be an emotional rollercoaster. If you do decide to climb aboard, please be certain that you're ready for the ride.

Like the others have said, dont take this lightly. If you start writing, you have to keep up with it. These guys cant take anymore loss in their lives. Be sure, really sure that you are up for this. It can be really hard, but oh so worth it. There are many websites with DR inmates looking for penpals. Good luck, and remember, take it seriously!

Again I will stress that if you do decide to write then please take this seriously. the loss to those guys (and girls) is huge if someone stops writing, it is better in some ways if they never started!
Sandy