I wonder if we can start a letter writing drive for those going up for parole? Would anybody be interested in that?

I have looked all over the internet for any help pertaining to this matter and there isn't any! I see people who write letters on behalf of inmates who are sick and that is wonderful! When the Board of Paroles tells us to get support, why can't we help each other out? It's not like the opposition doesn't go out and collect hundreds of signatures from people who know nothing about the crime or the person, so how can they truly oppose our loved ones unless they walk in our shoes?

Anyway, it was just a thought I had of starting it because MY husband goes up for parole in 2 weeks and I know he's not the only one out there who needs a friendly word to the parole board from someone who thinks he's still a human being even if he is in prison.

I would gladly help anyone else out who needed it and if more people are interested, I think I might start a web site to offer to the public.

:)

Just exactly what and how would this be accomplished? Pardon my ignorance, but what would we write and to who? Don't get me wrong, if there is a possibility that this could help then I am all for it. I just wonder what a letter from "me" would do when I don't know your husband...?

Does anyone else have any suggestions? Insight?

When I have spoken to the parole board ( we are in TN) they have told us that they accept different forms of "support". It can be by letter, petition, video or personally attending the hearing.

Some people who have petitions signed don't even know a MAJORITY of the people who are signing the petitions, but it doesn't matter anyway, as long as they get enough signatures to accomplish their goal.

I think that if we could start something that allows us to say, hey, my wife, husband, son, ....etc. is going up for parole, they have served ___ amount of time and give the address to either the parole board or whoever will be taking the letters TO the parole board, that we could each write a letter saying


RE: John Doe #12345


To Whom it May Concern (unless you know specifically who to send to)

I am writing to show full support of John Doe's release back into society. As a member of society, I am not afraid of his being released back into the community and feel that his imprisonment has shown him the errors of his way and that he will not recidivate once released. ( or whatever, that's just sort of a bad example, lol)

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe



My friend's husband has a protestor who stood outside of walmart saying, this man is a threat to society and had every stranger who walked into walmart sign it....do you think that is fair? His charge was 2nd degree murder and he'd already served 15 on a 25 with only a few years left...however, they told him to flatten his sentence, which he has now done. I just don't know why we couldn't do the same thing.

The parole board that I delt with personally, did not heed creedence to any letter from anyone not personally vested in the inmate. So, although it may work for you, it may not work for another. It's still a good cause to pursue.
Good Luck!

Actually I have had the "pleasure" of working with the Texas Pardons and Paroles Division on 4 different occasions in the past 9 years. The letters which I sent to support my husband were actually read when my husband was brought up for parole. I do know this from my conversations with certain parole board members......after the fact. In my opinion, letters work.......sometimes. It depends on the situation. They worked for my husband the first time, but did not apply the second and third times. I think helping out with writing support letters is not only a gesture that would be greatly appreciated by the families of these inmates, but shows how big the hearts are of the people associated with PTO. If any help is needed in the future with this.......just let me know.
Sounds like a wonderful idea.