Got this in my emails (I'm in CA). It is for Illinois so here you go! If anyone is close enough to go let us know how it was, okay?Teri

The time has come for concerned citizens to take
> steps to address urgent
> prison issues in Illinois. A Prison Coaltion
> composed of family members of
> inmates can be the base of such a coaltion. As I am
> sure many of you do I
> recieve a good deal of mail from inmates I encourage
> any of you who are are
> writing inmates to enclose the message below.
> Conditions in our prison
> system are rapidly deteriotating and we need to take
> action. let me know
> what you think.
>
>
>
> I am organizing a new coalition to address urgent
> prison issues in
> Illinois, prompted by the utter lack of positive
> programming for inmates
> in our state. There already are several
> organizations composed of family
> members, and they are working hard in the struggle.
> I want to join
> forces with them and also help to coordinate
> information and actions on
> a mass level. This coaltion will be action-oriented
> at the grassroots
> level and will also be a political force in
> Illinois.
>
> Currently there are 40,000 inmates in Illinois
> prisons. I am hoping that
> each inmate will submit approximately five names of
> people who might be
> interested in our work, which would generate 200,000
> individuals! In
> addition, I will be in contact with existing
> organizations. I am hoping
> to gather a large database to facilitate
> communication of news and
> ideas.
>
> Please address concerns and send names to
>
> Bill Ryan
> 2237 Sunnyside Ave.
> Westchester, Il 60154
>
> phone 708-531-9923
> email nanatoad@comcast.net
>
>
> Your comments and suggestions are welcome. I am
> convinced that if are
> able to work together effectively, we can bring
> about much needed change
> in prisons and the criminal justice system.
>
> I am calling for the first organizational meeting of
> the Prison Coalition on May 18 at 180 N. Michigan,
23rd floor
> from 4:30 until 6.
> All are welcome.
>