Email US swansol@mwt.net
Pages on this site

Voices From Within
a little of everything,
blogs by and for prisoners.
essays on issues,
Stories by prisoners,
lots of photos and art works,
links to  penpal project

Wisconsin campaign- voting for ex-prisoners
why it is important,
how you can help

WAITING FOR
PAROLE
thousands of parole -ready prisoners remain in prison inneccessrily- the wise way to save tax dollars
read issues, view pictures and stories

Solitary confinement and the Mentally ILL
prisons have become our defacto mental institutions- meet the prisoners we are trying to help survive these conditions, become informed, help.
website of
FORUM FOR UNDERSTANDING PRISONS
FFUP
a 501c3 non profit
    THE HUMAN FACE   OF
PRISON
beautiful Prisoner donated  thankyou gifts are available  for Your donations
2009 fellowship application by  Founder
tells much about what we do (P.S: it was denied)

Latest FFUP Newsletters
We are trying to make our penpal project more effective and have heard from some people that prisoners need to tell of their crime and answer some more serious questions. We would like your input on what kind of introduction you like the prisoners to write.for the penpal blogs and web pages. Please email FFUP with your suggestions,swansol@mwt.net
Send a Holiday or Birthday card to a needy prisoner (still not done but plenty here)

PENPAL PROJECT
Where we began, over 400 prisoners ask for contact with the outside world
Latest penpal blog-scroll down to view all



ISSUES discussed: click below-
1.WAR ON THE POOR
2.
enfranchise all
3.
Racism Wisconsin Style
4).alternatives to mass incarceration
plus  great national study:
UNLOCKING AMERICA-
our summary with link to pdf file
Important blogs, soon to be web pages:
Forces of compassion are at work even within the prison!
1)
SECOND CHANCE FOR CHILDREN OFFENDERS
2)Project Hope_ a transformative program in started by prisoner
Artists on this page and their links:
Background "Arising" by
Darren Morris
Top: Outside recreation by Tommy Silverstein : Artist in perpetual solitary
            three blogs:
one with visitor book: ; art work;                                    bid for general population,   yoga intro

Second from top:
Tony Merriweather

Bottom :
Chris Kopaszewski
                                                                                         
DONATE
using paypal:
contact: FFUP by email: swansol@mwt.net
                                                              
Thankyou gifts of donated prisoner art and crafts are available for your donation
All money donations go directly to prisoners or to projects that directly help them. We have no paid staff. Donations are tax deductible. We also offer thank you gifts for your donations is the form of donated prisoner arts and crafts. See our web: www.prisonforum.org
                                                                                              
Where your donations are used
We are one of the few organizations that write and advocates for prisoners. It is lonely work and there is little outside support. Here is where you donated money will go:
NEW) "Kids to parents in prisons" is in planning stages. Chaperones needed. So are donations are needed and we will be writing a grant.
1) Stamps, postage. FFUP postage- for letters and documents for and to prisoners is a main FFUP expense . We also buy embossed enveopes for prisoners at a whopping DOC rate 62cents apiece.
2) release clothes, although we buy from thrift shops , mailing and buying is a big expense
3)  hygiene and personal health supplies like washclothes, towels and  deodorant for prisoners from canteen 
4) Books, especially to help those in segregation without tv or radio endure. The WI DOC Does not allow used books into the system even from Books to Prisons programs.
5) Books and materials, postage,  for mentoring program  This is a prisoner tot prisoner program where reading , writing , math, and other subjects are tutored. 
6) typewriter supplies, paper
7) We have bought  typewriters for prisoners for whom writing is a way to keep sane. We also buy art supplies when we can.
    
Time donations to FFUP needed: Web help, brainstorming, letter writing;  You name it.