The SageWriters Inc.
SageWriters.org is a national group based in Swarthmore, PA, USA, of free and imprisoned writers, artists, volunteers and activists dedicated since 1999 to giving a literary voice to the voiceless, healing through writing, educating the public about the criminal justice system, advocating for the 1st Amendment rights of prisoners, and amending the 13th Amendment to remove the clause that still allows slavery in prisons. Our books and Guidelines for Writers can be seen on our website. Among them are the critically acclaimed Celling America’s Soul: Torture and Transformation In Our Prisons by Judith Trustone and seven prisoners, which has been called “the best book in print that describes prison from most every perspective.” Healing Our Imprisoned Minds: A People’s Guide To Hope And Freedom by Patrick Middleton, Ph.D., is being used in treatment programs in several states. Dr. Middleton is the first prisoner in America to earn his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. while behind bars, 32 years so far. Anton Forde’s Contemplations of A Convict: A Journey To Freedom When Innocence Isn’t Enuf, is a brilliant compilation of essays, poems and aphorisms by an innocent man who came here from Jamaica on scholarship and ended up with a life sentence when he tried to intervene in a violent dispute.
From March 29th-31st in Philadelphia, SageWriters is co-sponsoring “Locked Up: Keys To Prison Change”, an international conference on alternatives to prisons and issues in re-entry. This will be the culmination of “Justice Month”, a regional series of performances and presentations of the work of most of the 130 groups we’ve identified who are working on various aspects of prison issues. From this we will publish a resource directory and a DVD that can be used as a teaching tool in churches, mosques, schools and community groups. Information at www.LockedUp.US or 610-328-6101.
Another of our many projects in process is the creation of “Re-Entry Healing Through Writing Circles” to help those coming home from prison and documenting the obstacles and opportunities for successful return for inclusion in a new book on the subject.
SageWriters has opportunities for Patrons, who financially support the work, Mentors, those willing to type a prisoners manuscript onto a CD, Inspirers, those behind bars who love reading and writing and who encourage their fellow prisoners to write, and Reviewers who give feedback on our work. SageWriters has arranged to receive tax-deductible support through Moonstone, Inc. until our 501C3 is completed.
SageWriters Box 215
Swarthmore, PA 19081 USA
610-328-6101
Judith Trustone, Director
D.R.I.V.E.
DEATH Row INNER-COMMUNALIST VANGUARD ENGAGEMENT
