Make Your Voice Heard!!!

Tips on Writing Letters to Officials

Identify yourself and if you are writing about a prisoner, give your relationship to the prisoner. Also state if you are a member of the Lamp of Hope Project or other groups which deal with prison issues. Remember to date your letter.

Make the letters short – no more than one page. Include facts like dates, times, places, and names of department employees if these are important. If you cannot get everything on one page then list the key events on a separate page. Type or write legibly and large enough to be easily read.

Be polite. Never use vulgar language or use threats.

If you want something done, state very clearly what you want to happen.

If you have important documents attach them to the letter. Be certain they are readable.

Ask the person to contact you with the results of their actions. Include your own address and phone number.

Ask a friend or family member to read the letter to be certain that it is clear and has no major error.

Keep a copy of everything you send and the date you send it. If you want proof that the letter was received, send it by registered mail, and you will receive a confirmation.

If you think the person to whom you are writing may not respond to your complaint, send a copy to that person’s supervisor. (Don’t expect an answer from the person to whom you send copies).

If the situation is urgent, such as a medical emergency, you may expect an answer within hours or days. If the situation is not an emergency, allow more time, but you should not have to wait more than a month.

If you do not receive an answer from your original letter in a reasonable length of time, then you may contact the supervisor of the person to whom you originally wrote. Be certain to include a list of all attempts to fix the problem. List the date, time, type of contact, follow-up agreements and any other important information.

Remember to be polite and reasonable, but persistent. TDCJ officials work for us and they need to know that we hold them accountable for the welfare and safety of prisoners. They should also understand that we expect fair and humane treatment for both prisoners and their families.

D.R.I.V.E.

DEATH Row INNER-COMMUNALIST VANGUARD ENGAGEMENT