Resources: Regional Advocacy Organizations

Human and civil rights group that investigates conditions in the California SHUs (control/isolation units), organizes and advocates for prisoners' rights, and provides self-help legal materials. Their quarterly newspaper, Prison Focus, is distributed free to SHU prisoners, $8 a year to other prisoners, and $20 a year to all others. Serves California only; will send newspaper nationally.

The University of Minnesota Law School’s Clemency Project advocates for individuals serving disproportionately long prison sentences, with the primary goal of obtaining reductions in these sentences. It is an integrated program, involving individual representation, impact litigation, advocacy and research aimed at connecting law students directly to the human realities of mass incarceration. Serves Minnesota only.

All volunteer nonprofit criminal justice advocacy international organization. CURE is recognized as a leading organization making efforts to reduce crime through criminal justice reform.

Founded in 1844, the Correctional Association of New York (CA) is an independent non-profit organization that advocates for a more humane and effective criminal justice system and a more just and equitable society. CA has several working projects, including the Coalition for Women Prisoners, the Drop the Rock Coalition (downsizing the prison system), Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, and the Juvenile Justice Coalition. Only serves individuals in New York. 

Services for individuals with disabilities in Florida only.  Can only support with issues directly related to your disabilities - no other legal advice or support available. Florida only.

Florida Cares is dedicated to improving the lives of the incarcerated through programs, advocacy, education and visitation. The organization offers education on how to effectively communicate with the Florida Department of Corrections Administration. Serves Floridians only.

The Fortune Society’s vision is to create a world where all who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated can become positive, contributing members of society. They do this through a holistic, one-stop model of service provision. Their continuum of care, informed and implemented by professionals with cultural backgrounds and life experiences similar to those of their participants, helps ensure each individual’s success. The Fortune Society serves approximately 7,000 individuals annually via three primary New York City-area locations: their service center in Long Island City, and both The Fortune Academy and Castle Gardens in West Harlem. Also publishes The Fortune News twice per year, which is free to those incarcerated in NY. Serves people in New York only.

Quaker-founded group that advocates and lobbies for CA state laws that are just, compassionate, and respectful of the inherent worth of every person. Staff can answer questions about legislative matters by phone or letter.  Serves Californians only.

Friends Outside provides services and support to visitors at each California State Prison, and are located outside the prison walls but on prison grounds (usually adjacent to the visitor parking lots). Visitor Centers provide childcare, transportation, information and resources, and a restful and welcoming place to stop for a moment before and after visits. Does not usually respond to letters. Only serves people in California. 

Hope Prison Ministry assists men and women leaving prisons in South Dakota with clothing, housing, transportation, and food to support them in making a new start and re-establishing themselves in society. Offers fellowship and friendship beyond the walls. Serves South Dakota only.

Humanity for Prisoners, in collaboration with strategic partners, works one-on-one with people in prison to provide personalized services which empower them to receive support and assistance. Key areas of focus include: navigating the prison system, advocating for healthcare, gaining access to public documents, preparing for parole board hearings, and reconnecting with lost family and friends. Serves Michigan only.

Through advocacy, public education, and direct representation of thousands of needlessly incarcerated people, the Illinois Prison Project brings hope to and fights in community with incarcerated people and their loved ones for a brighter, more humane, more just system for us all. They provide direct representation to people in the Illinois Department of Corrections, train and support attorneys who provide direct representation, and empower incarcerated people and their families to advocate for themselves.

The Incarcerated Individuals Legal Assistance Project (ILAP) is a student run, pro-bono organization that provides free legal research to incarcerated individuals. Under the guidance of an experienced appellate attorney, students aid incarcerated individuals on a variety of legal issues, from post-conviction relief and ineffective assistance of counsel claims to tort claims and family law. Primarily serves Indiana but may be able to assist incarcerated people in other states. 

The NYPL's Correctional Library Services publishes "Connections", the most exhaustive guide and directory of resources in New York City available to help people when they are leaving correctional facilities. The guidebook is free to those incarcerated in New York State prisons and local jails, with mailed copies prioritized for soon-to-be-released individuals.  Aquí encontrará una traducción al español disponible como un archivo PDF. Personas que están encarceladas pueden solicitar hasta 40 páginas impresas de "Conexiones" a la vez (que se enviarán por carta), escribiendo a: NYPL Correctional Services, 445 Fifth Ave, NY, NY 10016. Serves individuals in New York only.