Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · 1d

Drop in to meet us Friday 10/10 between 6-8pm at @brooklinebooksmith.bsky.social

You'll learn why pen-pals are important, get some tips, and then write birthday cards to incarcerated people.

Birthdays are often complicated. Help someone know they are remembered.

tinyurl.com/AMP-BB1010

Image 1: a dark grey background with lines drawings of envelopes. A red box with white text is framed by quotation marks.

Top text: Why be penpals with someone incarcerated in Mass?

Main text. A white block that looks like a Corrlinks email. I really want to thank people for sending me birthday cards sense my family haven't. I believe that [highlighted] small gestures like this can make a difference in people [end highlight] specially if there going through a rough time like I am right now.

Bottom text: Visit AbolitionistMailProject.com

A computer graphic of a dark grey background with lines drawings of envelopes. A red box with white text is framed by quotation marks. Top text: Why be penpals with someone incarcerated in Mass?In the middle is a scan of a handwritten letter. It is on white paper with blue lines. Dear AMP (DYKE MARCH) Re: pride month June 18thThank you for being a Beason of light- a voice for some who are not heard - a voice for have been turned off by many and a reassurance that it is OK to be who I amPeople who have hollared at us at different rallies, marches, events. I was blessed to get a shout out from [name scribbled out]. Well if anyone ever hears or sees [name scribbled out]-- Tell her I said she is a BADASS. Again-- Thank you 4 all that you doHis signature is the name Michael in a circleBottom text: Visit AbolitionistMailProject.com

2 5

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · 13d

Joe is a hard-working musician in 2 out of 3 bands in his prison. He loves psychology and hearing new things. He'd like a friendship where he can share and hear stories about life.

Meet Joe at tinyurl.com/AMP-signup

Same layout as previous. I enjoying hearing new things and
love psychology. I am 100% interested in furthering my education and I love talking to people

Looking for in a pen-pal
Maybe I could share some stories about my life? Possibly get to know one another.
I enjoy music, we could share a passion for writing and playing music. Maybe whomever could help me find housing? For my eventual release? Being incarcerated I have no internet access so maybe someone could help look up things for me that might aid in my eventual release? I actually could use some friends.

1

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · 17d

Connection across walls makes a huge difference while people do their bid. Many of our inside members do not have regular contact with anyone on this side of the wall. And most out here don't reach in. Are you ready to change that?

Learn more and get started tinyurl.com/AMP-learn

1

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · 17d

Sean is a hardworking and polite bisexual man who enjoys dogs, shopping, and working out. He loves being a sounding board for others and looks forward to volunteering to give back once he's released. His pen-pal should be open and honest.

Visit tinyurl.com/AMP-signup to meet Sean!

photo: an over exposed picture of Sean. Sean is a light-skinned Black man wearing a backward and sideways hat and plaid shirt. He has a goatee and smiles at the camera

1 1

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · 18d

This moment of heightened fascism and criminalization is a great time to enter into genuine community with someone living under extreme repression. As more people's identities become illegal, we have a lot to learn from people already surviving incarceration.

Tinyurl.com/AMP-learn

A computer graphic. A dark grey background with the title why be penpals with someone incarcerated in Massachusetts?
A red square framed with quotation marks:I'm an abolitionist criminal defense attorney, and my relationships with incarcerated people flow from that power imbalance. I'd like to support people on the inside simply as a comrade rather than as someone responsible for their liberty and life.
Bottom banner: visit AbolitionistMailProject.com

2

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · 18d

Joe is a hard-working musician in 2 out of 3 bands in his prison. He loves psychology and hearing new things. He'd like a friendship where he can share and hear stories about life.

Meet Joe at tinyurl.com/AMP-signup

Same layout. Main text:

I enjoying hearing new things and
love psychology. I am 100% interested in furthering my education and I love talking to people

Looking for in a pen-pal
Maybe I could share some stories about my life? Possibly get to know one another.
I enjoy music, we could share a passion for writing and playing music. Maybe whomever could help me find housing? For my eventual release? Being incarcerated I have no internet access so maybe someone could help look up things for me that might aid in my eventual release? I actually could use some friends.

1 1

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · 19d

We're thankful to Dean Spade for lifting up prison pen-palling. As more and more people, especially trans and disabled people, migrants, and BIPOC, are criminalized and incarcerated, we need to hold them down. Almost a third of our numbers are trans and many are very isolated

Tinyurl.com/AMP-learn

Dean Spade @deanspade.bsky.social · 29d

If you’re distressed watching the transphobic nightmare unfold, a great way to support trans people is to become a penpal to an imprisoned trans person.

@powerblossoms.bsky.social, @arcgenderjustice.bsky.social, @blackandpinkorg.bsky.social, @massamp1312.bsky.social, @tpride.bsky.social

A background with green pealing paint and text that reads "How to Support Trans People Now: Write to a Prisoner" with a small graphic of a envelope

Green peeling paint with text that reads: Why this is so important: People in prison face isolation, violence, health and nutritional deprivation; friendship with someone outside can help a lot; send in money for commissary items and books; help prepare for release

Text reads: Groups to Help Find a Penpal: Power Blossoms, locations: California and federal prisons; ARC Gender Justice, locations: New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida; Black & Pink, locations: National; Abolitionist Mail Project, locations: Massachusetts; Trans Pride Initiative, locations: Texas

27 44

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · 23d

Cai is a subversive Queer Anarchist who is also a card-carrying member of the Save the Manatees Club. He enjoys playing bass, writing haiku, and expanding his mind. He is hopeful about overturning his sentence.

Eye spend my time ripping Bestial
Necrosum Hell on my bass guitar, screaming primitive homages to The Horned One, practicing Zen, writing haiku, reading, rebelling, exercising, taking long walks in circles and otherwise seeking to expand my mind and find expression ov my true inner self... Looking also for others who may desire to share and experience thee uncommon.

Looking for in a pen-pal
Sincerity ov character, subversity, and sincere subversity ov character. - Eye'm all abou the out ov bounds! - Musick, anarchy, Zen, body modification, chaos as spiritual path...

A photograph of Caius, a white man with facial tattoos and subdermal implants resembling horns. He has a partially shaved head and a few long blonde dreadlocks. He stares into the camera with an intense look.

Reposted by Abolitionist Mail Project

Taniel @taniel.bsky.social · Aug 24

folks, if you’re interested in prisons, I’d love your eyes on this:

2 writers in prison in TX/WA are publishing a book on why we should ban solitary confinement — & their own experiences with it

They’ve agreed to answer questions we’d collect on why+how they wrote this

That’s where you come in!

11 110 320

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Aug 22

We're so excited to read with almost 100 people inside and outside!

We have emailed group assignments and started mailing in readings. If you didn't get an email from us, of you're signed up and your inside reader didn't receive the readings, let us know ASAP!

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 11

We're excited to announce an inside/outside reading group. Small groups will read 3 pieces on Abolition, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, or Self-help. Readings are under 10 pages and some have audio options.

This is a low-commitment way to meet an incarcerated friend!

Sign up: tinyurl.com/AMP-reading #booksky

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Aug 20

Nelly loves the sports and the beach. She's part of the #FreeHer movement and a current college student. She believes life is what you make of it. She wants to know where your journey is taking you.

Sign up to write Nelly at tinyurl.com/AMP-signup

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Aug 8

Ed is an open and honest person who enjoys RPGs and music. He is working on recovery and is highly motivated. He wants to meet someone else interested in self-improvement. Though he is serious, he hopes to laugh with you.

Sign up to write Ed at tinyurl.com/AMP-signup #PenPals

My interests are meeting real
people that aren't ashamed what people say about them. I'm looking for a pen pal that is comfortable in their own skin and have a good heart. Someone who loves to laugh and can hold a intellectual serious conversation. As well as someone who has a purpose and sense of direction. I am looking for a person who is looking to always better themselves.

4

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Aug 8

Frank is a Two-Spirit person seeking true and lasting friendship. Frank is both very alone and very lonely. He enjoys anything outdoors, is a compassionate, responsible, and caring person interested in meeting a friend who will be non-judgmental.

Sign up to write Frank at tinyurl.com/AMP-signup

I always put others before myself. I’m passionate a great listener, attentive, confident with so many more qualities to describe me but let's save that for our letters and e-mails.

What I seek is a true and lasting friendship. I've made plenty of mistakes in my lifetime, they have all molded me into being my strengths today with a common goal of growth and healing.

Some of my favorite activities involve making cards from nature for those I feel would be uplifted by this gesture, working out, eating healthy, country music, anything involving the outdoors such as working on farms, camping, and gardening.

Open-minded, no[t] judgemental,
nothing is out of bounds

They say being lonely and alone have two different definitions.
Well I'm lonely and alone, so I fit both descriptions. I felt compelled to write this letter in hopes of meeting ,' someone who is willing to get to know the person that I am'. Someone who has the capacity to look beyond the surface of mistakes and interact with me based on the nature of human kindness. I am virtually receptive to all nonjudgmental people. Therefore, your age, race, weight, and looks are unimportant. Even if you were a little green creature from another planet , we still could be friends (smile)

I like to explore the different qualities in people and determine what makes us individually unique. I believe that friendship, communication, trust and honesty are the foundation to any meaningful relationship. In terms of myself , I am compassionate, open-minded, and intelligent. I am currently incarcerated for a violent crime and I guess the plan was for me to experience the worst condition of loneliness I never knew existed. So if you are reading this, then please consider the fact that your presence in my life is deeply needed and would be appreciated. I am only following my heart by reaching out to you because when it is all said and done. ' I AM NOBODY WITHOUT SOMEBODY!'

2

Reposted by Abolitionist Mail Project

Warm Up Boston @warmupboston.bsky.social · Jul 22

As encampments continue to be criminalized here in Boston and across the US, we hear the same tired lies recycled from 311 complaints to Reddit comment sections.

1 6 10

Reposted by Abolitionist Mail Project

stop cop cities everywhere @micahh.bsky.social · Jul 23

something interesting unfolding: bar advocates (part of Massachusetts' public defender system) are engaging in a work stoppage over pay rates, resulting in 102 people's criminal cases getting dismissed yesterday 👀👀

Headline: ‘It’s clearly a frustrating and sad day’: Judge dismisses more than 100 cases amid lawyer work stoppage
By Sean Cotter Globe Staff,Updated July 22, 2025, 1:33 p.m.
Picture of a woman who is presumably a judge in black robes looking at a piece of paper.

6 38 150

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 23

David in CT weighs in about temps above 100° during New England summers. In MA, cell temps have measured 115°+

Fans are $30 (1-2 months' wages) in MA prisons. The industrial fans in some common areas circulate hot air, but don't touch humidity. Very few areas available to incarcerated ppl have AC.

The prison staff here lets the older and sick people suffer the same as us through the heat. Last year, I saw a man who was older than 50 faint and fall flat on his face. The staff just asked him if he was on drugs and did nothing else.

Starting this year, the prison is allowing us to buy small fans for $33. Otherwise they don’t give us much to beat the heat.

The hottest temperature I’ve seen recorded at my facility was 101 degrees, in 2022. I remember it because I’m from Puerto Rico, where I was used to the heat. But the temperatures that summer particularly got on my nerves.

13 19

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 23

We're now taking people for the waitlist!

Sign up at tinyurl.com/AMP-reading

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 11

We're excited to announce an inside/outside reading group. Small groups will read 3 pieces on Abolition, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, or Self-help. Readings are under 10 pages and some have audio options.

This is a low-commitment way to meet an incarcerated friend!

Sign up: tinyurl.com/AMP-reading #booksky

1 1

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 20

We're so lucky to have no-cost calls from prisons and jails in MA, after a years-long battle. Emails are also free now.

The result has been a huge re/connection for incarcerated people formerly unable to communicate with their loved ones and advocates. #mapoli

Bolts @boltsmag.org · Jul 20

“Making incarcerated people pay for communication has a regressive effect on their well-being, on their improvement in prison, and after they are released,” says Wanda Betram, a spokesperson for the Prison Policy Initiative.

boltsmag.org/north-c...

Priced Out of Phone Calls Home

The FCC blocked Biden-era limits on the exorbitant rates and fees charged by prison telecom companies, leaving incarcerated people and their families to fight for state-level reforms.

boltsmag.org

3 8

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 20

The USPS is a lifeline for millions of incarcerated people, but a letter can cost more than a dollar— a day and a half's work— once you buy paper, an envelope, and pen. Mail keeps people part off the world and keeps them safer.

Write an incarcerated person today: tinyurl.com/AMP-learn

1 2 3

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 18

You can write cards to incarcerated people in Mass, wherever you are!

Sign up for a virtual card party: an intro to why cards are important, tips on what to write, and time to write together.

Monday, July 21 5-6pm (EST)

tinyurl.com/AMP-virtualparty

1 1

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 18

Sign ups close on Monday!

This reading group is designed to be flexible and start new convos across walls without the time commitment of reading a full book. Get a taste of Abolition, Sci-fi, or Self-improvement over 3 months.

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 11

We're excited to announce an inside/outside reading group. Small groups will read 3 pieces on Abolition, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, or Self-help. Readings are under 10 pages and some have audio options.

This is a low-commitment way to meet an incarcerated friend!

Sign up: tinyurl.com/AMP-reading #booksky

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 18

We want to meet YOU this Sunday!
Please join us to learn about being a penpal to an incarcerated person, ask questions, then match with an on-going penpal, or send a no-commitment card to an incarcerated person.

RSVPs are helpful:
Tinyurl.com/AMP-wmass #mapoli

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 10

We are hosting a Western Mass info session. Then, get matched with a penpal or write a card to an incarcerated person!

Sun, 7/20, 2-4pm
UU Society of #NoHo - 220 Main St
RSVP: tinyurl.com/AMP-WMass
♿ elevator access
😷 masks required
🚗 metered parking
🚌 31, B43, B48, GZ3E, NE, R41, R42 #mapoli

A computer flyer. Cute cat cartoon cats are in the corner, one has their hand up in the air asking a question. The other rights on a heart. Another looks an envelope. The fourth puts an envelope into a mailbox.
Large text:ABOLITIONIST MAIL PROJECT INFO SESSION.
AMP builds pen-pal friendships between incarcerated and non-incarcerated people in MA LEARN AMP then MATCH WITH AN INCARCERATED PEN-PAL or SEND A CARD INSIDE SUNDAY 07/20 2-4PM @ UU CHURCH 220 MAN ST, NORTHAMPTON REGISTER AT TINYURL.COM/AMP-WMASS WMASS AbolitionistMailProject.com

1 1

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 17

"I am free, but my true freedom is interlinked with the freedom of many women I lived alongside in ICE prison. [... I]. [Other detainees'] experiences opened my eyes to a new realm of humanitarian crisis, expanding the circle of grief and compassion in my heart." #mapoli

Alexander Chee @alexanderchee.bsky.social · Jul 17

Rümeysa Öztürk wrote about ICE detention and the women who helped her survive. www.vanityfair.com/news/story/r...

“Even God Cannot Hear Us Here”: What I Witnessed Inside an ICE Women’s Prison

Tufts University doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk opens up about her 45 days in a South Louisiana processing facility—and the generous and compassionate women she met.

www.vanityfair.com

1 1

Reposted by Abolitionist Mail Project

Working Class History @workingclasshistory.com · Jul 17

#OtD 17 Jul 2014 Eric Garner, an unarmed Black man, was choked to death by white NYPD officers while arresting him for allegedly selling loose cigarettes. The event sparked protests across the US as part of the #BlackLivesMatter movement stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/8896...

1 47 95

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 15

We'd love to see you in Western Mass!

Abolitionist Mail Project @massamp1312.bsky.social · Jul 10

We are hosting a Western Mass info session. Then, get matched with a penpal or write a card to an incarcerated person!

Sun, 7/20, 2-4pm
UU Society of #NoHo - 220 Main St
RSVP: tinyurl.com/AMP-WMass
♿ elevator access
😷 masks required
🚗 metered parking
🚌 31, B43, B48, GZ3E, NE, R41, R42 #mapoli

2