SFZC’s Prison Correspondence Program matches incarcerated people who wish to discuss their Buddhist practice with volunteer pen pals. We are looking for volunteers with an established practice, an understanding of basic Buddhist teachings, and about half an hour to offer each month. All mail comes through the SFZC office and you may, if you wish, choose a pseudonym to protect your anonymity.
In addition to pen pals, we are also seeking a coordinator for the Prison Correspondence Program. This would involve forwarding letters to established correspondents and sending replies to initial inquiries from incarcerated individuals. An experienced practitioner, lay or ordained, is preferred for this work.
Ellen Simpson, Volunteer Coordinator, says, “There is a great need for people willing to be pen pals with incarcerated practitioners. This is a very easy way to make a profound difference in another person’s life. To study the Dharma with a good spiritual friend can affect our own practice in ways that are moving and gratifying.”
If you would like more information about becoming a prison pen pal or correspondence coordinator, please contact Ellen Simpson, SFZC’s Volunteer Coordinator, at outreach@sfzc.org.