Letters for the Inside
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Letters for the Inside (LFTI) is a nationally-recognized project where student researchers respond to research requests from prisoners. The aim of LFTI is to increase inmates' access to information, and by doing so seeks to provide a better quality of life on the inside and also to assist in inmate transitions back to the community. In addition to providing requested information, LFTI aims to reduce the stigmas associated with prisoners, as well as build bridges between those on the inside and the wider community. If you are interested in learning more about the history of the LFTI project click here to read an article by Megan Branson, the founder of LFTI. |
Become a volunteer and respond to letters with requests from prisoners on a variety of topics. Requests vary from song lyrics to health issues to educational opportunities. Full training is provided.
Are you interested in becoming a student researcher?
SFU students have amazing access to information through the internet and library services - put them to use by becoming a research assistant to someone on the inside. There is no minimum time commitment to volunteer with the project and most of the work can be done from home. Interested? Email letters@sfpirg.ca to schedule a 45-minute orientation.
Do you know of a prisoner who might have a research request?
Ask them to send a letter detailing their request to:
Letters For The Inside
c/o SFPIRG
TC 326, SFU
Burnaby, BC
Coast Salish Territory
V5A 1S6
Interested in learning more about what life is like in prison?
Check out this blog by LFTI writer William McKenzie.
Resources for Researchers
Legal information and educational resources for BC residents.
Contains legal resources in a variety of different languages for BC residents.
Legal database where you can look up court cases.
Prisoner Correspondance Project
Project operating out of QPIRG that provides supports to gay, queer, and trans prisoners.
Canadian organization with chapters throughout Canada, which is involved in public education, community service, and reform of the criminal justice system. Includes resources for inmates transitioning out of prison.
Website with a lot of resources and links on prison justice issues in Canada.
Program for prisoners in BC who have been wrongly convicted.
International organization dedicated to ending sexual assualts behind bars.
A site dedicated to protecting human rights in Canadian prisons. This site has links to a lot of great resources, including those on prison policy/regulations.
The Prisoners' HIV/AIDS Support Action Network (PASAN) is a group working together to provide advocacy, education, and support to prisoners with HIV/AIDS, HCV, and related issues. They also publish the prison newsletter CellCount.
The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS) work with and for women and girls in the justice system. This site has some excellent fact sheets on women and prisons.
SFU Centre for Restorative Justice
The Centre for Restorative Justice exists to support and promote the principles and practices of restorative justice. This site contains a resource page with lots of great links and documents on restorative justice programs.
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