- 1). Advise that the incarcerated person utilize the inmate grievance system in place at the institution. Such systems may be ineffective, but are the first step in documenting that a problem exists.
- 2). Locate the ombudsman in charge of the prison. This information should be available on the prison's website or by phone. Contact the ombudsman in writing, including copies of grievances and the responses received to them. Avoid expressing frustration at this stage. Copies of your communication to the ombudsman should be sent to the prisoner's counselor and attorney of record.
- 3). Retain a civil rights attorney if the steps above leave a serious problem unresolved. Supply the attorney with the records of all contact with prison administrators. Many areas of the country have organizations or dedicated individuals who work hard to preserve human rights in prison. Your local bar association can help you locate these. Even with an attorney, you are fighting an uphill battle, as there is ample evidence that courts tend to lean toward supporting the position of the institution.
- 1). Find a prison advocacy or reform organization in your area. If none exist nearby, contact a national organization or one from another region that deals with the type of issue you are concerned with. The experiences of others are your best guide to what works and what does not when advocating for change.
- 2). Educate as many people in the community as you possibly can through letters to the editor, conversation and almost any public forum you can find. Many people have never thought much about the question of prison, and a few simple facts may open their minds to the need for reform.
- 3). Lobby your elected officials. Find out which state-level representatives sit on committees that work on criminal justice and prison issues; call, write and persist. Point out the practical benefits sensible reforms could have for society such as lower taxes or reduced violence.
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