Prison Journalism Project collaborates with educators, journalists, prison programs and media organizations to amplify stories and expand access to journalism and publishing from behind bars. Through training, publishing and partnerships, we aim to contribute to public understanding of the U.S. prison system while helping incarcerated people build literacy, professional skills and a public voice.
Here are some of the ways we work with partners:
- Journalists and media organizations
We collaborate with newsrooms interested in collaboration, co-reporting or co-publication. Email editorial@prisonjournalismproject.org about partnerships. Our republication policy is here.
- Prison libraries, educators and education programs
We provide journalism curriculum, instructional resources and print or digital access to PJP Inside for classrooms and libraries in jails and prisons. Please contact learning@prisonjournalismproject.org.
- Prison newspapers and magazines
We support inside publications that seek greater visibility, professional connection, training and amplification through our Prison Newspaper Project and the Stillwater Awards. For inclusion in our prison newspaper tracker, mail a copy of your publication to: PJP, 1449 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 13306, Chicago, IL 60605 or email newspaperproject@prisonjournalismproject.org.
- Newsrooms and programs
We offer training in empathetic editing and best practices for working with incarcerated writers. Please contact learning@prisonjournalismproject.org.
- Volunteers
We welcome those who wish to support the journalism process behind the scenes through transcription, editorial assistance and other remote support. Please contact pjp@prisonjournalismproject.org.
Please continue reading for specific resources we provide and ways we have worked with our partners.
PRISON LIBRARIES, PROGRAMS AND EDUCATORS
- Journalism training materials:
- Handouts designed for use in writing and journalism courses inside prisons.
- “A Prison Writer’s Guide to Media Writing” handbook available for purchase on Amazon.
- A teacher’s guide to accompany “A Prison Writer’s Guide to Media Writing.”
- PJP Inside magazine: Complimentary print copies are available for prison libraries. Digital and print issues can also be provided for classes and programs upon request and based on availability.
- Workshops and instruction: We partner selectively with organizations to offer in-person workshops for incarcerated individuals. Our team also has experience coaching instructors and teaching narrative writing to formerly incarcerated people and incarceration-impacted families.
INDIVIDUALS AND PUBLICATIONS BEHIND BARS
- Writers
- We provide journalism training and publish essays, reported articles and illustrated journalism by incarcerated writers and people impacted by incarceration.
- Digital issues of PJP Inside are available on the Edovo platform.
- To get involved, check out our “How to Submit” page.
- For information about the Society of Professional Journalists and Prison Journalism Project’s Stillwater Awards, click here.
- Writers interested in our training program can learn more here. If you are interested in our correspondence-based handbook program, send a letter explaining why you would like to learn the tools of journalism to 490 43rd St., Unit 360, Oakland, CA 94609.
Please note that we cannot provide legal help, publicize advocacy campaigns or advertise your books and projects. Please don’t send us manuscripts and legal documents. We don’t want you to waste postage.
- Prison publications
- Through our Prison Newspaper Project, we support and amplify prison-based publications by maintaining a publicly accessible directory of prison newspapers and magazines. We also offer a handout on how to start a prison publication. To connect, email newspaperproject@prisonjournalismproject.org or mail a copy of your publication to PJP, 1449 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 13306, Chicago, IL 60605.
- For information about the Society of Professional Journalists and Prison Journalism Project’s Stillwater Awards, click here.
JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS
- We welcome opportunities to co-report, co-publish or collaborate. Contact editorial@prisonjournalismproject.org. Please note: PJP does not provide sources. Our mission is to train incarcerated writers to report and tell their own stories.
- Because of the constraints of communicating with incarcerated writers, we are unable to accommodate tight deadlines.
- To republish our work, please review our republication policy.
- We provide training in empathetic editing and best practices for working with incarcerated writers. Contact learning@prisonjournalismproject.org.
VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS
Volunteers: Volunteers support transcription and other remote tasks with flexible hours. Journalism experience is valued but not required. We are currently not actively seeking new volunteers, but we will notify our readers and followers of future opportunities through our weekly newsletter and social media.
Interns: We do not have a formal internship program. On occasion, we engage college seniors or graduate students on an as-needed basis.
Other inquiries? Contact us at pjp@prisonjournalismproject.org.