About Prison journalism project
Prison Journalism Project: Empowering Incarcerated Writers to Tell Their Stories
The Prison Journalism Project is a non-profit, non-partisan national organization that aims to empower incarcerated writers by training them to be journalists and publishing their stories. The project was founded in 2018 by Yukari Iwatani Kane, a former journalist who saw the need for more diverse voices in the media and recognized the potential of incarcerated writers.
The mission of the Prison Journalism Project is twofold: first, to provide incarcerated individuals with an opportunity to develop their writing skills and gain valuable experience in journalism; second, to increase public awareness about issues related to mass incarceration and criminal justice reform through the publication of these stories.
The project operates on a volunteer basis, with experienced journalists serving as mentors for incarcerated writers. These mentors work one-on-one with their mentees, providing feedback on their writing and helping them develop journalistic skills such as interviewing sources and fact-checking. The program also includes workshops on topics such as ethics in journalism and digital media.
One of the unique aspects of the Prison Journalism Project is its commitment to publishing stories written by incarcerated individuals. These stories are published on the project's website as well as in partner publications such as The Marshall Project and The Appeal. By amplifying these voices, the project seeks to challenge stereotypes about people who are currently or formerly incarcerated while also shedding light on important issues related to criminal justice reform.
Some examples of stories published by the Prison Journalism Project include "How Solitary Confinement Kills" by Kenneth E. Hartman, which explores how long-term isolation can have devastating effects on mental health; "A Life Sentence for Stealing Socks" by John J. Lennon, which tells the story of a man who received a life sentence for stealing socks due to New York's three-strikes law; and "What It's Like Being Transgender Behind Bars" by Ashley Diamond, which highlights the challenges faced by transgender individuals in the prison system.
In addition to publishing stories, the Prison Journalism Project also advocates for criminal justice reform. The project's website includes resources for those interested in learning more about issues related to mass incarceration and ways to get involved in advocacy efforts.
Overall, the Prison Journalism Project is a unique and important organization that is making a difference both in the lives of incarcerated writers and in public awareness about criminal justice reform. By providing a platform for these voices to be heard, the project is helping to create a more just and equitable society.
prisonjournalismproject.org
