The Price of Advocacy
The Walls to Words Project is deeply committed to amplifying the stories of incarcerated individuals, but the process involves several operational costs that are crucial to keep the project running.
- Letters and Postage
- Web Hosting and Management
- Phone Accounts for Interviews
- Time and Effort
Communicating with incarcerated individuals often requires the old-fashioned method of writing letters. Postage fees and the cost of sending physical mail add up as we reach out to as many people as possible across the U.S.
To ensure that the stories we gather have a platform, we maintain this website and its various functions. From hosting fees to technical management, keeping the website accessible and functional incurs recurring costs.
To facilitate interviews, we put funds into individual prison phone accounts, which allows us to reach out through phone calls, text messages, and emails. This is often one of the larger expenses, but it's crucial for maintaining consistent and meaningful communication.
This project demands a significant amount of time. From conducting interviews to editing content and staying on top of administrative tasks, a lot of dedication goes into making sure every voice is heard and every story is shared.
Research, Legal, and Operational Fees
Running the Walls to Words Project involves more than just communication costs. The process of sharing these stories involves careful research, navigating complex legal considerations, and making sure we operate ethically and efficiently. Understanding the legal landscape, ensuring that participants’ safety and privacy are prioritized, and staying updated on prison policies all require time and resources for research.
This project must also comply with legal guidelines to protect both the organization and the incarcerated individuals involved. We seek out legal counsel to make sure that the stories are shared responsibly, avoiding any potential legal pitfalls that could arise in the process.
Coordinating interviews, managing volunteers, responding to inquiries, and ensuring all aspects of the project are running smoothly requires administrative resources, from software subscriptions to digital tools.
Your Support is Crucial
The Walls to Words Project is driven by a single goal: to bring the authentic experiences of incarcerated individuals into the public conversation and challenge the stigma surrounding prison life and the legal system. But we can’t do this alone.
We need the support of individuals who believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of justice reform. Your contributions can help fund essential communication methods, maintain the project’s online presence, and enable us to continue amplifying the voices that often go unheard.
We Do This for the Cause, Not for Personal Gain
Every cent that is donated to the Walls to Words Project goes directly back into the foundation. Whether it’s covering postage costs, funding phone calls, or paying legal fees, every dollar is spent furthering our mission. In some cases, your donations also help provide financial assistance to the incarcerated individuals themselves, helping them cover the costs of staying in touch and sharing their stories.
Donate, Share, and Get Involved
Every donation, share, or act of support helps us get one step closer to our goal of creating change through storytelling. Together, we can help change the narrative around incarceration and contribute to a more compassionate and informed society.
Donate Now