Pen-pal programs

Does anyone know of any that are good?  I checked out "Write-an-Inmate" but it seems to be full of guys are gals who are looking for something more than a platonic correspondence.  I don't have enough experience with meditation to be a mentor, and I think I'd be fooling myself and another if I passed myself off as anyone with any definitive answers.  But I am trying to sincerely follow Dharma, and am very open-minded and non judgmental.  So far, I'm writing people I know personally, but am willing to extend that circle to those I do not know, preferably for those looking for a spiritual friend.  

Any suggestions?  

With love,

~Aaron

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Permalink Reply by Aaron Quinley on April 20, 2011 at 5:15pm

I should also ask if she studies Dharma. 

 

Since I posted this, I have greatly increased the number of friends with whom I correspond.  So my plate is full to the point that, save for perhaps during the summer when school is out, my ability to write regularly to anyone else is greatly diminished.  But if she isn't communicating with many people, I can easily drop the occasional line, and if she studies Dharma, I can certainly and happily send bits and pieces of things to her regarding that, over time. 

Permalink Reply by Lisa Dahlquist on April 20, 2011 at 5:32pm

She's starting to study Dharma, but we've always practiced the basic ideas of Buddhism.  I've sent her several books, that the prison is holding onto in the mail room for some reason.  The Kadampa Center has tried to get meditation classes in NCCIW for years, and NCCIW is non responsive.  She's learning as much as she can without a lot of help. I'm sure you've heard how hard some prison systems are to deal with, and NC is not easy.

 

Dropping the occasional line would be very nice. 

Permalink Reply by Aaron Quinley on April 20, 2011 at 6:05pm

Yes, I am somewhat familiar with these issues, both from personal experience and hearing tales of others. 

 

I would give the prison a little time to do their thing, but if they don't release them, and if they are sent in accordance with prison policy, eventually some gentle stink may need to be raised.  I think, but may be mistaken, that there are some constitutional rights regarding the First Amendment and inmates literature. 

 

I recently viewed the movie/documentary Dhamma Brothers, which highlights these obstacles, as well as the benefit of meditation groups in prison.  It's recommended, if you haven't seen it! 

 

I will drop the occasional line.  And Tonia is an awesome writer and friend to have.  And one to whom I also owe some correspondence! ;(

Permalink Reply by Lisa Dahlquist on April 20, 2011 at 5:16pm
My mother and I are the only ones that write her regularly.  She occasionally gets the weird pen-pal request from the person that wants more than a friendly relationship, those get trashed.
Permalink Reply by Tonia Davenport on April 20, 2011 at 5:27pm

Lisa,

I will gladly write to Allegra. I went to the blog and found the address and I shall pen her an introduction by the end of this week. Thanks for sharing that she is in need of connection.

Tonia

Permalink Reply by Aaron Quinley on April 20, 2011 at 6:02pm

You just saved me an email to you about this!  <3

 

You rock!

Permalink Reply by Lisa Dahlquist on May 3, 2011 at 5:01pm

Tonia,

 

NCCIW at it's best.  They called her to master control to tell her she had unauthorized mail.  They gave her your letter, but not the card because blank cards are contraband, and signed cards are mail.  So they said they were required to destroy the card and the envelope.  So she's going to read  your letter now, but she doesn't have your address to write you back (it was on the envelope that they destroyed).  Can you please either give me your address, or send her a quick note with your address on it. 

 

Permalink Reply by John Douglas on May 3, 2011 at 6:10pm

Lisa,

This situation also shows the value of putting your return address on the letter itself. I use those preprinted sticky labels. I appreciate the information.

 

Permalink Reply by Aaron Quinley on May 16, 2011 at 5:30am
Lisa, could you email me Allegra's address. I wrote her a card, just want to make sure it gets there.  Can she get regular cards if they have messages, but are in an envelope?
Permalink Reply by Lisa Dahlquist on May 16, 2011 at 10:10pm
She can get cards, but they can't be popups or have rhinestones, etc.  I've sent her Green Tara that I printed on a color laserjet and folded like a card.  She'll love the mail.  She hasn't gotten it yet, but they did call her to master control today for mail that didn't have a return address on the envelope.  She'll have them mail that to me, then I'll "fix it" and mail it back to her.  Address is on it's way.
Permalink Reply by Cowboy Dan Morin on July 7, 2011 at 11:52am
One of my pen pals asked if I could list him for a second pen pal. He will be released very soon, and would love to have another person or even two to share with by letter. He will not have any family and few friends in TX to support him on parole, as they all live in other states. Letters of encouragement could be powerful as he makes the transition back to the outside.

Scott and I have been corresponding for over two years now, and I find his letters and his thoughts just delightful. Scott has taken refuge personally, but not formally with any particular flavor of Buddhism. he and I are working through the Path of Freedom workbook together. Texas prisons do not support non-Christians, so his is a sangha by letters (me).  When released, he will be exploring different sanghas in whatever city he is paroled to.  He is well educated and a thoughtful man. He is disciplined in his sitting, and he enjoys the "magic" of mantras. He's a pretty laid back kind of guy and will fit in just about anywhere. I am hoping he will mentor one of my employees, when that employee is ready to listen.

If you would like his mailing address, drop me a note at dan@sundancetrail.com
Dan Morin
Permalink Reply by Aaron Quinley on May 15, 2012 at 5:51pm

Dan, I'm not remembering having read your reply.  I apologize.  However, especially around the time you posted this, I was overwhelmed with writing, so I would not have been able to offer much help.  I do hope Scott has been released and found some peace in a productive life! 

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