How you can help

Volunteer

Volunteers are the backbone of the Prison Society, and we are always looking for committed individuals who care deeply about human dignity. If you want to get involved with our work inside and outside of prisons, we offer a range of opportunities to fit your interests and availability.
Graphic of three volunteers, one on the phone, one with a clipboard, one mailing a letter.

Mentors

As a Prison Society mentor, you’ll provide a listening ear and personal support while encouraging individuals to determine their own path forward.

Our mentoring program is for men returning to the community from incarceration. Each year more than 12,000 individuals return home, and a staggering 34% of them will return to prison within one year. The mentoring program is designed to help ease the transition from incarceration back to communities by providing a helping hand and a social support network. Participation in the program is completely voluntary.

Mentors are expected to meet with their mentee(s) on a weekly basis while they are incarcerated, and are encouraged to continue meeting according to a self-determined schedule post-release. “Showing up” matters, and we ask that all volunteer mentors commit to at least 12 months of service once assigned to a mentee. The Prison Society will provide ongoing training and support to both mentors and mentees. Eligible mentors cannot have been incarcerated in a Pennsylvania facility within the last 12 months.

Apply to Be a Mentor

Prison Monitors

Prison Monitors address issues and concerns raised by incarcerated people, families, and friends and go into prisons to monitor and report on conditions.

Prison Monitors sit down one-on-one with incarcerated people who are experiencing problems and elevate concerns directly with staff or others who may be able to help when conditions impact health and safety. Please note that all Prison Monitors are asked to make an annual donation to the Prison Society of at least $40. You can do so by clicking here. If this presents a finacial hardship, please reach out to helpline@prisonsociety.org.

Apply to be a Prison Monitor

Volunteers

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