Prisoner Advocacy Network Volunteer Form | National Lawyers Guild

The Prisoner Advocacy Network

We are a volunteer network of attorneys, legal workers, law student, activists, and family members collaborating with people in solitary confinement and similar conditions of administrative segregation, adjustment centers and gender-based segregation in California prisons on advocating for their humanity and rights. Volunteers will advocate for individual prisoners and their loved ones experiencing discrimination, retaliation or a lack of upholding of their rights as well as gather evidence and documentation of the conditions of torture and violations of human rights prisoners in the SHU and like-conditions face.

Who We Support

Our focus is narrow and specific – supporting people in California’s solitary confinement and similar conditions of isolation such as security housing units (SHUs), administrative segregation, and gender-based segregation. We prioritize advocating for jailhouse lawyers and those engaged in political activity.

Responsibilities

As an outside volunteer you are agreeing to a commitment of one year until an issue is resolved, whichever is shorter. More is encouraged. You will work with one individual inside prison, or a family member to advocate for better conditions. This may take the form of gathering documentation and evidence, writing advocacy letters or calling prison officials, elected officials, and other regulators on behalf of the incarcerated person or family member.

For more information, please visit our page.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone Number *

Do you have an organizational affiliation?

Street Address *

City *

State/Province *

Zip Code *

What relevant experience do you offer?

e.g. formerly incarcerated, policy work, research, letter writing, medical training, disability training

What languages do you speak?

English

Spanish

Other

If "Other" specify

Have you conducted a legal visit to a California prison in the last 5 years?

Yes, as an attorney

Yes, as a non-attorney

No

Bar number, and state, if applicable

For attorneys: Do you carry malpractice insurance?

Yes

No

Have you ever represented a person in a California prison?

Yes, as an attorney

Yes, as a non-attorney

No

If "yes," how many?

Do you have any special topics of interest? (Check all that apply.)

If "Other" specify

Do you have a particular interest in working with a person of a certain group?

While we cannot guarantee this, we will try to match people. Some examples might include: a certain prison, custody lever, gender identity or presentation, LGBT, a family member, or juveniles.

Do you have an active legal clearance at any prison?

Yes

No

Which of the following are you willing to do: (Check all that apply.)

If "Other" specify

Can you agree to commit to one year or completing one advocacy round and inform the volunteer coordinator if you need help, or cannot continue? *

Yes, sign me up!

No, I would like to talk with someone first