Anne R.
Senior Editor, Reveal Digital
One Liberty Plaza/165 Broadway, 5th Fl.
New York, NY 10006
8.31.22
Hi Anne!
Good to hear that everything should transfer smoothly. I’ll be able to send the agreement back just as soon as I receive it. Unfortunately, my facility won’t allow stationery or envelopes to come through the mail, but no worries–I can handle the postage. If it really is important to compensate for this expense, the best way may be to just send it to my father. I say this because the fees associated with crediting my accounts would likely be more than whatever you send. If that’s okay with you, go ahead and send it…
… Thank you again for including me in your archives. One of the primary reasons I decided to launch my project was that I felt a crazy need to accurately preserve for historical reference Idaho’s current correctional state. To know that I’ve made your archives relieves my shoulders of ineffable weight.
I will forever be grateful.
Truly,
Patrick Irving 82431
IMSI
PO Box 51
Boise, ID 83707
bookofirving82431.com
Messaging via JPay.com
[Routed through JPay]
…
Professor E.
Cerebral Sensei
Justice Force, New York Branch
*Location: Undisclosed*
9.17.22
Hi Professor,
It’s good to hear back from you. It means a lot to receive such a strong level of encouragement and understanding from you and your students. I’m excited to get started.
Here are few ideas I’m looking to explore:
1) Though much research has been devoted to the effect that correctional therapies, postsecondary education and vocational training have on recidivism rates, I am personally not familiar with any studies that track the success rates of incarcerated individuals who act in leadership roles during incarceration. And by this I mean classroom assistants, instructors and mentors. I believe it would be interesting to study and compare the recidivism rates of those who have assumed these or similar roles at various points throughout incarceration–along with the rates of incarcerated authors and activists, who often times act in a leadership capacity by assuming responsibilities that carry the weight of a group.
It is my personal opinion that such research could be used to better illuminate the restorative properties of civic engagement.
Possible resources to work with this thought:
I am aware of a few organizations leading restorative justice programs (MILPA, Vera Institute), and others that focus on training formerly incarcerated leaders to civically engage and organize within their communities (Just Leadership USA, various Peace and Justice Projects and community projects). I have also read of civic groups in prison that work toward respectable goals (Inside Members and a women’s group featured in one of the first issues of the Marshall Project’s “News Inside”). And where my own DOC is said to have formed a resident advisory council (still a mystery to me), I suspect there may be others doing something similar.
2) Something else I would enjoy looking into are policies and laws for disposing of or donating prisoner property.
In Idaho, it’s our DOC’s policy to donate certain property confiscations (those marked by prisoners as “donate” instead of “dispose” or “send out”) to non-profit organizations, but it appears that no records are kept to verify this happens and no clear criteria to qualify recipients. Though the items confiscated aren’t exactly of high value, they are typically sold at costs capable of adding up significantly.
To me, the lack of record keeping and lack of qualifying criteria present concerns ranging everywhere from whether nonprofits ran by prison employees might be considered as eligible recipients, to whether prisoners possess the right to decide where their charity goes.*
One must also wonder if the property confiscated by private prison corporations can be similarly donated and then used as a charitable write-off.
Thank you again, Professor, and please extend my gratitude to your students. I’m excited to receive feedback on either train of thought.
* I’ve a public records request and grievance related to this issue linked to a few paragraphs in my First Amend This! August ’22 newsletter.
Kindly,
Patrick
[Sent over JPay]
…
Tyler Walton, Esq.
Jailhouse Lawyers Initiative
Bernstein Institute of Human Rights — NYU Law
139 MacDougal St, B23
New York, NY 10012
9.18.22
Dear Jailhouse Lawyers Initiative,
Thank you for sending another effective learning module from your national Legal Empowerment and Practice Series. As a journalist who frequently requests public records to inform on operations from within my DOC, I was elated to discover the focus of this module is the power to be pulled through the Freedom of Information Act. I found it a wonderful lesson that is sure to benefit many and I’m excited to hear the ways that others have been applying it.
The enclosed list was produced earlier this year, after I requested my DOC inform me of all cases they are currently litigating; I hope you’ll consider introducing your initiative to the plaintiffs still imprisoned. I suspect they’ll be excited to relay and participate in future efforts.
Cheers,
Patrick Irving
…
9.20.22
Hi Anne,
I’m afraid I don’t have any PDF versions. The only other format in which people view the newsy is when it’s printed off and sent the way I did the May issue, with the box in the top-right corner that says, “This monthly newsy and other creative and informative prison-lit can be found online @ bookofirving82431.com. Thanks for leaving this copy where others can read it.”
Also–I don’t know if you’ve seen it yet, but I signed CC-BY on the licensing agreement and returned it roughly a week ago. While I trust it to make it to you without any problems, please let me know if it doesn’t and we’ll try it again.
I hope all is well,
Patrick
[Routed through JPay]
…
Transparency Department
Idaho Department of Correction
1299 N. Orchard, Ste. 110
Boise, ID 83706
9-21-22
Dear Transparency Department,
I am still awaiting your response to two Resident Concern Forms I sent to you in July through institutional mail. One was an attempt to clarify how structured arrangements with outside organizations have been made without using MOUs and contracts; the other, an inquiry into several public records requests that have remained unfilled since April, regarding information pertaining to dealings with Keefe. These requests are necessary for follow-up on an article published in May that is expected to soon be republished by a national organization.
Enclosed is a copy of the IDOC newsletter in which both communications I am referring to have been printed. If you could see that they get the attention they’re entitled to, I will ensure that your effort serves the public’s interest.
In friendship and incarceration,
Patrick Irving 82431
…
Office of Professional Standards
Idaho Department of Correction
1299 N. Orchard, Ste. 110
Boise, ID 83706
9-21-22
Office of Professional Standards:
I am concerned with what appears to be a complete absence of records for the Inmate Management Fund and unreasonable delays in public records requested to examine the Department’s dealings with the Keefe Group. Both issues are described in the materials I’ve enclosed. Please give them the level of attention they deserve.
— Patrick Irving 82431
…
Harper’s Magazine
ATTN: Editor
666 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
9.21.22
Hello there,
You had me at “free issue.” And then I reviewed the titles that worked magic for your promo and envisioned us two scooting loftily tandem by the sea.
I don’t know what I’ll write for you yet… likely something that fits within your submission guidelines, should you be so generous as to return them in the envelope I’ve enclosed.
Also enclosed, you may notice, is one complementary issue of the monthly I piece together. Should you find yourself displeased enough to avoid a year subscription, I’ll ask that you not troll the fact they’re offered free online.
Redundantly,
Patrick Irving
[Attached: “First Amend This! Aug. ’22.”
…
Digital Articles Editor
The Harbinger, Review of Law and Social Change
110 W. 3rd St.
New York, NY 10012
9.22.22
Hi Lily,
Nice to hear from you. I appreciate the feedback on this month’s newsy. You’re right to say that Idaho appears to be making efforts to address longstanding issues within its correctional system. I would even go so far as to say our DOC’s current leadership team is proving to be the right kind of ambitious. Of course they remain limited by bureaucracy and politics, but any glimmer of hope is better than none…
…And here is some news that you may appreciate: I recently signed a Creative Commons agreement that will allow Reveal Digital to add all of my newsletters to JSTOR. The academic database is currently archiving two hundred years of prison newspapers, and I was able to convince them that mine belongs there too! It’s exciting to know that my work will be archived for curious individuals to sort through in the future.
Again, it was really nice to hear from you. And sorry to ruin the surprise of the card… I hope that it reaches you with out any issues.
If I’ve left you with questions, please let me know. You’re welcome to drop in for whatever reason anytime.
Take care,
Patrick
[Sent over JPay]
…
9.24.22
Hi Professor E!
Good to hear both queries will be enough to get us started. I am excited to see what your students return with and will eagerly await to unpack all their findings.
In the meantime, with the IDOC set to implement the Restoring Promise Program, I will begin inquiring into the ways that one applies to be a mentor and whether my participation might be viewed upon as detriment. I will likely also introduce myself to the Department’s research analyst, Dr. Janeena White (jawhite@idoc.idaho.gov), and offer to establish an open, working channel. But before doing that, I will ask my case manager to note in my file that we’re set to collaborate and open to suggestions.
Should you or your students have additional suggestions, I tend to regard all my own working projects as experiments in which observer participation is encouraged. So please don’t be shy, it’s an incredible privilege to be included your studies and I’m open to all ideas. Every single one!
I look forward to a lengthy, productive, empowering collaboration.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Truly,
Patrick
[Sent over JPay]
…
Bobby Wasabi
Friend on the Outside
(The names have been changed but the story is real.)
10.8.22
Hi Bobby,
Thank you for reaching out on behalf of Mr. West. Because my DOC has restrictions on inmate-to-inmate correspondence, I would need to submit a request for permission to correspond directly, and I’m afraid the odds of being approved aren’t all that good on my end. I will, however, be happy to try if you can provide me with the information needed to fill out the request.
In the meantime, I’ll see if I can’t find an alternative way to communicate. Should you or Kanye have suggestions, they would certainly be helpful. Otherwise, please be sure to check your messages in case I send new info.
Thank you again for your assistance, B. Your involvement means a lot!
— Patrick
[Sent over secret channels which one may never know.]
…
Evening Street Press
2881 Wright St.
Sacremento, CA 95281
10.9.22
Dear Evening Street Press/DIY Prison Project,
I found you listed in PEN America’s “The Sentences That Create Us” and am writing to ask under what guidelines you’re willing to accept submissions. Enclosed is a copy of the monthly newsy I write and a call to participate in the project I operate from prison. On page 3 of the newsy is a short poem titled “America,” in which I’ve managed to work into the title 50 stars and 13 stripes in a way that resembles the view from behind prison windows. You’re welcome to it if interested, as well as any of the work that can be found on my website. Of course, if it’s original work you’re after, I’ll be happy to follow whatever guidelines you set.
Thank you for your time and your efforts. I look forward to sharing you as resource for incarcerated writers.
Sincerely,
Patrick Irving
[Attached: First Amend This! Aug. ’22., Advocate Networking Request.]
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The American Prospect
1225 I Street NW, ste. 600
Washington, D.C. 20005
10.9.22
Dear The American Prospect,
I am writing to ask under what guidelines you’re willing to accept submissions from prison and to introduce myself and my project, operated from within. Enclosed is an issue of the monthly newsletter I write and a networking request–both shared on my website with the rest of my work. In the event that it interests you, I recently licensed my newsy under Create Commons BY, to see it distributed it as widely as possible with the help of Reveal Digital, ITHAKA and the JSTOR platform.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration, I hope to be submitting sometime in the near feature.
Regards,
Patrick Irving
[Attached: “First Amend This! May ’22.”, Advocate Networking Request.]
…
All Rise Media
PO Box 2485
Portland, OR 97208
10.9.22
Dear All Rise Media,
I found you listed as a resource in PEN America’s “The Sentences That Create Us” and am writing to inquire on your guidelines for submissions. I have enclosed a copy of the newsletter I write and an outreach request that has served me from prison. Should you visit my site and find items of interest, I’ll be happy to see them shared and republished. Otherwise, I’ll look forward to submitting original work in the future.
Genuinely,
Patrick Irving 82431
[Attached: “First Amend This! July ’22“, Advocate Networking Request.]
…
The Beat Within
PO Box 34310
San Francisco, CA 94134
10.10.22
Dear The Beat Within,
Greetings from Idaho! After finding you listed as a youth resource in PEN America’s “The Sentences That Create Us,” I asked a friend to visit your site for a little more information. Upon discovering that your organization encourages literacy, self-expression, developing critical thinking skills and building healthy, supportive relationships with adults and the community, I thought it would be nice to introduce myself and few creative ways that I, too, attempt to check those boxes–this, of course, with the hope of inspiring a few of your youth members. Should those in your network have any questions, I’m happy to make myself available in whatever way I can.
Best wishes in all you do.
In friendship,
Patrick Irving
[Attached: “Built to Scale: A COVID-Proof Reflective Reading Program With Peer Support Components (Total Pilot Cost: $150)“, “First Amend This! June ’22“, Advocate Networking Request.]
…
Idaho Department of Correction
Attn: Research Analyst Dr. Janeena White
1299 N Orchard. St., ste. 110
Boise, ID 83706
10.11.22
Dear Dr. White,
Recently offered a small group of students, volunteered by their professor to collaborate with me on research, I thought to extend to you an invitation to keep apprised of our efforts and inform you that your feedback will be welcome anytime. One of the questions we are currently focused on is whether individuals placed in positions of leadership during incarceration recidivate differently than others. Should you come aware of any studies or data relevant to our quest, I ask that you consider dropping me a line.
Enclosed is treasure trail to other stuff I do–the newsletters are soon to be made available on JSTOR.
Luck in all your projects,
Patrick Irving 82431
[Enclosed: “First Amend This! May ’22“]
…
Type Media Center
Attn: Type Investigations, Inside/Out Journalism Project
30 Irving Pl., 10th fl.
New York, NY 10003
10.11.22
Dear Inside/Out Journalism Project,
I come by way of solitarywatch.org, from where your organization was credited with an article. I am writing to ask for your current submission guidelines and to be added to any lists that will allow for future updates. Enclosed is a copy of the monthly newsy I write; you’re welcome to share the link, where subscriptions are free, and reach out with questions, feedback, etc.
Thank you in advance for you time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back and submitting in the future.
Regards,
Patrick Irving
[Enclosed: “First Amend This! Aug. ’22“, Advocate Networking Request.]
..
Incarcerated Writers Initiative, Columbia Artists/Teachers
415 Dodge Hall
Mail Code 1804
2960 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
10.11.22
Dear Incarcerated Writers Initiative,
I found you listed as a resource in PEN America’s “The Sentences That Create Us” and am writing to ask of your guidelines for submission. Enclosed is a copy of the monthly I publish and a shameless request to be shared with your network. I hope you’ll not mind if I list you as a resource on my site; others will surely appreciate your initiative.
Many thanks,
Patrick
[Enclosed: “First Amend This! Sept. ’22“, Advocate Networking Request.]
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The Carden [Consulting] Group
P.O. Box 693
Jefferson City, MO 65102
10.13.22
Dear Carden [Consulting] Group,
To help better morale and perception in the case of the IDOC, I suggest you work with the Department to promote its current strategic goals to those of its clients it’s keeping in-custody. Though parts of its plan periodically shine through, the only means by which most of us have to come apprised in full is by submitting and sorting through public records requests. With nothing less than the morale of tens of thousands at stake–including extended networks through which our gripes all filter–I believe it would pay to share all goals through prison unit message boards, where they might not only be appreciated but also help inspire.
Thank you for considering.
In friendship and incarceration,
Patrick Irving 82431
IMSI
PO Box 51
Boise, ID 83707
bookofirving82431.com
Messaging via JPay.com
[Attached: First Amend This! Sept. ’22]