Write to a political prisoner

For imprisoned activists and prisoners of war, communication with the outside can make a world of difference, keeping them informed, reminding them that they haven't been forgotten, and simply easing the boredom of incarceration. http://denverabc.wordpress.com/political-prisoners-database/ contains a list of political prisoners held in the US (obviously there are political prisoners in many countries, but this list is just for starters).


Several websites have guidelines for corresponding with prison inmates. A short-and-sweet version:
1) Find out from the prisoner and the prison authorities what the rules are there.
2) Use a return address. This can be a post office box.
3) Be careful about saying anything that touches on illegal or otherwise sensitive matters.
4) Don't be disappointed if you get a delayed response or no response at all.
5) Be cautious. Don't send money or things you can't afford. Don't give financial information.
6) Don't give false hope. 
7) You're interesting too - tell the addressee about yourself.


Effort involved: writing a letter takes a bit more work than writing an e-mail, of course, but that's part of what makes letters more personal. Also, you just may end up writing to a future president of the Czech Republic or Brazil, which would be a cool thing to bring up at dinner parties 20 years down the line.