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Stateville Speaks is a newsletter written by and for incarcerated individuals, their families, those working in the correctional system and other interested citizens. It is available to any incarcerated individual that requests it (regardless of their ability to pay), as well as their family members, friends, advocates, activists, and anyone affected by prison conditions. Additionally, it is provided to every Illinois state senator and state representative, as well as every Illinois Department of Corrections’ warden.

Since 2009, the Justice Studies Department has served as the institutional home for the paper, and since that time we have integrated the paper into our course work as an approved internship placement for Justice Studies majors. 

The purpose of the newsletter is to provide a creative outlet—a voice for the voiceless—for those incarcerated in Illinois, as well as to disseminate legislative and legal information. Specifically, the newsletter allows prisoners to have a platform comprised of their essays, letters, and artwork, as well as provide them critical information about legislation and policies. It also allows those that volunteer or contribute to the newsletter to gain a better understanding of the Illinois prison system and the resilience of those that reside within.

Stateville Speaks is currently housed in the Justice Studies Department at Å·²©ÓÎÏ·¹ÙÍø Illinois University; however, our only source of funding is through subscriptions and donations.

While continuing to produce the newsletter on a dire budget is challenging, the alternative is unacceptable, as we are told often by our subscribers that the newsletter is their only interaction outside of IDOC. Beyond being just a small prison newsletter, we hope it represents to our subscribers that they are not forgotten and to never give up hope. We also want them to know there are many individuals and organizations fighting for their well-being, for better living conditions, better medical care, better educational opportunities, and most of all a chance for redemption.

Donations

Please visit the Stateville Speaks donation page if you would like to help us continue this important work.