We first shared this letter from Rick in 2017, titled What Really Matters, when he was still inside. The good news: he came home about two years later. The bad news: the stories that broke his heart then still flood in today.

That’s why we launched our campaign, Drop a Dime on Injustice. We need your voices, not just to raise awareness, but to demand better. If you’ve experienced the prison system yourself (or someone you love has), we invite you to share your story. Your voice matters, and it could be the one that opens someone’s eyes.

You can submit two ways (we welcome both):

1. Good, Bad, Change

Three simple but powerful prompts:

The Good: What’s one positive thing you’ve seen or experienced in prison?

The Bad: What’s one negative thing you’ve seen or experienced in prison?

The Change: If you could change one thing about prison, what would it be?

This format is quick, accessible, and great for lifting up many voices at once.

• Submit online: Good, Bad, Change Form
• Submit via Snail mail:

Adopt an Inmate
*Good Bad Change*
PO Box 1543
Veneta, OR 97487

2. Full Story

For those who want to share more deeply, this format lets you write your full story in your own words. It can be long or short, focused or wide-ranging, whatever you need it to be.

We’re especially interested in the larger picture. What were the barriers that made it harder to thrive: poverty, lack of access to housing, education, mental health care, or support systems. What systems failed you before the legal system ever got involved?

You can also respond to these general prompts:

• What do you wish the public knew about incarceration?
• What has surprised you most about the prison system?
• What’s a moment you’ll never forget?

📬 Share your story

Your voice is your power.
We know there’s a heavy stigma around incarceration, and real fear of retaliation for speaking up. If you want your story to remain anonymous, just let us know in your submission. We will always respect your privacy.

This is how change begins. By telling the truth.