This year we are launching a year-long campaign to educate the broader public and legislators about the documented abusive treatment of so many, especially the disabled, in our prisons’ units categorized as “restrictive housing” (RH).

Here are eight ways to participate as a citizen advocate for reducing the use and ending the abusive use of solitary confinement/restrictive housing.

ORGANIZER - Invite IAHR to make a presentation about solitary to your faith or civic group for this fall and winter.

SPEAKER - Volunteer to be a speaker at an IAHR Forum on Solitary - as someone who has experienced solitary or whose family member has, or as an expert on the subject.

ADVOCATE LEADER - Plan to meet in person with your Maryland State General Assembly Senator and Delegate before the session starts to express your concern.  IAHR can provide talking points and accompany you at your discretion. Of special interest are legislators who serve on the House Judiciary and the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committees.

ADVOCATE - plan to make phone calls and/or send emails  during the session to your Maryland State General Assembly Senator and Delegate to express your concern (IAHR will provide talking points).

CITIZEN ACTIVIST - Participate in Advocacy Day in Annapolis during the legislative session where citizens are briefed on the legislation and provided with advocacy training and talking points and appointments with key legislators

TESTIFIER - Has your life been affected by the overuse of solitary? Are you an expert in the field? Consider testifying at a hearing on legislation on reducing its use.

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM MEMBER - As voting draws near for legislation about solitary, be part of a team whose members call voting legislators to reinforce their attention on this legislation and its importance.

DONOR - You can volunteer and/or donate to IAHR to support efforts to effect real change in our criminal justice system. Click Here to make a monthly or one time financial contribution.

PENPAL- You can sign up to participate in an upcoming workshop and participate in our PenPal Program. 

Whether you can offer one time help or ongoing support, we need you! Please contact IAHR at [email protected]. IAHR volunteer leaders will offer training and support for your efforts.