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To sustain our vital work in Minnesota's state prisons, we need to raise $55,000 by Nov. 19th. Can you help us reach our goal?
To put it mildly, this has been a difficult year for all of us. It’s been especially difficult for the 8,000 people incarcerated in Minnesota’s state prisons. The incarcerated community was already very isolated before the pandemic, and the situation is now immeasurably worse.
We at MPWW are absolutely committed to serving our students. We are the only organization providing arts programming across Minnesota's state prisons. This spring, we quickly adapted all of our programs to remote format. Our instructors are teaching remote classes and our one-on-one mail mentor program continues to thrive.
Our students tell us that our classes and mentorships make them feel less isolated and more connected to a larger community. They know that they are not alone, not invisible, not forgotten. As our student Warren told us:
“You are a lifeline for me, basically my only connection to the outside world."
We know times are hard for many in our community. If you aren’t able to give at the same amount this year, consider becoming an MPWW Member with a monthly donation of any amount. Simply click the "Donate Now" button below, select an amount, and choose "Recurring" donation.
or Become an MPWW Member
In collaboration with our generous partners, we’re pleased to offer a variety of benefits to members at three levels:
- $5/month = a handmade broadside featuring student work by letterpress artists at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts
- $10/month = a broadside plus a 10% discount on all book purchases at four awesome local bookstores: Magers & Quinn, Milkweed Books, Moon Palace Books, and Subtext Books.
- $20/month or more = all the previous benefits, a 20% discount on all online purchases from Coffee House Press, Milkweed Editions, and the University of Minnesota Press, plus 20% off all purchases from our friends at All Square Restaurant!
After you join, we'll follow up by email with the details on your membership benefits.
Thank You!
Over 2 million people are incarcerated in the U.S. with little access to quality arts or educational programming. Your gifts allow us to bridge that gap.
MPWW is a lot of things: an arts organization, a group of educators, a bridge between writers inside and outside of prison. More than anything, it's a community. We're so grateful you're a part of it. Thank you.
GET INVOLVED
Thank you for your interest in getting involved with MPWW.
We are not looking for new instructors at this time. However, if you have extensive experience teaching creative writing in academic or community settings and are interested in teaching with MPWW, you may contact us and introduce yourself in case a teaching opportunity becomes available in the future.
We are always looking for volunteers to serve as mentors through our Mentor Program. Mentors typically have advanced degrees in creative writing and/or a significant publication record. We do occasionally make exceptions for writers who are currently enrolled in MFA programs or have extensive experience teaching or mentoring in creative writing or literacy. If you have these qualifications, please contact us to apply! Mentors do not need to reside in Minnesota and have the option of remaining anonymous.
Our other volunteer needs include photography/videography, graphic design, grantwriting, and general administration. If you'd like to help out in one or more of those areas, please contact us to discuss our present needs.