Dear Friends,

PRLF is launching a campaign for 30 new sustainers by the end of the year, with a goal of 15 new sustainers for a total of $300 a month by October 15. Our campaign comes at a time of dramatic developments in U.S. prisons, most notably a hunger strike by prisoners begun at Pelican Bay State Prison in California that at its height involved more than 6,600 prisoners, according to the CA prison authorities.

The demonization and torturous treatment of prisoners in SHUs (Security Housing Units) that gave rise to the strike throws into sharp relief the importance of the work of the Prisoners Revolutionary Literature Fund, which sends Revolution newspaper and revolutionary and other literature to approximately 800 prisoners around the country. [You can find news of the continuing struggle from Revolution newspaper here and from the hunger strike blog.] Judging by the letters PRLF has received, Revolution's news coverage of the hunger strike was very important to both hunger strikers and other prisoners around the country. PRLF provides unique literature that engages the prisoners’ minds and invites them to understand the world and consider alternatives (see our Mission Statement). PRLF has many subscribers to Revolution in SHUs, and this literature is truly a lifeline to them as well as many other other prisoners who read it.

Laura Magnani of American Friends Service Committee, author of Buried Alive, was interviewed on KPFK radio’s Michael Slate Show in December, 2010:

“…we know from research that one of the best things that can happen to somebody doing a long prison sentence is for them to develop an intellectual life and start reading and start studying and start thinking for themselves. That’s a way where you can really create a new life for yourself, or you can make your life meaningful even if you never get out. But if you do get out, you make yourself a more productive member of society, because you have a life. You’re a thoughtful, educated person. What could be better? And instead they’re trying to really prevent that from happening.”

With new outreach efforts, PRLF is receiving many new requests for subscriptions, at the same time as we are stretching to get 2000 copies of “BAsics, from the talks and writings of Bob Avakian”, behind bars. And there is a pressing need to take up a political and legal battle against prison censorship in Illinois, as well as other states.

You can be an important part of making sure PRLF continues and expands its mission by becoming a sustainer, a regular monthly financial supporter of PRLF. All monthly gifts from $5 and up are welcome, but especially needed are regular donations of $20 or more. Renewal of current subscriptions alone cost approximately $2333/month (each subscription costs $35). If you decide to sustain, I would love to hear from you at mike@prlf.org (or by mail) to tell us why you are sustaining. If you permit, we may share these thoughts with others.  Watch for updates on this Sustainers Campaign on our website.

Here’s what your support means to two prisoners:

“I believe that a book like BAsics is very important, because it provides people with a scientific understanding of the world in which we live in; as well as, with a vision of a different and better world….Before I close this letter, I would like thank every volunteer in 'PRLF' and everybody that donated funds to 'PRLF' and I would also like to encourage more people to make donations as well. The education that 'PRLF' provides us with, is priceless.”

“…. The [literature I got from] PRLF has … enlighten me to the knowledge of self by given me a true look at my history & culture and the struggle that my people have endured throughout our existence in this capitalist system.  In my youth I was actively engaged in the genocidal destructive ways that are so prevalent in our communities so I wholeheartedly understand the feelings of emptiness and going nowhereness that this sinking & stinking system can instill in someone who comes from nothing but please believe me there is a different world.  There is opportunity to be seized!  You must revolutionize yourself by first recognizing your humanity and your people’s humanity as well as all other people’s humanity…."

Sustain PRLF today