Distance Learning
How it started.
In 2020, when the world went into “lockdown,” women inside already knew that reality all too well. For us, it meant losing access to the prisons and being unable to continue our classes. To keep our community connected, we launched the Distance Learning program.
Distance Learning is a correspondence writing program that extends Poetic Justice’s reach beyond the space available in our in-person classes. It allows us to continue working with women and to support participants for as long as they wish to stay involved. Some participants and volunteers have been with Distance Learning since the very beginning, and each session we continue to refine the program to make it more meaningful and effective.
At the start of each session, participants receive a full packet of writing prompts to guide them through the weeks ahead. They write at their own pace and exchange letters with their Writing Partner Volunteer, who serves as a mentor, guide, friend, and personal source of support. Volunteers also help the program manager collect their partner’s work, which is compiled into a class anthology at the end of each session.
How it works.
“I joined Poetic Justice because of the mission. I continued volunteering for the last five years because of how amazing the experience has been. To shift the narrative of mass incarceration, we must change the storytellers. ”
Currently, Distance Learning supports around 90 participants through two tracks. The Introductory group is designed for those who have never participated in a Poetic Justice class before. Developed in collaboration with our Incarcerated Advisory Board, this track gently introduces participants to our style of prompts and allows them to “dip their toe” into poetry and self-reflection at their own pace.
Those who continue writing with us move into the Advanced group, where they are paired with a volunteer writing partner. Together, they engage in a guided 16-week writing journey, building connection and exploring deeper themes through correspondence.
We do not ask volunteers to have a specific background—only an open heart and a willingness to be vulnerable and authentic with their partner. The connection they create helps counter isolation, fosters creativity, and builds a sense of belonging.
Participants explore a wide range of themes throughout the session, including:
Nature
Influential women in poetry
Identity and core values
Memories and storytelling
Communication skills
Self-compassion
Meditation and mindfulness techniques
Distance Learning Now.
“I have loved ones who are incarcerated. I joined Poetic Justice because I wanted to help build community for incarcerated individuals through creative writing—a passion that has helped me heal in my own life.”
Our next Distance Learning session begins in
February 2026!
We’ll be reaching out to all interested volunteers in January 2026!
Use this Link to sign up and stay tuned for an email from Jordan Howard!
“Every letter, every email, every paper I end with hope, and to just be able to voice the things I "hope" for makes me feel powerful!
Knowing that my voice will be heard and accepted by others who feel the same way has changed my world.”
— Distance Learning Participant