Dont's:
1. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
2. Don’t try to be a theologian.
3. Don’t have a “holier-than-thou” attitude.
4. Don’t be an expert or reformer.
5. Don’t do this to help yourself.
6. Nothing is to be given to the inmates -- one stamp only (so that they will have a stamp to write back, but only if needed), no clothing, no pencils, no pens. Absolutely nothing. There is a procedure by which inmates may receive articles that they need. Consult the One-to-One leader for proper procedures.
7. No telephone numbers are to be given to the inmates.
8. Don’t give money to an inmate.
9. Don’t ask why a person is or has been in prison.
10. Don’t be “preachy” or push people into making a decision for Christ.
11. Don’t criticize staff, an institution, other races, countries, or religions.
12. Don’t enter any personal or business transactions with prisoners. It could be a FELONY and you could be prosecuted.
13. No worker’s home address is to be given to an inmate at any time.
14. Do not allow the inmates to become personal with you. Remember familiarity breeds contempt. The pen-pal is there to do a job for the Master and everything that is done must represent Him. Therefore, it is necessary to do all things in decency and in order.
15. No person of the opposite sex will be allowed to have a one on one relationship with an inmate.
16. No hard back books are to be given to inmates.
17. Be careful about sending pictures to inmates. They should be of a family setting only.
Do’s:
1. Follow the rules.
2. When in doubt, ask.
3. Be a Christian friend to inmates.
4. Share your faith with inmates.
5. Keep your objectivity.
6. Give the name and address, of the Pen Pal P.O. Box only.
7. Be dependable.
8. Be patient.
9. Be honest.
10. Be a good listener.
11. Do be aware of con games.
12. Do be trustworthy when someone shares with you personal or confidential information.
13. Do be prepared to handle flirting or romantic advances.
14. Do try to find ways to encourage and give hope.
15. Do be very kind and courteous to everyone.