ROOTS and Correspondence Programs
ROOTS (Restoring Our Original True Selves)
APSC sponsors a weekly class with API, “Other,” and ally prisoners at San Quentin State Prison (currently on pause due to Covid). The ROOTS program, modeled after an Ethnic Studies curriculum, seeks to increase understanding about immigration/ refugee history, intergenerational trauma, leadership development, and reentry planning. APSC has reached over 250 participants through this program at San Quentin and Solano state prisons.
Literature Club
APSC is currently piloting a remote Ethnic Studies-based correspondence program (Lit Club) for incarcerated people at California Institute for Women (CIW) and Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF). The APSC Lit Club aims to build community relationships between folks inside and outside of prisons. Through studying our history, facilitating book readings, and letter-writing, we hope to expand collective healing for our communities. This program covers 3 modules: (1) Personal Reflection and Narratives, (2) Social Issues and Consciousness, and (3) Solidarity, Healing, and Dreaming. Every module includes guiding questions to support analysis of the readings. Once the readings are completed, participants exchange their reflections with their reading partner. Currently our pilot program is full but if you have a loved one that would like to participate in future cohorts, please email us at info@asianprisonersupport.org to be placed on a waitlist.
Book Mailing Program
In collaboration with Eastwind Books of Berkeley, APSC mails books (free of charge) to incarcerated community members on a limited and first come, first served basis. If your loved one is looking for a book or book recommendation, please have them write us at Attn: APSC Books P.O Box 1031, Oakland CA 94604, or you can email us their information/request at info@asianprisonersupport.org
Outreach
APSC has participated in outreach events, activities, visits, and outreach at the following institutions: California Institute for Women (CIW), Folsom Women’s Facility, CSP-Solano, Santa Rita County Jail, and ICE detention facilities.
