STOP Solitary Efforts in Massachusetts

​As part of the Coalition for Public Safety (CEPS), we’ve partnered with The Prisoner Hunger Strike Coalition (PHSS) to bring awareness to and, ultimately, end solitary confinement in Massachusetts prisons.

Following the 2013 hunger strike initiated by people who are incarcerated at Pelican Bay State Prison in California, The Prisoner Hunger Strike Coalition (PHSS) began launching statewide coordinated actions in an effort to bring public awareness to end solitary confinement.

Actions began in California in March 2015. As of June 2015, CEPS has helped bring the fight to Massachusetts. The 23rd of each month was chosen to recognize the 23 or more hours every day that people are held in solitary confinement. We started with a chalk walk. You can find photos of the event here.

We invite you to join us and also think about creating your own actions. Below you will find a packet of ideas to get you started in thinking about how to take action. This packet is geared towards actions that could be taken by religious institutions to promote solitary confinement reform on Sunday, August 23rd, but the ideas inside can be applied by any and all people or groups that would like to get involved. This packet is intended to get the ball rolling, but we heartily encourage any and all other ideas you may have to raise public awareness to end solitary confinement.

If you have any ideas or would like to get involved, please email Rachel Corey at director@cjpc.org or call 617-807-0111.

DOWNLOAD CEPS ACTION TOOLKIT HERE