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Establish an initial meeting with the director of social services at your local county or state prison. Take prominent figures from your Muslim community/ Islamic Center, e.g. Imam, to this meeting.
At the meeting, explain what it is that you would like to do. e.g. educate the prison officers about the needs of Muslims (prayer facilities, Jumah, special considerations such as meal times during Ramadan, halal food, etc.). Take some literature or educational videos with you. Talk about establishing a visiting schedule for Muslims.
To establish a visiting schedule will, most likely require a background check, finger prints etc. for all volunteers that plan to participate. The prison officials will provide the necessary forms for this. If authorized, then an official ID card would be issued to allow visiting. Since the security procedure may take upto 4 months to complete one should identify and plan for volunteers accordingly.
After completion of the background checks, establish a regular visiting schedule, including Jumah arrangements, if possible. Obtain permission from the prison officials before distributing any literature. Respect the right of individuals who chose not to talk with you or accept your literature (otherwise it may be considered harassment).
For further information about this initiative please contact info@whyislam.org .
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