Announcing: DPA's Transcription Team! Do you want to support the work of DPA but live far from Philadelphia? Or do you have trouble making it to meetings? We are happy to announce a new online volunteering opportunity: The DPA Transcription Team!

Every month we receive dozens and dozens of letters from our members and allies inside PA's prisons. Some of these letters contain public statements to be shared on our website's "Voices from the Inside" section.

Last year, Decarcerate PA and our allies mobilized to stop a package of anti-prisoner bills designed to leverage additional financial penalties against incarcerated people and people facing criminal charges. We were successful at stalling these bills, but in the last legislative session, some have been reintroduced. 

Philly needs bail reform and education funding, not more prison beds

In March of 2015, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter released a “10-Year Master Plan for the Philadelphia Prison System (PPS).” The plan recommends the city close the House of Correction and build a new jail with 3000 beds, more than doubling the intended capacity of the existing facility.  

On June 6, 2015, after months of meeting and organizing, the Coalition to Abolish Death by Incarceration (CADBI) officially launched its campaign at the Vineyard Community Church in West Philadelphia. Over 300 people attended the launch.