Open Collective
Open Collective
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SAY NO! TO THE DOCCS NEW PACKAGE DIRECTIVE #4911A
Published on May 9, 2022 by PK

The DOCCS Directive 4911A is an immediate threat to how incarcerated folks in NYS prisons are able to receive packages from loved ones and supportive organizations. 4911A requires that all packages be purchased from vendors, which will directly impact RU’s ability to send fresh, healthy food to our members of Friendly CSA.

4911A has negative implications for the health and wellness of our community members. Some folks inside rely on loved ones to send them fruits and vegetables to meet their needs for dietary restrictions and chronic health diagnoses. This effectively impedes people’s ability to manage their health through diet. Interrupting the avenue for people to receive fresh food is violent.

4911A is predatorial because it effectively severs active lines of support from loved ones and reroutes them to turn a profit for selected vendors. This directive makes friends, family support networks responsible for absorbing the cost of inflated items, especially in a time with historically low wages, high inflation and cost of living. It is an attack on the proletariat.

NEXT STEPS:
Since 4911A destabilizes the CSA, we have decided to add our CSA members to our list of folks who receive Friendly Commissary. This means we have expanded our ask for donations , in order to accommodate the newly added names.

CALL KATHY HOCHUL! Let her know how we feel about this punitive decision!
Tweet~ https://twitter.com/KathyHochul
Email! https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
or Call! 518-474-8390

Sample script
Dear Honorable Governor Hochul, 

I am writing/calling to demand that DOCCS revoke Directive #4911A and immediately
end the pilot program that is placing huge restrictions on packages. This policy is
punitive and creates a tremendous burden for imprisoned people, their
families, and their friends. Limiting healthy food items and restricting packages to 
vendors only serves to further isolate and harm imprisoned people and their
support systems, and worsens the already inhumane prison conditions rampant
across the state. You cannot allow this pilot program to continue.
Thank you,

Your Name
We will be doing a whole week of action! Join us!!