Hosted by the Social Justice Network in partnership with the New York Public Library Jail and Prisons Services: This remarkable initiative is emerging in the heart of the justice system, where lives are transformed and hope sometimes feels out of reach.

"Comic Books for Justice," a collaborative effort between the Social Justice Network and The NYPL Jail & Prison Services is changing the narrative within correctional institutions. This groundbreaking initiative is not just about comic books; it's about promoting reading, fostering literacy, and empowering incarcerated individuals to write a new chapter in their lives.

In the realm of criminal justice and social reform, the power of education cannot be overstated. Education is the beacon that can guide individuals away from the paths of recidivism and towards brighter futures. Yet, access to educational resources within correctional institutions is often limited, leaving individuals behind bars with few opportunities for personal growth and development.

Aside from offering readers engaging, dramatic storylines, comic books can serve an educational purpose for new or struggling readers. Research has found that comics and graphic novels support metacognitive reading and writing strategies, which helps readers become aware of their thought processes regarding these essential literacy skills. Comic books are often fun and easy to read. 

In the realm of criminal justice and social reform, the power of education cannot be overstated. Education is the beacon that can guide individuals away from the paths of recidivism and towards brighter futures. Yet, access to educational resources within correctional institutions is often limited, leaving individuals behind bars with few opportunities for personal growth and development.

Aside from offering readers engaging, dramatic storylines, comic books can serve an educational purpose for new or struggling readers. Research has found that comics and graphic novels support metacognitive reading and writing strategies, which helps readers become aware of their thought processes regarding these essential literacy skills. Comic books are often fun and easy to read. 

One of the key reasons comic books are an ideal choice for promoting literacy in correctional facilities is their accessibility. Comics are visually engaging and require minimal text, making them suitable for individuals with varying reading levels. In a population where literacy rates can be lower than the national average, this accessibility is crucial.

The combination of visuals and text in comics enhances comprehension and retention. Complex concepts can be conveyed through imagery, making it easier for readers to grasp ideas and follow narratives. This engagement is particularly valuable for individuals who may need help with traditional reading materials.

Comic books offer an escape from the harsh realities of incarceration. They transport readers to fantastical worlds where heroes overcome adversity, inspiring a sense of hope and resilience. This empowerment can be a catalyst for personal transformation.

Be a part of something extraordinary with our Comic Books for Justice Initiative! We believe in the transformative power of stories and the escapism that comic books provide, especially for those within correctional facilities. Partnering with the NYPL Jails & Prison Services, we aim to deliver these captivating tales to those who need them most.

Your contribution has the power to open new worlds for incarcerated individuals, offering both programming and a unique educational resource. 

Directly contribute to the initiative and help us reach our goal of distributing comic books. Your monetary donations will be used to send comic books to correctional facilities. 

Participate in our unique auction where you can purchase special comic books. Not only will you own a piece of comic history, but the proceeds will directly fund our comic book deliveries. 

Your involvement goes beyond just a donation; it’s a gesture of hope and support. Together, we can create a positive impact and bring a sense of normalcy and joy to those within the correctional system. Thank you for joining us in this vital initiative and for believing in the power of change through storytelling.

Share this initiative with your friends, family, and social networks to amplify our impact. Encourage others to join this meaningful cause.

Follow the Social Justice Network and Comics On the Inside on social media to stay updated on the progress of this initiative and our broader efforts in promoting social justice.

The Social Justice Network is committed to assisting justice-involved individuals in successfully reintegrating into society. Your contribution will directly support our reentry assistance program, which provides resources, mentorship, and support to those seeking a fresh start after incarceration. By helping individuals rebuild their lives, you contribute to breaking the cycle of recidivism.

NYPL's Jail & Prison Services team is dedicated to providing quality library services to incarcerated and criminalized people and their families in and around New York. By bringing a variety of library programs into New York City jails, they play a crucial role in fostering literacy and education among incarcerated individuals.

Your contribution helps promote literacy and education within correctional institutions. Providing Incarcerated citizens with engaging reading materials empowers them to develop essential literacy skills, broaden their horizons, and prepare for successful reentry into society.

Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of recidivism. By supporting this initiative, you play a role in reducing the likelihood of individuals returning to the criminal justice system. This contributes to safer communities and a more just society.

"Comic Books for Justice" is more than just an initiative; it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals. By promoting reading and literacy, we empower individuals to write their own stories of transformation and redemption.

Support our vital mission to foster a love for reading, provide hope, and support the reintegration of justice-involved individuals into society. Your contribution matters, and together, we can create a more just and compassionate world.

Join us at the Social Justice Network in partnership with the New York Public Library (NYPL) Prisons and Jail Program, as we launch our groundbreaking "Comic Books for Justice" initiative. Our mission is to unlock the power of literacy for individuals at Rikers Island through the world of comic books.

In the challenging environment of correctional facilities, comic books serve as more than entertainment; they are a vital tool for promoting reading, fostering literacy, and providing a much-needed escape. Through "Comic Books for Justice," we aim to empower incarcerated individuals, encouraging them to reimagine their futures and engage with the transformative power of storytelling.

Your involvement can make a significant difference. Your contribution to our efforts in literacy promotion and supporting the NYPL in its mission to bring knowledge and inspiration to all corners of our community!


Click Donate to support the Comic Books for Justice initiative. Every donation is a step towards creating a more just and literate world. It’s not just a contribution; it’s a stand for justice and rehabilitation. Thank you for joining us in this vital mission. Together, we can turn pages and change lives.

Help us reach more people by sharing our cause with your friends and family.

Follow the Social Justice Network on social media for updates on our progress and other initiatives.

Click here to donate or here to participate in our comic book auction. Every contribution brings us closer to our goal and makes a real difference in someone's life.

Here's the impact your donation can make:

With a $25 Donation

With a $50 Donation

With a $100 Donation

With a $200 Donation

With a $250 Donation

With a $500 Donation

MAKE A DONATION

VISIT OUR AUCTION SITE

You provide 10 comic books

You provide 25 comic books

You provide 50 comic books

You provide 75 comic books

You provide 100 comic books

You provide 250 comic books

Recognizing this challenge, the Social Justice Network, a dedicated force in the fight for equity and fairness within the criminal justice system, has teamed up with NYPL Jail & Prison Services, a nonprofit organization with a unique mission: to bring the magic of books to those who need it most—incarcerated individuals.

The illustrative drawings, relatable characters, and easy-to-read language make comics a favorite way for readers learning to read to hone their literacy skills.

Comic books are an innovative way to deliver educational content in a format that is engaging and accessible to a wide range of learners, including those with limited literacy skills. 

According to the National Adult Literacy Survey, 70% of all incarcerated adults cannot read at a fourth-grade level.

Comic Books for Justice Initiative:

The Transformative Power of Comic Books

Why Comic Books?

1. MONETARY DONATION

2. COMIC BOOK AUCTION

gETTING INVOLVED

how you can make a difference

Ready to make a difference?

How Your Contribution Makes a Difference

Join Us in Promoting Reading, Education, and Rehabilitation

HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT

DONATE

SPREAD THE WORD

STAY INFORMED

SPREAD THE WORD

STAY CONNECTED

1. Supporting the Social Justice Network's Reentry Assistance Program

2. Empowering NYPL Jails & Prison 

3. Promoting Literacy and Education

4. Breaking the Cycle of Recidivism

Accessibility

ENGAGEMENT

ESCAPE & EMPOWERMENT

Transform Lives with the Power of Comics

 Unlocking the Power of Literacy While Incarcerated