If you would like to volunteer, please contact us. Call 312-673-3816 or email liz@icadp.org.
The following list contains some of the numerous ways volunteers can help end the death penalty.
Prison visit
ICADP is the only group in Illinois allowed access to the inmates on death row on the tiers. In some cases, ICADP volunteers are the only visits these inmates receive. You can help in one of two ways:
1. Volunteer to visit death row and document the conditions and treatment of death row.
2. Donate used books and magazines for the inmates.
Internship
ICADP is always looking for enthusiastic, talented interns to work on our campaigns. We can work with you to create a internship which makes a difference as well as provides an opportunity to develop your own skills. Please email info@icadp.org to request the internship job description or visit our page on Idealist.org.
Volunteer Leader
Would you like to take a larger role in the fight for abolition? ICADP is looking for experienced volunteers to help other volunteers. We are looking for volunteer leaders to help coordinate our online, student and local volunteers.
Annual Report
ICADP's annual report documents capital cases in Illinois. For years, ICADP was the only organization doing this. We need volunteers to:
1. Do research concerning the current status of capital cases
2. Call attorneys to gather information about present and past cases
3. Follow local news concerning possible death penalty cases
4. Help edit and layout our Annual Report.
House party
Throw a house party for your friends and neighbors so they can learn the truth of the death penalty. ICADP can help you plan a fun event which will educate your friends and neighbors. ICADP can also provide speakers and films. A house party can also be the starting point to organizing a local group or starting a book club.
Book club
Are you involved in a book club? How about reading a book that will make a difference? There are many books about the injustices of the death penalty including some from Illinois exonerees. Please contact the office and we can suggest the right book for your group.
Write to your local paper
One of the most critical ways to get the truth about the death penalty to your community is by writing to your local paper. There are a few ways you can do this:
- Write Letters to the Editor
- Respond to news articles by posting online or by writing a response and sending to the paper.
Faith outreach
Are you involved with your church or involved in a local faith group? The death penalty is a great issue for communities to take action and live their faith. ICADP has developed study guides for multiple faiths which your group can use to explore the issue.
Share your talents and skills
Do you have a specific talent or skill that you would like to use to abolish the death penalty? For example, are you an artist who would like to contribute to the abolitionist movement? Or an accountant? Or a lawyer? Or a student? We are close to abolition in Illinois, but we need EVERYONE'S help to get there. Please let us know how you would like to contribute and we will work with you!