In November 2024, Dr Cormac Behan published a new essay ‘From Philanthropy to Solidarity: Diverse Expressions of Prisoner Advocacy and Support’ in Working Notes, a journal of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice. With a focus on Irish prisons and prisoners, the essay examined some of the people and organisations who conveyed compassion for the plight of prisoners, advocated for improved prison conditions, and supported penal reform. It sketched out some early philanthropic and charitable endeavours and analysed support networks for people convicted of politically motivated activities, before reviewing campaigns for improved conditions for those who were termed ‘ordinary’ or ‘social’ prisoners. The essay concluded with consideration of prisoners’ advocacy organisations and support movements today. The essay is available here.
