A letter can travel thousands of miles, cross prison walls, and remind someone they have not been forgotten.

Join Russians Against War – Minnesota (RAW-MN) and The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) for an evening of writing letters of hope and solidarity to political prisoners in Russia, many of whom have been imprisoned for speaking out against the war in Ukraine.

These individuals are teachers, artists, students, parents, and ordinary citizens who have faced extraordinary consequences for expressing their beliefs. Some have been imprisoned for participating in peaceful protests, sharing messages on social media, or publicly opposing the war.

For people enduring isolation and imprisonment, receiving a letter from someone on the outside can be profoundly meaningful. Correspondence offers encouragement, maintains a connection to the world beyond prison walls, and reminds prisoners that they have not been forgotten. Just as importantly, letters demonstrate to prison authorities that others are aware of these individuals and are paying attention to their well-being. That visibility can help protect prisoners from mistreatment.

How does letter writing work?

No experience or Russian language skills are necessary. Participants will receive writing materials and brief profiles of political prisoners, along with guidance on what to write. Volunteers will be available throughout the evening to answer questions.

Letters may be written in English. After the event, volunteers translate the messages into Russian and submit them through an established electronic correspondence system that delivers letters to people incarcerated in Russian prisons. Because prison correspondence is reviewed by censors, volunteers will also provide guidance on appropriate subjects and language to help ensure letters can be delivered.

And yes, these letters really do reach their recipients. RAW-MN and its volunteers have been facilitating this correspondence for some time, and many letter writers have received replies from prisoners. Responses are translated and shared with the original writers, creating opportunities for genuine human connection across borders and prison walls.

What should you write about?

Sometimes the simplest subjects create the strongest connections. Through this ongoing correspondence, many political prisoners in Russia have become familiar with Minnesota, a place whose long, snowy winters and northern landscapes share much in common with parts of Russia.

With TMORA’s winter exhibitions on view, participants are especially encouraged to draw inspiration from the season. Share a favorite winter memory, describe the first snowfall, write about how Minnesotans embrace the cold, or reflect on a work of art in the galleries. These glimpses of everyday life can offer a welcome connection to the world beyond prison walls.

Of course, letters can be about any number of things. A few thoughtful sentences, a story about daily life, or a simple expression of encouragement can mean a great deal.

Join us in the Main Gallery of The Museum of Russian Art for an evening of compassion, solidarity, and hope.

Thursday, November 12 | 6:00–8:00 PM

Doors open at 5:30 PM. The event begins at 6:00 PM, with speakers offering background, context, and letter-writing instructions at 6:15 PM.

FREE | No registration required | All are welcome