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David Sell

All Work by David

What People in Prison Are Saying About the Presidential Election

Elections entertain, divide, and frustrate people watching from behind bars and looking for hope.

Most people would be surprised about how well-informed incarcerated people really are. For example, there are two topics that have been gaining a lot of momentum amongst the prison population: stocks and the presidential election. Just recently, a friend told me he has prepared two different stock portfolios, each tailored toward who is elected as ...

News

David Sell

October 01, 2024

News

What a Day in Prison is Really Like

Life in prison is harsh, traumatizing, and isolating for the people forced to endure it.

What would you ask a person who has spent decades in prison? You might inquire about the violence, or perhaps you’re curious about the food. When I encounter individuals who have spent more time in prison than myself (26 years), my question is consistent: “Why are you still here?” As for me, I’ve been asked a lot of questions, but the most common ...

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David Sell

March 14, 2024

News

Change for the Worse: Life Under New York DOCCS’s New Package Policy

On May 9, 2022, New York’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) implemented a new policy that no longer permits families or friends to bring food packages to incarcerated people. DOCCS also eliminated mail packages, except for two non-food packages yearly. Packages must now be ordered from approved vendors with inflated pric ...

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David Sell

September 06, 2023

News

We Founded a Youth Mentoring Program While in Prison, and It’s Saving Lives

A Change Comes From Within session. The youth mentoring program Change Comes From Within (CCFW) was just a thought that three incarcerated men had 10 years ago. Today, it is a reality. But the three of us co-founders have more in common than prison sentences. We were all high school dropouts, we all exhibited a lack of respect for authority figures ...

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Walter Ball
Brandon Dennis

June 08, 2023

News

Incarcerated People Need Access to Phone Apps

What should rehabilitation look like within New York State prisons? How do we motivate incarcerated people to be productive in such an oppressive and toxic environment? While programs are made available, many people behind bars do not feel inspired to make necessary changes. However, there is something that can be implemented within correctional f ...

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David Sell

November 15, 2022

News

COVID-19 Restrictions May Be Easing, but in Prison We’re Still Here Alone

My name is David Sell. I'm currently housed at Wende Correctional Facility. I was sentenced to 43 and a half years to life and have served 25 years. With more than 2 million people incarcerated in our country, we must begin to think seriously about the impact incarceration has on people and their families. Conversations around incarceration have ...

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