Question 1

What do tutors actually do inside San Quentin?

Accepted Answer

Tutors work a weekly shift inside the Read Naturally classroom at San Quentin, supporting incarcerated students in English-language and reading comprehension through one-on-one tutoring sessions.

Question 2

Do I need to be a certain age or have specific documentation to participate?

Accepted Answer

You must be 20 years or older to participate in the DeCal. You will need a valid government-issued ID and your social security number to be cleared for entry into San Quentin. DACA students can participate.

Question 3

Is TIP just a volunteering program, or is there a campus-based component too?

Accepted Answer

There are two parts: tutors go to San Quentin weekly, and on campus, members participate in a DeCal course that educates students about the carceral state and supports the tutoring work with an abolitionist framework.

Question 4

What are TIP's values and political orientation?

Accepted Answer

TIP explicitly holds abolitionist values, viewing prison reform as insufficient. The club emphasizes liberatory, non-hierarchical education, collective care, and awareness of positionality among its organizers.

Question 5

Can I get involved in organizing even if I'm just taking the DeCal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The organizing team meets every Monday from 7:00-8:00 pm in 554 Social Science Building, and DeCal students are welcome to join those meetings if interested in organizing with TIP.

Teach in Prison