Uptown People's Law Center
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uplcchicago.bsky.social
Uptown People's Law Center
@uplcchicago.bsky.social
160 followers 49 following 230 posts
UPLC advocates for prisoners, tenants, and disabled people denied public benefits.

Uptown, Chicago, USA
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uplcchicago.bsky.social
IL DOC is now scanning, and destroying, mail to people inside. Gov. Pritzker just signed a new law collecting data on how contraband is entering prisons, so why is this being done now? Tell JCAR to stop this:
217/785-2254
jcar@ilga.gov
Barbed wire in front of a light blue sky with some clouds. The UPLC logo is in the corner. There is a graphic of a postcard, which reads: Speak up for prisoners! They deserve their mail! (217) 785-2254 jcar@ilga.gov
September 19, 2025 at 2:21 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
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Text reads: On parole, mandatory supervised release, electronic monitoring, or a registry? You can still vote, either early at approved locations or by mail. Text reads: Charged but not convicted? You still have the right to vote, whether you’re on bail, in jail pre-trial, or under electronic monitoring. Text reads: If you’re already registered, you don’t need ID to vote, but bringing one can help resolve any questions about eligibility. Everyone deserves their vote. Stay informed and exercise your rights!
September 15, 2025 at 11:09 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Today is National Voter Registration Day. You should know: (1/2)
A graphic of a brown-skinned person in a white shirt casting a ballot. Text reads: Register to Vote! swipe for things you should know Text reads: People with felony convictions CAN VOTE IN ILLINOIS*! You must register again after release from prison, even if you were registered before. *& many other states, too! Text reads: You can use your IL DOC ID to register to vote in person—but you also need another ID that shows your home address. Text reads: No permanent address? You can use a shelter, friend’s house, anywhere you can get mail. If registering in person, you need a letter from someone verifying you receive mail there. This can be used as one of your two forms of ID when you register in person.
September 15, 2025 at 11:09 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
IL DOC's "Emergency Rule" to scan prison mail is a self-made emergency to restrict and monetize communications between people in prison and their loved ones. Tell JCAR not to let these proceed!
217/785-2254
jcar@ilga.gov
Text reads: "Tell the state of Illinois people in prison should be allowed their mail! (217) 785-2254 jcar@ilga.gov" Has a graphic with the shape of the state of IL, a stack of mail, & the UPLC logo
September 14, 2025 at 4:17 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Trump’s plan to deploy military to Chicago could cost $1.6M per day—4x what it would take to house the city's unhoused! Our unhoused neighbors in Uptown are vulnerable during this manufactured crisis. We stand ready to continue to protect them & fight for the real solution: more affordable housing.
Text reads PROTECT OUR NEIGHBORS, with a graphic of the Chicago skyline in the background, and two tents in the foreground
September 8, 2025 at 9:15 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
President Trump's executive order threatening the funding of jurisdictions that have moved away from cash bail is one more tactic in his platform of anti-Black racism and oppression. Illinois' passage of the Pre-Trial Fairness Act that ended money bail was groundbreaking, and we will not go back.
An image of a brick wall with an Illinois-shaped hole in it, & a broken chain running across, also has the UPLC logo in the corner. Text reads: PROTECT PRE-TRIAL FAIRNESS.
September 3, 2025 at 10:34 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
People are being tortured in Illinois prisons due to the excessive heat. Call Gov. Pritzker TODAY and tell him this must be addressed! See the second image for what to say when you call.
Graphic of a ringing phone with the text Call Gov. Pritzker & tell him to address the heat in IL prisons 217-782-6831 Text reads: Hi, my name is _____ _______ & I live in [City, State]. I’m calling to say that the Governor MUST address the heat in Illinois’ prisons. People inside must be given adequate ventilation, fans, ice, & other cooling measures. Upper floors should be evacuated if necessary. These temperatures are torturous & dangerous, even lethal.
July 30, 2025 at 5:57 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Text reads: Hi, my name is _____ _______ & I live in [City, State]. I’m calling to say that the Governor MUST address the heat in Illinois’ prisons. People inside must be given adequate ventilation, fans, ice, & other cooling measures. Upper floors should be evacuated if necessary. These temperatures are torturous & dangerous, even lethal.
July 29, 2025 at 8:45 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Please call Gov. Pritzker! As temperatures rise, people are suffering inside Illinois' extremely old prisons. The heat is actually life-threatening.

Call 217-782-6831; see second image for a script! #prisonersrights
July 29, 2025 at 8:45 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
We unequivocally condemn Trump's Executive Order criminalizing homelessness and bringing back the arcanely cruel practice of institutionalization and forced treatment. We need compassion, housing, and a community of care.
NO to Trump Criminalizing Mental Illness & Homelessness, UPLC logo
July 25, 2025 at 8:02 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Learn how to help people in Illinois prisons at our FREE webinar Tuesday 7/15 at noon! UPLC has new guides to help people in IDOC fight for their rights. Register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
FREE webinar 7/15, noon Fighting for Your Civil Rights in Prison New prisoners' rights guides!
July 14, 2025 at 9:51 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Join us for a FREE webinar Tues, July 15 @ noon to discover how you can support people in IL DOC. UPLC staffers Stanley (who spent 39 years in IDOC) & Alyssa (prisoners’ rights attorney) will show new guides to help prisoners advocate for their rights. Register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
A dark room with a small window with light coming in; there are bars on the window, reflecting on the floor. The UPLC logo & it reads: presents a free webinar Fighting for Your Civil Rights in Prison New prisoners' rights guides! 7/15, noon
July 11, 2025 at 9:08 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
On this day in 1868, the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution was ratified, guaranteeing citizenship, due process, and equal protection. We honor its promise and continue the fight for racial and prisoners’ justice, demanding true equality for ALL, inside prison and out.
Text reads Honoring the 14th Amendment, with a graphic of fists with various shades of brown skin being raised
July 9, 2025 at 6:36 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Sign up for a FREE webinar Tues 7/15 at noon! Learn how to help people in IDOC with new civil rights guides from UPLC. Register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
FREE webinar 7/15, noon Fighting for Your Civil Rights in Prison New prisoners' rights guides!
July 8, 2025 at 11:15 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Solitary is torture, & 2,483 people in it in IL is too many. This doesn't even include people in a kind of solitary due to mental health crisis, protective custody—or simply because they are stuck in their cells with little time outside of them. #StopSolitary
Heading: People in Solitary Confinement May 2025 Illinois Dept. of Corrections Pie chart showing 7.9% of people in solitary
July 3, 2025 at 5:15 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Register for this FREE webinar Tues. 7/15 at noon to learn how to help people in IDOC. UPLC staffers Stanley (survivor of 39 years in IDOC) & Alyssa (prisoners’ rights attorney) will introduce new guides on how prisoners can fight for their civil rights. Click here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Text: UPLC presents a free webinar Fighting for Your Civil Rights in Prison New prisoners' rights guides! 7/15, noon. There is also a graphic of a fist holding scales of justice
July 2, 2025 at 8:02 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Republicans are pushing a bill to cut Medicare, Medicaid, & food stamps, risking health care & food for millions. Call (202) 224-3121 & urge your reps to vote NO–see the second picture for a sample script.
Call Congress to stop the cuts! (202) 224-3121 Hi, my name is _____ _______ & I live in ______, __. I’m calling to say that Representative _______ should vote NO on the reconciliation bill. People shouldn’t lose their health benefits to pay for tax cuts for the rich. Please make sure the Representative knows I want them to vote NO on this bill!
July 2, 2025 at 12:02 AM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Over 1.8 million people are imprisoned in the U.S.; nearly 55k in Illinois alone. Prison is cruel and ineffective. It's time to invest in things that help people, not punish them.
A chart showing imprisonment rates per 100k people. Japan is < 50. Canada is < 100. Iraq is approximately 175. Illinois is nearly 450. The USA is almost 550.
June 30, 2025 at 1:45 AM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
These are 3 UPLC attorneys (Shireen, Alyssa, & Marcus) who are carrying forward the work of Alan Mills & protecting prisoners' rights. You can click here to make a gift that enables their work, & supports Alan's legacy: uplc.networkforgood.com/projects/245...
Three smiling people: a woman with light brown skin, a white woman, and a man with brown skin
June 28, 2025 at 8:07 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Register for this FREE webinar Tues. 7/15 at noon to learn how to help people in IDOC. UPLC staffers Stanley (survivor of 39 years in IDOC) & Alyssa (prisoners’ rights attorney) will introduce new guides on how prisoners can fight for their civil rights. Click here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
UPLC presents a free webinar Fighting for Your Civil Rights in Prison New prisoners' rights guides! 7/15, noon
June 24, 2025 at 10:32 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Register for this FREE webinar Tues. 7/15 at noon to learn how to help people in IDOC. UPLC staffers Stanley (survivor of 39 years in IDOC) & Alyssa (prisoners’ rights attorney) will introduce new guides on how prisoners can fight for their civil rights. Click here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
UPLC presents a free webinar Fighting For Your Civil Rights in Prison New prisoners' rights guides! 7/15, noon
June 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Tomorrow in Chicago, come to the FREE Northside Housing Fair! UPLC will be one of many organizations there. 9:30am-2pm, at Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson, in Uptown. You can register at this link: www.eventbrite.com/e/northside-...
Come join UPLC at the NORTHSIDE HOUSING FAIR 2025 In collaboration with IL State Senator Mike Simmons & Alderperson Angela Clay Sat, June 14, 9:30M-2PM Truman College, Chicago Free admission and parking Free resources for renters Free workshops on fair housing & tenants' rights
June 13, 2025 at 8:25 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
This Saturday in Chicago, come to the FREE Northside Housing Fair! UPLC will be one of many organizations there. 9:30am-2pm, at Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson, in Uptown. You can register at this link: www.eventbrite.com/e/northside-...
Come join UPLC at the NORTHSIDE HOUSING FAIR 2025 In collaboration with IL State Senator Mike Simmons & Alderperson Angela Clay Sat, June 14, 9:30M-2PM Truman College, Chicago Free admission and parking Free resources for renters Free workshops on fair housing & tenants' rights
June 11, 2025 at 8:32 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
You can let the world know where you stand by wearing UPLC merch like this! We have tees, hoodies, & more. uplc.threadless.com
A blue tee shirt with the slogan PRISONER RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS, and the UPLC logo. Image reads: Shop UPLC merch!
May 30, 2025 at 8:25 PM
uplcchicago.bsky.social
Thursday in Chicago: learn your rights! Landlords can't discriminate against you in Cook County just because you've been arrested or imprisoned, thanks to the Just Housing Amendment. Come to this free training to learn more.
A photo of a woman staring out the window. Text reads: FREE training Tenants' Rights: Renting With a Record Thurs, May 22 12-1 pm World Relief Chicagoland 3507 W. Lawrence Funding providing by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Welcoming Centers for Refugee and Immigrant Services
May 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM