My name is Ron Vliet, I am a Board Member of Alpha Ministries of CT. This note is to PETITION your signature to reinstate Alpha in the Department of Correction (DOC) that is to help those incarcerated in Connecticut prisons, their families, and their friends who are just like you and me.

What is Alpha? It is a series of interactive sessions exploring the basics of the Christian faith, designed for individuals with questions about life’s purpose and the existence of God. Alpha originated in 1977 in Britain, and today it has global presence in over 146 countries and is translated in over 100 languages. In 2024, over two million persons participated in 81,000 courses. It is a program, evangelical in nature, that seeks to introduce the basics of the Christian faith through a series of talks and discussions described by many as, "an opportunity to explore the meaning of life". In our country, it is being run in over 47 states, and more than 1000 of the 1300 prisons nationwide.

Why am I writing to YOU about Alpha? Because Alpha Ministries has been active in Connecticut prisons over 23 years till the 3rd of March this year, when it was discontinued for no apparent reason.

Just so you know: Inmates love and benefit from Alpha. We have awarded 4,788 Certificates of Completion over the years. It is a volunteer program, and all Alpha manuals are given to each inmate at the beginning of each program, no charge, therefore the state incurs no expense. The faith inmates have found through participation in the program has had a positive impact on their lifestyle, families, and their return to society that has proved to be a real deterrent to reoffending.

I beg of you to apply your signature in support of this mighty effort to acquire 1 million signatures for reinstatement of the Alpha Program in the Department of Correction in CT. I beg of you to forward it on to all your friends and family. I beg of you to return it to me by the 30th of November. I beg of you!!

Kindly and Blessings Always,