This five-chapter guide for coordinators of community-based literacy groups working with prisoners is illustrated with prisoners' drawings. The first chapter examines issues affecting learning behind bars. Topics covered include similarities to and differences from other programs, respecting the learner's culture, links between poverty and literacy and poverty and jail, statistical findings, and the effects of the prison environment on learning. Chapter 2 discusses the role of the community, including examining fears and stereotypes, reintegration into society, community volunteers' roles, how prisoners learn from community tutors, and how the community gains. In the third chapter, strategies to promote literacy are suggested, such as adopting the prison library, rewriting materials into easy-to-read formats, peer tutors, group work, one-on-one tutoring, working with teachers, the learner-centered approach, work-related literacy, and family literacy. The fourth chapter gives advice on setting up the program, including information on how the type of institution affects the literacy group, working cooperatively with other literacy groups, developing a regional plan, establishing a liaison, advertising the program inside, training tutors, resources, and inviting feedback from learners. The final chapter provides suggestions for continuing the services upon release, such as setting up a meeting space, dealing with problems, working in halfway houses, and networking with other agencies. Each chapter ends with a section of resources. Appendixes include facts and definitions; a bibliography listing 35 Canadian publications, 6 literacy reports, 8 non-Canadian publications, and 20 Correctional Services of Canada Publications. (KC)