How to Help

                                       

Additionally, your tax-deductible contribution check can be mailed to:

Paul Cortez Defense Fund

P.O. Box 94

New York, NY 10021

Unfortunately, a legal appeal of Paul's kind is an incredibly laborious, time-consuming and expensive endeavor. In addition to the massive amount of attorney hours involved, the cost of DNA testing and forensic expert analysis is incredibly costly. Jeff Lichtman, one of the nation's premier criminal attorneys, strongly believes Paul is enduring a tragic injustice, and has offered to lead Paul's appeal at very reduced legal rates. Even at these very reduced rates, however, the financial cost to fight for justice is well into the six figure range - including all of the necessary DNA testing and forensic expert analysis. A person's freedom should not be at risk because one cannot afford competent legal representation. This is why we ask for your help.

We cannot allow money to once again deprive Paul of his freedom. When many people each do a little, we truly believe that a lot can get done. Any little bit you can donate will help immensely. Please spread the word.

Print out flyers and brochures to distribute in various buildings, coffee shops, libraries, and other public places. Leave a pile at your local bookstore, work desk, corporate work areas, community centers, bus stops, apartment buildings, bulletin boards, and other public places.

Download Flyer

Download Brochure

Download One-Sheet (A Synopsis of Paul's Case)

Order a t-shirt. Send $50 via paypal or check. Please be sure to indicate on your donation which size and style you would like: Gray or Brown, and S, M, L, XL.

• Sign our Online Petition, and send it to your friends, family, and co-workers

• Send us your used items such as cell phones, clothes, jewelry, collectibles, vintage items, or anything you think might sell on eBay

• Join the "Help Free Paul Cortez" Facebook group

• Add Paul Cortez to your Myspace friends

• Hold a yard sale, bake sale, or car wash. Host a potluck dinner and ask your friends to bring $10 or $20 each. We understand that not everyone is able to donate monetarily, but many of you have gone above and beyond your immediate limitations and thought of creative ways to help Paul. Consider this example: "Unfortunately, being a single mother of four, I do not have even an extra dollar. I did realize however that I have a friend who's step-father owns a printing company. I approached him and he was willing to print 1000 each of the flier and brochure, which I am giving to everyone I see and leaving anywhere I can. Hopefully, in this way I can make some contribution. I commend those of you who can help monetarily and challenge that even if you are like me, there may well be something productive you can find to do."

          Please let us know what creative ways you have helped Paul so we can
          post it on the site to share with other people!

Write an Op-Ed piece or Letter to the Editor for your local or national newspaper and/or favorite magazine.

An Op-Ed is a column or guest essay published in the opinion section of a newspaper. Most are between 500-750 words, and most outlets will take submissions by fax, e-mail or mail. Click here to view the submission criteria for the top 100 newspapers. If you would like the PCDF to review your op-ed piece before you submit it, we would be happy to do so.

A Letter to the Editor allow you to offer a short rebuttal to an article or commentary, or add a crucial missing perspective. Most letters should be 150-250 words. Specific guidelines by news outlet are listed here.

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE STUDENTS & RECENT GRADUATES:

Campus Coordinators: We are actively seeking current high school and college students to act as campus coordinators to mobilize fund raisers and to raise awareness.

Interns: We have several part-time writing and research opportunities available. If interested, please send your resume, a writing sample, and brief cover letter to paulcortezdefensefund@hotmail.com

We are always looking for creative people to design new flyers, artwork for t-shirts, bumper stickers, and other media to help spread the word about Paul's case. Please email us if you are interested.