The backstory
Back in 2017, the Pelipost team kept noticing strange little holidays popping up every week. The idea clicked: why not build a real holiday for the people living this?
"We wanted to dedicate a day to come together and spread positivity and love among this community," said Natalie Calderon, Chief Marketing Officer. The team created Love Your Inmate Day, observed annually on August 8th.
A more inclusive name
In 2023, we rebranded the day to Global Incarcerated Loved One Day to prioritize person-first language and welcome our international community. The goal is the same: empathy first, stigma last.
Global Incarcerated Loved One Day is observed every year on August 8th.
What it means
The day is not just about showing one person you care. It is about connecting the families and friends living through incarceration. "This is important because there's a stigma surrounding this community," Calderon notes. Recognizing that everyone makes mistakes makes it easier to hold each other up.
How you can participate
Custom photo cards and calendars
- GILO Day photo greeting cards
- Pre-designed GILO Day greeting cards
- Custom six-month photo calendars
- Pre-designed six-month calendars
- Thoughtful GILO Day letters
Order from Greetings by Pelipost.
Show your support with merchandise
The current collection includes the Love Never Gives Up tee, bundle deals, silicone bracelets, phone grips, holographic stickers, and lanyards. Proceeds support Pelipost's Student of the Month Program and Overcoming Adversity Scholarship.
Share solidarity with the GILO Day Social Kit
Download free digital assets from the GILO Day Social Kit and share on social media. Sample caption:
"Nearly half of Americans have a friend, family member, or loved one in jail or prison. Yet the experience remains surrounded by stigma and judgment. I'm proud to honor my loved one on Global Incarcerated Loved One Day this August 8th."
Post a dedication
Share a photo and message on our Facebook or Instagram pages. We reshare dedications August 1 through 8.
Submit a GILO Day video
Tell your story on camera to help break stigma. Submit through the GILO Day Video Submissions form.