Corrections Committee Workbook
The workbook is a valuable resource, compiled from shared A.A. service experience. It provides guidance, and ideas for A.A. members carrying the message "behind the walls."
Corrections Kit
The Corrections Kit contains the workbook, corrections- specific pamphlets, DVDs, guides to using Grapevine and LaViña in corrections work, and more.
Tools and Ideas for Doing Corrections Work
- Show the video "A New Freedom" at workshops and other events; it has inspired many members to get involved with corrections service. The video is available in 3-, 15- and 30-minute length versions.
- Show the DVD "A.A. in Correctional Facilities" to share the professional's viewpoint on the value of A.A. as a resource in correctional facilities.
- Create PowerPoint presentations about A.A. corrections service, including photos and discussion topics.
- Discuss ways that groups, districts and areas have used to provide more literature for persons in custody - such as passing the "pink can" or a "jail box."
- Introduce members to the "Sharing from Behind the Walls" newsletter and highlight the annual Grapevine corrections issue when it comes out in July.
- Include local corrections events on area websites.
- Introduce someone to corrections service by bringing them to corrections events and/or A.A. meetings "on the inside," or obtain a guest pass to bring them to a meeting behind the wall.
- Encourage former persons in custody to share their stories about how A.A. helped them get sober and stay sober while in custody.
- Create a calendar of corrections events around U.S. and Canada.
- Emphasize that when carrying the message in a correctional facility, we share experience, strength and hope with other alcoholics as we do at any A.A. meeting. Having prison experience is not a prerequisite -- sobriety in A.A. is. Individuals in custody are more interested in learning how we got and stayed sober through A.A.'s Twelve Steps, rather than hearing about time we may have spent in prison.
For more ideas like this, see the Corrections Committee Workbook.
Share Corrections Experience
The Corrections desk at the A.A. General Service Office is dedicated to Corrections activities. Committees are encouraged to share local experiences and challenges with this desk.
A New Freedom 3:57
A New Freedom 3:57
A.A. in Correctional Facilities
Carrying the Message Behind These Walls
A New Freedom 3:57
A.A. in Correctional Facilities
Carrying the Message Behind These Walls
Group Handbook
The A.A. Group Handbook for Groups That Meet in Correctional Facilities (CF-36) was developed to be sent directly from GSO to A.A. groups that meet in correctional facilities but may have little or no contact with outside A.A. CF-36 cannot be ordered from GSO but it is electronically available to A.A. members who take meetings into correctional facilities.
The Group Handbook (M-36) is sent to new A.A. groups on the outside. This handbook is similar, but not identical to, CF-36. The Kit List for M-36 can be viewed online.
