Corrections Committee
Purpose: The purpose of all Hospitals and Institutions Committees is the same
throughout Alcoholics Anonymous. That purpose is to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to
those that are confined in a Hospital or Institution and unable to attend regular free world meetings.
This has be primarily accomplished through doing "panels" inside these facilities for the
residents. Sometimes the panelists are considered "guest speakers" for an inside facility
meeting that is held regularly, and other times these panelists actually conduct the meeting.
Unfortunately
there are many facilities, primarily correctional institutions that do not have any A.A. outside
groups coming into the facility. And this is where the "Corrections Correspondence" program
can take effect. There are many inmates who want to write to sober A.A. members in an attempt to
stay sober and get into the A.A. program of recovery. There are numerous instances where this is
also referred to as "sponsorship
correspondence". All it is in reality is one alcoholic communicating with another, sharing their
experience, strength, and hope. Not much different from what we do at our regular meetings, on our "panels",
and even with those we sponsor.
What could be more fitting for an extension of H&I than an inmate
correspondence program? Not only would this be a great benefit for the inmate, but think of the potential
impact on the A.A. member doing this writing. It is a known fact that there are many who do not feel
comfortable going into a prison facility, yet this could afford them an alternate way to help someone
that is incarcerated. Of course this program is not designed for the shot term inmate, nor is it
to be used for "personal" correspondence with someone you know, or at a facility where
you do a panel. You would be corresponding with someone hundreds, (if not thousands) of miles away
in a different state.
How it Works: All correspondence with inmates would be channeled through a post
office box assuring total privacy and confidentiality of the writer's personal address. The writer's
names is sent to A.A.W.S. Corrections desk in New York where it will be forwarded to an inmate who
(had requested correspondence) with your name and the local (SoCal) P.O. box return address. When
the inmate letter arrives at P.O. box it is placed (intact and sealed) in another envelope and forwarded
to you. This will insure complete anonymity of your personal address.
Link: Corrections
Committee Guidelines
Please print out the document
below:
Inmates for the Correctional Correspondence Service Document
Additional Documents:
Corrections
Volunteer Sheet