Help carry the message into men’s and women’s prisons - and change lives. We’re currently looking for AA members with 2+ years continuous sobriety to help run meetings for inmates at the Long Bay and Silverwater correctional centres. Other centres in Area G may also be commencing meetings shortly.
This 12-step work has changed the course of many lives but relies on a sufficient number of AA members to run the many meetings in these prisons every month.
Requirements
We seek reliable, team players who can commit to a minimum of one meeting a month (approximately three hours including travel and processing) over a 12-month commitment.
You will have 2+ years of continuous sobriety, a current sponsor, a home group, and have done service.
Meetings take place during the day on weekdays. The opportunity is best suited to those who do not work in paid employment, work part- time or who have a high degree of control over their work arrangements (eg work for themselves).
You will be actively working the 12 Steps and have a knowledge of the 12 Traditions.
You will need to be comfortable filling in forms to obtain clearance from Corrective Services NSW, and completing some simple online training modules.
What next?
If you think you would like to be part of making a difference, please contact Lynne, Area G Corrections Chair on areagcorrections@gmail.com or 0401 063 129 to obtain more information about this role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have had any experience with the criminal justice system?
No. A large number of our volunteers have not had any prior direct experience with the criminal justice system. What’s important is your desire to do this particular type of service. Our experience is that inmates are interested in your experience with alcoholism, not your personal history or circumstances.
Is it safe?
There are strict protocols in place for visitors and inmates and the correctional centres ensure these are adhered to. The online training modules contain information about safety protocols.
Do I run the meetings by myself or with other AA members?
Some correctional centres require two AA members to attend, others are comfortable with one. New volunteers will attend meetings with another AA member until they are comfortable running the meeting by themselves.
I have a criminal record. Am I precluded from doing this type of service?
AA members who have previously served time in prison, especially if they got sober in prison, carry a very powerful message. Some of these people are currently involved in this type of service. Whether you will be able to obtain approval from Corrective Services NSW, will depend on various factors. If you are interested, you can apply and await the determination.
Are there any online meetings that I can run if I can’t do the face- to -face?
There are no online AA meetings in Area G centres at present.
