BEHIND THE WALLS SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM Volunteer Sponsorship Orientation
BEHIND THE WALLS SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM Volunteer Sponsorship Orientation
THE THERAPEUTIC VALUE OF ONE ADDICT HELPING ANOTHER IS WITHOUT PARALLEL. BASIC TEXT, CHAPTER SIX, TRADITION FIVE
OUR GENERAL PURPOSE Ø Behind The Walls program provides sponsorship for incarcerated members who do not otherwise have access to sponsorship. Ø To provide written step working guidance to any incarcerated addict desiring recovery within Narcotics Anonymous.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ANONYMITY Ø All Sponsors will remain totally anonymous. This is for the protection of both incarcerated members and sponsors. Ø Sponsors are encouraged to use first name only or a pen name. Ø Sponsors do not divulge personal information that could lead to identification. Ø Correspondence is to be limited to discussion of working the steps of Narcotics Anonymous. Ø A ‘correspondence only’ agreement is signed and kept on file. Ø Incarcerated Addict’s location information or other details are confidential and will not be provided to anyone else. Ø Any sexual harassment or insinuation is illegal. There is no such thing as a consensual relationship when one person is incarcerated. No exceptions.
Example of Volunteer Correspondence Agreement As a Volunteer Sponsor, I agree to: 1) Communicate with sponsees in writing ONLY, responding to their letters within two (2) weeks. 2) Utilize the CMSR BTW Sponsorship Program Mailing Address ONLY, as provided above. 3) Respect the confidentiality of my sponsee. 4) Refrain from using abusive or profane language in all of my correspondence. 5) Maintain my focus on recovery through working the 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous. 6) Refrain from providing sponsee with personal details; phone number, address, email address. 7) Refrain from face to face meetings, visiting sponsee or arranging any meetings upon release. 8) Refrain from supplying sponsee materials; such as envelopes, stamps, pre-stamped envelopes, writing paper, writing implements, books, tapes or any other items. 9) Refrain from contacting anyone or relaying messages to anyone my sponsee might request. 10) Refrain from compromising the 12 Traditions f Narcotics Anonymous or any facility guidelines. 11) Refrain from commenting on any matter that might jeopardize the safety and security of the facility, staff, facility residents, outside members or anyone else. We have NO Opinion on outside issues. 12) Certify that I have not been a victim of, or an accomplice of, a crime with any potential sponsee. All Volunteers must sign a Volunteer Correspondence Agreement
QUALIFICATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES Ø 2 years clean working the NA program. Ø Have a working knowledge of the 12 Steps and Traditions of NA. Ø Worked all 12 steps with a sponsor in NA. Ø Currently not an H&I volunteer in the jails or prison. Ø Understand agree to the BTW guidelines. Ø Willingness and availability to reply to letters within 2 weeks or less. Ø May not have any prior knowledge of the inmate at any point. Ø Attend One (1) Volunteer Orientation Annually.
QUALIFICATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES Ø Absolutely no personal contact. Ø Abide by all rules & regulations of the facility. Ø Gender rules apply per the prison guidelines. Ø They must have at least One (1) year remaining on their Incarceration time. Ø They must be willing to work the 12 Steps of NA. Ø Refrain from abusive or profane language. Ø Refrain from sending the incarcerated member money, stamps or stationery. Ø Supply own stamps and stationery.
IS BEHIND THE WALLS SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM FOR YOU? Ø Incarcerated addicts rely on us to be a consistent point of contact while working the 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous. Are you ready and able to make that commitment? Ø Carefully consider the qualifications and responsibilities before making this decision. Discuss with your sponsor or other members involved in this important and lifesaving program.
Resources and contacts ØNARCOTICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES, INC PO BOX 9999 – VAN NUYS, CA 91409 USA TEL. +1/818. 773. 9999 FAX +1/818. 700. 0700 WEBSITE: WWW. NA. ORG Ø ZONAL CONTACTS FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW. WSZF. ORG THE RESOURCES TAB HAS SERVICE MATERIAL
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