| MINUTES
OF CORRECTIONS MEETING OF 06-08-08 Our most recent corrections meeting was on June 8, 2008. The number in attendance was 12. The meeting opened with the preamble, moment of silence and Serenity Prayer. Up to date lists of cleared volunteers for NHDOC were distributed as were NHSP applications, Merrimack County HOC applications and handbook, and copies of "Sharing Behind the Walls". Kevin S. came to our meeting. He recently went to the conference in NY and serves on the corrections committe at that level. Kevin said that our suggestion of including a grapevine in the corrections kit was approved and would be incorporated. Also, AA has non-conference approved material group handbook for group in prison or jail to have a meeting on their own. It is also on CD. Jim Vila said that that wasn't allowed at the State Prisons. He said there should always be a facilitator. (I wonder if the jails would allow that.) Kevin had given me pre-release forms at the last area meeting which I had copied for this meeting. He felt that would be better than BTG and that BTG should be for release from treatment factilites only. He suggested we review the forms and discuss it. The "Inside" form would be given to the people at the jail to distribute when they felt it was appropriate. Jim said that Laconia has people getting ready to be released and the pre-release forms would make sense there. Important to keep different functions separate - AA's who bring meetings, AA's who are contacted when leaving facility to take a newly released person to a meeting, AA's to write to inmates and also visitors should all be different - ie, if you are on a visitor's list, you cannot do any of the other functions. Meetings are needed at: Laconia SP, Concord SP, Valley Street Jail, Merrimack HOC-women's, The donated books were taken and very much appreciated. Jerry G. said that the inmates at the NHSP in Berlin really enjoy reading the Grapevine but have read all the old ones. If anyone or any groups would like to donate their used Grapevines from 2007 or 2008 that would be appreciated. Jerry G. requested some books be ordered for Berlin SP. Our meeting closed with the responsibility statement. Our next correction's meeting will be on August 10, 2008 at 1:00 PM. Leslie O'H. Area 43 Corrections Chair AREA 43 CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES FOR APRIL 6, 2008 The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous. There were 9 people in attendance. The books in the donations box were gratefully taken. The 5 boxes of Inmate to Inmate books were brought in and were distributed to those who do meetings. We talked about coverage at the Lakes Region facility. There were 3 people in attendance that do meetings there and they were glad to hear that the meeting numbers had increased and that Ms. Brauns, volunteer coordinator, and the inmates were very happy about that. Tom P. said he would find out about the Monday night meetings there and if they were still needed. I let everyone know that the second edition of the Spanish big Books were on sale for $1 each by boxes of 20 but that you could only order one box of 20 and that I had ordered one box for the State Prison. I encouraged the other chairs to order them for the facilities that needed them. We discussed the fact that there were different rules and different orientations for different facilities, but that we had to respect the wishes of each. I mentioned that Sandy B. wanted to rotate out of the liaison position at SYSC and Chris P. said he was interested in that position. I told Christ I would inform Sandy of his interest. Tom P. gave Jim Vila a large quantity of Grapevines to take back to the State Prison for which he was grateful. We talked about old Grapevines which are gladly accepted for donations to the prisons and the jails. However, if the books are written in, then they will not be welcome in the facilities. I mentioned that I was going to the upcoming convention and would have a table set up with corrections pamphlets and the tv with a corrections video. We discussed which facilities needed more help so that I could encourage people stopping by to help out with meetings. We discussed getting on the mailing list for "Sharing Behind the Walls" in order to share that publication with the inmates. The meeting was closed with Tradition 7 and the Responsibility Pledge. The next meeting will be on June 8, 2008. Leslie O'H. Area 43 Corrections Chair AREA 43 CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 10, 2008 The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous. There were 11 people in attendance. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrects were brought in by Jim Vila and distributed. We discussed the 2008 Area meetings schedule. Meetings will be in even numbered months on the second Sunday of the month, except for April and October, which will be held on April 6th, and October 5th due to holidays. Eric S. asked about Bridging the Gap and about getting a sponser before leaving a facility. This was discussed with Jim Vila. Correspondence flyers were discussed and handed out to be brought to district meetings. The donated books were taken. Jerry G. took a couple and also left a large order for more books. I got a head count on who was interested in the free books from the General Service Office in New York in order to place an order for them. The new DVD's entitled "A.A. in Correctional Facilities" were brought in by Tom P. and were distibuted to Jerry G., Gary D., Patrick A. and Jim Vila who were interested in watching them and then distributing them to officials or program directors in the facilities. There is one remaining which I have possession of. A few chairs filled out Correctional Facility Information Sheets. A vote was taken on Corrections paying for my flights for NERASSA in New Jersey this year. It was unanimously approved, the cost being less than $150.00. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. The next meeting will be on April 6, 2008. Leslie O'H. Area 43 Corrections Chair Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for December 9, 2007 The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous. There were 11 people in attendance. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. We had received a request for a temporary sponsor in the Concord area for someone leaving Shea Farm. Rick G. has agreed to address this. Gary D. has agreed to replace Dave R. as Facility Liaison for Valley Street, since Dave is stepping down. Gerry provided information for GSO regarding a new DVD presenting AA as a resource to non-AA professionals and employees in the correctional facilities. I will get one for him and some more for use by anyone with a need. During 2008 we will continue to meet in the even numbered months on the second Sunday of the month at the Area Service office from 1 to 3pm, except for April and October. The April meeting will be moved to the first Sunday to avoid conflict with the Area 43 Convention, and the October meeting will be moved to the first Sunday to avoid conflict with Columbus Day weekend. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. The next meeting will be February 10, 2008. Yours in service Tom P. Outgoing Area 43 Corrections Co-chair tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for October, 2007. The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous. There were 11 people in attendance. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. The draft application packet for SYSC (Sununu Youth Services Center) was distributed. SYSC is the new name for YDC. We should see meetings starting real soon now. The proposed budget was discussed. NHDOC Lakes Region Facility needs more volunteers. Many of the meetings there have no attendance by members from outside the facility. The 7th Tradition collected $21. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. The next meeting will be December 16, 2007. Yours in service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for August, 2007 The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous. There were 6 people in attendance The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. Clearance forms are now available for YDC meetings. We should see meeting starting real soon now. There is an opportunity for service at the Midway Shelter in Bradford, NH. Boys aged 11 to 17 at the shelter are court ordered and most have alcohol and drug problems. Those wishing to help can contact Kristen, 938-2556. Staple-free July issues of the Grapevine are available for $1.75/copy for 10 or more. This issue has a special section for inmates. NHDOC Lakes Region Facility has been having problems with volunteers not coming to the meetings. There is a meeting in District 8 that is now off limits to inhabitants of the state halfway houses and Shea Farm because the church at which they meet does not want them there. The next meeting will be October 14, 2007. The 7th Tradition collected $6, which was left at the office to offset reproduction costs. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. Yours in service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for June 10, 2007 The meeting was opened with the Preamble to Alcoholics Anonymous.. There were 11 people in attendance. Districts 8, 9, 14 and 17 were represented, as were Berlin and Unity facility liaisons and NH Department of Corrections. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. New orientation schedules for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to attendees. Additional meetings will be added to the list on the commitment form for the state applications. We have an opportunity for a new meeting at the secure psychiatric unit at Concord. Rick G. (district 8 corrections chair) will make the arrangements. No literature from the groups was in the donation box, but a number of books and pamphlets from other sources were passed out to volunteers to bring to inmates. We received donations as follows: $50.10 from Bare Facts and Brass Tacks group in Hampton, $100 from District 14. $100 from Rick G. (district 8 corrections chair) These donations are for corrections activities anywhere in NH. The budget for 2008 was discussed. In addition to what was requested this year, we will add travel expenses for the Area Corrections Chair to required meetings, pipelines for state prisons, and back issues of the Grapevine for state prisons. Orders for back issues of the Grapevine were delivered incomplete to Berlin and Unity. Instead of 50 issues, only 20 to 25 copies were received. A new Area Corrections Chair will be named by the new Area Chair after his election in the fall. We are seeking input for recommendations to him. If you know anyone who might be interested, let us know. We will pass the recommendations on to the new Area Chair. We are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43, and will need another for the fall. The next meeting will be August 12, 2007. The 7th Tradition collected $17 of which $10 was left at the office to offset reproduction costs. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. Yours in service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for April 1, 2007 There were 11 people in attendance. Districts 8, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 18 were represented. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. New forms for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to attendees. Sandy B. has agreed to serve as Facility Liaison for YDC. She is planning meetings based on the book "Living Sober". Anyone interested in helping should contact her at 603-526-4743 or srb.4000@yahoo.com. We are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be June 10, 2007. The 7th Tradition collected $12 of which $10 was left at the office to offset reproduction costs. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. Yours in service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for February 11, 2007 There were 10 people in attendance. Districts 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, and 17 and NH Department of Corrections and Lakes Region Facility were represented. The lists of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. New forms for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to attendees. The new packet (available on-line) contains an additional page, which requests the volunteer to commit to regular support of specific meetings. The volunteer may still support other meetings, but will be expected to show up regularly at the meetings he has indicated on the form. This form will provide the additional information so those bringing meetings in will know which people to call first when needed. This mechanism has been replicated for Rockingham County Jail, since most of the cleared volunteers there do not get called regularly. Bernadette Brauns reported that volunteers have failed to show up regularly for meetings at the Lakes Region Facility. She requested some literature which we will provide. She would also like some banners and placards for the meetings. We would like some group or district to donate banners. Contact Tom P. if you are interested. Packs of 50 back issues of the Grapevine or of La Vina are available for $36. Although containing some duplicates, these packages are very useful for treatment and corrections facilities. They can be ordered on-line on the AA Grapevine web site www.aagrapevine.org. Flyers for this were passed out. This might be a good idea for groups to hand out to newcomers. Jerry G. requested an additional pipeline subscription to serve the new meeting in Berlin. Grapevines were donated by groups in District 9. They will be sent to the state prison in Berlin and to the county jail in Brentwood. An old list of Corrections Goals was passed out. We are looking for suggestions to update this list. The Corrections page on the WEB site was described. We are looking for suggestions to make this more useful to volunteers. District 8 is requesting help to serve the county jail in Boscawen. There are 7 pods requiring meetings. The facility would like all the meetings to be 6:30 - 8:30 on Thursday evenings. Contact me if you would be willing to help. Although I had planned to attend the District 8 meeting Wednesday, February 14, I was unable to attend due to the snowstorm. We still have no volunteer to serve as Facility Liaison for YDC. We are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be April 1, 2007. This will be the first Sunday in April to avoid conflict with Easter Sunday. The 7th Tradition collected $10. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for December 10, 2006 There were 10 people in attendance. Districts 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 18 and NH Department of Corrections were represented. The representatives from district 9 were not yet on the mailing list. We thank Glen G. from District 13 for the donation of a portable TV able to take VHS tapes. This makes it easier for us to put on displays at district and area activities, and may also be used behind the walls. The difficulties at YDC were discussed, but neither Lin nor Dave were there, so that will be addressed off line. List of cleared volunteers for NH Department of Corrections were distributed to those bringing meetings into state prisons. New forms are now available for NH Department of Corrections. Sample forms were distributed to attendees. The new packet (soon available on-line) will contain an additional page, which requests the volunteer to commit to regular support of specific meetings. The volunteer may still support other meetings, but will be expected to show up regularly at the indicated meetings as indicated on the form. This form will provide the additional information so those bringing meetings in will know which people to call first when needed. We may replicate this mechanism for Rockingham County Jail, since most of the cleared volunteers there do not get called regularly. Packs of 50 back issues of the Grapevine or of La Vina are available for $36. Although containing some duplicates, these packages are very useful for treatment and corrections facilities. They can be ordered on-line on the AA Grapevine web site www.aagrapevine.org. It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be February 11, 2007. The April meeting will be held the first Sunday (April 1) to avoid conflict with Easter. The 7th Tradition collected $10. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections tsovorp@comcast.net Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for October 8, 2006 There were 9 people in attendance. Districts 9, 12, 17 and 18 were represented. No one had received mail notification of the meeting. The notices were sent out Saturday for a meeting on the 15th because the Pipeline gave the wrong date for the meeting. The Pipeline will be informed. Since the majority of attendees were at their first Area Corrections Committee meeting a lot of time was spent going over basic operations. The prison donation box was unlabeled and almost empty. We will try to label it better. Lin B. and Dave R. are working to resolve some problems with our interface to YDC. It was decided to send lists of state-qualified volunteers (first name, phone number) to all of the contact people for the state prisons. Displays for AA events have been requested. No one volunteered to provide them. If we could find a portable TV able to take VHS tapes a display would be simple. If anyone could supply one, we would appreciate it. It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be December 10, 2006. The 7th Tradition collected $10. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for August 13, 2006 TThere were 7 people in attendance. Districts 12, 14, 15 and 17 were represented. Updated NH DOC cleared volunteer lists were distributed. Literature was requested for NH State Prison in Berlin. It will be provided, but that should almost exhaust the Corrections Committee budget for the year. Budgets for 2006 and 2007 were discussed. Corrections Committee spent $962 during 2005 and was allocated $200 for 2006. We will attempt to stay within that $200 for this year, but will require $705 to meet our responsibilities to state prisons and other statewide programs. That request has been submitted to the Finance Committee. NH DOC had requested a meeting in the Secure Psychiatric Unit of the Concord State Prison. The meeting would be for both men and women, and would take place some time during the day on a weekday. That request has been met. There is now an AA Meeting in the Secure Psychiatric Unit of the Concord State Prison at 9:00am on Wednesdays. For further information contact Tim F. at (603) 228-0048. Anne R. and Sarah C. are now bringing a meeting to the women at the Hillsborough County Department of Corrections on the second or last Friday of the month. Contact number is 738-6325. District 15 has been having difficulty getting more female volunteers for Strafford County DOC. Since Rockingham County DOC has no female inmates, the need for volunteers in Strafford County will be passed on to districts 9, 10 and 14. It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be October 8, 2006. The 7th Tradition collected $7. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for June 11, 2006 There were 7 people in attendance. Updated NH DOC cleared volunteer lists were distributed. Lin B. brought some information regarding YDC, and will investigate further. Merrimack County House of Correction has requested a meeting for Wednesday nights. I will contact District 8. A letter was received from an inmate in Concord requesting group and sponsor information. Dave C. will pass it on to Jay for Bridging the Gap. NH DOC would still like to see a meeting in the Secure Psychiatric Unit of the Concord State Prison. The meeting would be for both men and women, and would take place some time during the day on a weekday. Anyone interested should contact Jim Villa or me. In any case I will pass this information directly to district 8. It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The next meeting will be August 13, 2006. The 7th Tradition collected $7. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for April 9, 2006 There were 6 people in attendance. The following items were handed out: Minutes from the March 2006 Corrections Committee meeting. New NH DOC volunteer applications and orientation schedule. NH DOC cleared volunteer lists. Facility Information sheets for Goffstown. Updated Corrections Recovery Meetings sheet for Area 43 Gary D. will contact Dave R. for a Valley Street clearance application. Lin B. will contact Dave R. regarding YDC, and will find out what’s happening there and get back to us. NH DOC would like to see a meeting in the Secure Psychiatric Unit of the Concord State Prison. The meeting would be for both men and women, and would take place some time during the day on a weekday. Anyone interested should contact Jim Villa or me. It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. Funding support was discussed. Last year actual expenses for area corrections were $962. This year’s budget is $200. The upcoming April 30 Bridging the Gap was discussed briefly. Most of the correctional facilities in New Hampshire cannot accept the program as currently described in the literature. Gerry G. requested some literature for use in Berlin. The next meeting will be June11, 2006. The 7th Tradition collected - $6. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections Area 43 Corrections Committee Minutes for March 12, 2006 There were 9 people in attendance The meeting was held in March because the February meeting had been cancelled due to snow. The role of the Area 43 Corrections Committee was discussed. The following items were handed out: A.A. Guidelines for Correctional Facilities Committees Descriptions for District Corrections Chairs, Facility Liaisons, Area Corrections Chair, and Volunteer coordinators Relevant corrections information from The AA Group, The A.A. Service Manual and the NH Area 43 General Service Assembly Service Handbook. Corrections Recovery Meetings – Area 43 It was noted that we are still in need of a Female Corrections Chair for Area 43. The Buying Big Books for Inmates program was discussed to determine how best to handle these funds. Facility Information Sheets were discussed and more input from the Facility Liaisons was solicited. Bridging the Gap was discussed briefly. Most of the institutions in New Hampshire cannot accept the program as currently described in the literature. Hopefully the forthcoming new pamphlet addressed correctional facilities will help to resolve the problems. An invitation to the April Treatment Committee meeting was handed out. Two lists were provided by Jim Vila from the NH DOC. These lists contain first names and last initial of AA’s who have volunteered for NH State Prisons. The lists give phone numbers, entry status, home town, expiration dates, etc. It was decided to pass these lists on to the Facility Liaisons for the various NH DOC facilities, rather than to all attendees. The Facility Liaisons might pass them on to the actual contact persons bringing meetings into state facilities. Some literature was requested by Gerry G. for use in Berlin. In service Tom P. Area 43 Corrections |
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Corrections Minutes for December 2005
Meeting
Date December 11, 2005
There were
11 people in attendance
The lack of AA Corrections Volunteers was again discussed and how best to get the word out to meetings. The Area 43 website (www.nhaa.net) is one place we are trying to utilize as a central location for Corrections information. Many items are now available, including an updated meeting list, contact information for those looking to get active in the various facilities around the state, and some downloadable applications. Hillsborough County Facility at Valley St. in Manchester is in need of more volunteers to help cover existing as well as new meetings there. Volunteering is also down at Valley St., with many members only showing up for one meetings and not returning. They asking for members to be more reliable. Grafton County facility has also started some meetings for women behind the walls and will be needing volunteers to help. Stay tuned for more information... Again, attendance is very low for Alcoholics Anonymous at all facilities and we are asking that all new District Corrections Chairs attend the next meeting in 2006 so that they can carry the message back to their districts and to the GSRs. There are alcoholics who need out help behind the walls, and we are the only ones who can help them. Also I would like to welcome Tom P. as the new incoming Area 43 Corrections Chair. The next Corrections Committee meeting will be on Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 1pm at the Service Office. Thank you for the chance to be of service over the last 2 years. Dave R. Area 43
Correction
Corrections Minutes for 10/16/05
Corrections Minutes for August 2005
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