The purpose of a corrections committee is to coordinate the work of individual A.A. members and groups who are interested in carrying our message of recovery to alcoholics behind the walls, and to set up means of smoothing the way from the facility to the larger A.A. community through prerelease contacts.
The basic functions of corrections committees are elaborate on in the Corrections Workbook. However, here are highlights of major headings.
Corrections committees, when allowed to do so, take A.A. meet- ings into facilities within their area. They encourage “outside” group participation in this kind of Twelfth Step work. In some areas, each group has a group corrections representative. The committee provides a liaison between the correctional facilities groups and meetings and groups on the outside, and also coordi- nates prerelease contact.
The relationship with prison authorities is discussed in the work- book to ensure a positive reciprocal working relationship with administrators and staff. A.A. members wishing to carry our mes- sage to alcoholics behind the walls of correctional facilities shouldunderstand that we always do so within the regulations of such facilities. Corrections Committees and Hospital and Institutions (H&I) Committees are encouraged to thoroughly review and under- stand all procedures of institutions with whom they cooperate, and to share this information with all A.A. members who bring A.A. meetings inside. Some committees make available copies of regulations and forms that must be completed, so that A.A. members new to this service work can review the materials prior to making their decision. Some committees share this information with A.A. members new to corrections service through regular workshops, information sheets, and volunteer packets developed by local trusted servants.
The workbook also goes into detail about prison A.A. meetings. It suggests different ways to shoulder responsibility for meetings and speakers.
Most committees find that adequate literature supplies are essential in a correctional facility group or meeting. Supplies are financed and obtained in several ways: Donated by local intergroup or general service committee; donated by members of the committee; purchased with individual contributions; provided by groups through their corrections representatives.
Special funds: Buck of the Month Club, where members contribute, and funds are used for corrections literature; special meetings or dinners, at which a collection is taken; special cans at regular meetings, marked “For Corrections Literature.”
Reprinted from A.A. Guidelines: Corrections Committees, revised 9/11, A.A. World Services, Inc.