Carrying the Message into Treatment Facilities

Transcription

1 A.A. Service Workshop September 22, 2012 Carrying the Message into Treatment Facilities District 30 Treatment Facilities Committee (TFC) I am responsible... When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A. A. always to be there. And for that, I am responsible. TFC address: Treatment@aadistrict30va.org

2 OVERVIEW Introduction Handouts TFC Background What, Why and How Treatment Facilities Guidelines Treatment Facilities Workbook How to Participate Questions/Comments Summary

3 HANDOUTS A.A. in Treatment Facilities Pamphlet A.A. in Treatment Facilities Guidelines Following the Traditions (excerpt from TF Workbook)

4 TFC Background What, Why and How Purpose and Service Structure Adherence to A.A. Guidelines Then and Now Framework Members Roles and Responsibilities Communication with Treatment Facilities and within A.A.

5 Purpose: Purpose and Service Structure... Formed to coordinate the work of individual A.A. members and groups who are interested in carrying our message of recovery to alcoholics in treatment facilities, and to set up the means of bridging the gap from the facility to an A.A. group in the individual s community... (from TFC Guidelines)... The purpose of T.F. committees is to coordinate the work of individual members and groups who are interested in carrying our message of recovery to alcoholics in hospitals, alcoholism treatment and rehabilitation centers... (from CPC Guidelines) Service Structure: Work closely with Literature, Finance, Corrections, and Public Information Committees Coordinate with District 30 through monthly report

6 Relevant A.A. Guidelines A.A. Guidance (available for viewing online): A.A. in Treatment Facilities Treatment Facilities Committees Guidelines Treatment Facilities Workbook Treatment Facilities Kit Virginia Service Structure: Virginia Area Service Manual VAC-service-Manual.pdf

7 Then and Now The principle of carrying the A.A. message to other alcoholics was fundamental to the recovery and continued sobriety of A.A. s co-founders and early A.A. members. Considerable changes over the last three decades regarding treatment services provided, by whom, and in which settings: More women and young people in treatment More drug problems and mental illness; higher bottoms Decrease in inpatient facilities; increase in outpatient facilities Shorter stays in treatment; reduced insurance coverage More Narcotics Anonymous and other fellowships meetings More alcoholics seeking treatment in individual or group therapy Less understanding of the difference between: - A.A. and treatment - A.A. and other Twelve-Step fellowships Following the Traditions (handout)

8 COMMUNICATION Within A.A. Regular TFC Meetings Informational Presentations and Workshops VAC, Intergroup and Group Affiliations Reports to District Committee Reports to Interested Groups Newsletter; Web Site With Treatment community Take initiative to Carry the Message into Facilities Respond to Facilities requests for help A.A. Meetings in Facilities (Regular A.A. and Treatment Facility) Informational Presentations on A.A.

9 AA Treatment Facilities Guidelines Carry the Message to Treatment Facilities Purpose History How to Get Started Some suggested activities for TFCs Basic Functions of TFCs Relationship with Treatment Meetings - Speakers Literature and Audiovisual Materials Temporary Contacts and Sponsorship Informing the fellowship Relationship to Al-Anon Relationship to G.S.O.

10 District 30 TFC Guidelines The treatment facility staff is in charge of and responsible for their residents. While we cannot compromise our A.A. Traditions, we should remember that we are there as guests of the facility and we must abide by its rules. We are there to carry the message and to answer any questions regarding the A.A. program of recovery.

11 District 30 TFC Guidelines Statements that may be interpreted as medical or psychological diagnoses or advice on medication should be avoided. We are there only to share our experience of staying away from one drink, one day at a time through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

12 District 30 TFC Guidelines It typically takes months of hard work to gain the confidence of the staff and get invited into a facility. A single careless action could damage or even destroy that trust and interfere with our ability to carry the message. If problems arise during your visit, please inform the TFC chair or advisor.

13 District 30 TFC Guidelines No one speaks for A.A. as a whole. When we carry the message to those in treatment, we are just one drunk talking with another. How we look, act and talk may be all they are going to know about A.A. However, we will be seen as representing A.A. as a whole, so let our new friends see, hear, and talk to a winner!

14 Treatment Facilities Workbook Introduction Why A.A.s Carry the Message into TFs Forming a TFC Some suggested activities for TFCs Working within the Traditions Guidelines and suggestions for working within TFs rules and regulations Types of A.A. Meetings in TFs Other types of TFs Singleness of Purpose Workshops and Presentations Working with CPC and Corrections Sample Letters and Literature Guide

15 How to Participate TFC Monthly Meeting Second Monday of the Month Immediately after Sober and Happy 5:30 meeting at the VFW Qualifications Good sobriety Personal experience of alcoholism and recovery Common sense approach Cheerful humility Dependability Broad knowledge of A.A. Ability to stick to our own business TFC e mail address: Treatment@aadistrict30va.org

16 Conclusions Carrying the Message into Treatment Facilities The District 30 Treatment Facilities Committee (TFC) Questions/Comments Summary Close TFC address: