Providing one-on-one in-person sponsorship to A.A. members confined to California State Prisons.
WHAT WE DO: A special group of A.A. volunteers goes into Salinas Valley State Prison individually as VISITORS. The clearance procedure is very simple – just a one-page questionnaire. The program has been successfully tested at San Quentin State Prison, where the response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. We have over 60 confined alcoholics who are currently getting the benefits of one-on-one in-person sponsorship.
Outside members are matched with inside members requesting the service. After the first meeting, both members are free to decide if they want to work together – like all sponsorship, it is entirely voluntary on both sides.
ANONYMITY: Due to the use of our dedicated P.O. Box and the cooperation of the prison administration, your anonymity is protected. Your last name and address are not revealed.
VISITING SPONSOR REQUIREMENTS
This commitment is for responsible members only – if you flake on your commitment, it will reflect poorly on this program, the H&I Committee, and A.A. as a whole. Salinas Valley State Prison houses male prisoners, we are currently looking for male volunteers with the following qualifications:
- At least five years of continuous sobriety
- Knowledge and practice of A.A.s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
- Solid sponsorship experience
- Familiarity with H&I service – active participation preferred, however not as important as solid sponsorship experience
- Attendance at an IVSS orientation – either in-person or video conferenced
- Ability to obtain a simple clearance – no outstanding warrants, not on parole or a previous resident at SVSP, prior felonies cleared for at least three years
- Ability to visit the prison at least once a month – visiting days are Friday, Saturday, and holidays
For inquiries, contact Dave R email: svsp.ivss@gmail.com
” Every new volunteer is another inside member served “
If you do not qualify for the IVSS program: We are experiencing a larger number of A.A. members wanting to be in service and to be able to share the wonderful message of A.A. to those confined in various institutions and recovery facilities. Many have found that the Corrections Correspondent program offered through World Services is a fantastic outlet.
This is a “pen pal” program where an A.A. member is given the contact information of one or more confined inmates that have reached out for help through A.A. World Services. Some of us find that by bringing our “inner author” to the surface, we can further our journey in recovery in a way that we previously hadn’t been exposed to, all the while being able to reach out to the alcoholic who still suffers! Another day, another opportunity!
Feel free to explore the link below to aa.org for a shortcut to the necessary quick sign-up form and instructions on how to be available for this service:
Corrections Correspondent Sign-Up Form
