The Corrections Committee facilitates A.A. members in carrying the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to the alcoholic who is confined in a correctional facility. Requirements vary by institution.

Carrying the message "behind the walls" is where the rubber meets the road in recovery. It is Step 12 in action and on steroids! Anyone can do it...even you!!!

Here are some popular myths and their counterparts in reality:

Myth #1: "I can't do service in corrections because 'I'm still on paper'."

Reality: Whether you are subjected to random UA's, forbidden to drive, or attached at the hip to a parole officer, you can still carry the message by writing to an inmate, facilitating a Court class, being a temporary contact, and, in some facilities, by leading a meeting.

Myth #2: "I've never been incarcerated, so I don't have anything to relate or to share".

Reality: Folks who live in prison will tell you that they already know how to live "inside"... They need you to teach them HOW TO LIVE ON THE OUTSIDE!!! They need us to help them transcend from the criminal mind to a spiritual way of life --- and they can't have a meeting without volunteers!!!

"But for the grace of God..." is a common phrase that we hear in our fellowship. Those of us who have not been incarcerated have avoided "getting caught", be it for drinking and driving, endangering our children, domestic violence, or assorted crimes associated with our addictions. "Self-will run riot" has many faces. Incarceration is just one of them.

Please contact us [see below] to learn more about the various ways that you can be of service in corrections.

• "Becoming a CDOC Volunteer" Document (PDF)

• CDOC Volunteer Application Form (PDF)

• El Paso County Volunteer Form (PDF)

• Inmate Correspondence (PDF)

• Bridge Volunteer (PDF)

• Format for Spanish A.A. Meetings (PDF)