OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To reduce recidivism by getting those who had/have conflict with the law to think realistically about their behaviours, and attitudes using a basic self-help philosophy in order to change their thinking and make necessary lifestyle changes through positive peer support.
Volunteer Element
Our group is governed by people involved in the criminal justice system to support people as they are released from prison. Group decisions are made democratically, and everyone has a say in who is able to become a core group member. The society challenges individuals with lived experience and volunteers to reflect on their actions, identify their strengths and weaknesses and seek to improve themselves by following the 7 Steps.
A unique aspect of our group is the volunteer. Using the volunteer as a role model, individuals with lived experience members can see what actions, values, and choices contributed to the volunteer’s success. Many volunteers have shared experiences with those who have/had conflict with the law, these volunteers can offer a path to follow for their own recovery. No other peer support group includes the use of volunteers.
Accountability,
Commitment, and
Responsibility
The "hot seat" is used as a tool to encourage self-reflection by allowing other members of the group to question and challenge the actions and intentions of the person being interviewed.
Everyone must be interviewed to become a core group member. After they are done, members of the group will vote on whether or not to accept them as a core group member. Core group membership provides members with access to 7th Step meetings across the country and promotes accountability, commitment, and responsibility.
Potential members must come to at least 4 consecutive meetings to be eligible for the “hot seat” and they must receive 100% approval from the members in attendance.