H&I Subcommitte Chair: Gus P. (716)487-2685
H&I Basics
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INTRODUCTION
WHY IS AN H&I MEETING/PRESENTATION
NEEDED?
WSO PROJECT COORDINATOR
H&I/PI COOPERATION
MEETING/PRESENTATION FORMAT
WHO IS BEST SUITED TO CARRY THE
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
MESSAGE IN A HOSPITALS & INSTITUTION MEETING?
H&I MEETINGS/PRESENTATIONS WHERE
NO AREA SERVICE
COMMITTEE OR H&I SUBCOMMITTEE EXISTS
DO'S AND DON'TS
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Contact
World Services
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INTRODUCTION
This handbook [note: referring to H&I Handbook, not this excerpted
version] was developed by the WSC H&I Committee and based
on extensive input from H&I sub- committees throughout the
fellowship. Every attempt was made to tap the wealth of H&I
experience that exists in our fellowship and to use it here to
provide the most up-to-date policies, concepts and procedures
for providing H&I services.
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WHY IS AN H&I MEETING/PRESENTATION NEEDED?
The purpose of an H&I meeting is to carry the NA message of
recovery to addicts who do not have full access to regular Narcotics
Anonymous meetings. H&I meetings and presentations, except
for those in longer term facilities, are intended to simply introduce
those attending to some of the basics of the NA program.
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WSO PROJECT COORDINATOR
The Project Coordinator will be able to contribute an extensive
pool of H&I knowledge and experience to this committee. He/she
will be able to provide the overall assistance needed in matters
which concern the central H&I information files maintained
at the WSO. Their knowledge and experience in working with WSC
H&I provides the kind of continuity essential for H&I
activities.
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H&I/PI COOPERATION
If a PI subcommittee doesn't exist in an area or region, H&I
subcommittees may take on many of the responsibilities generally
taken on by PI subcommittees.Generally, a PI activity is geared
to people outside our fellowship and includes people who come
in contact with addicts and can help addicts to find NA.
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MEETING/PRESENTATION FORMAT
The format of any particular H&I meeting/presentation may
vary from meeting to meeting depending on the type of facility.
In short term facilities, the format will be more focused on the
panel members carrying a message in to the residents, while at
a long teem facility we may encourage more participation from
the residents.Whatever format is chosen, we normally get the residents
involved with a question and answer session at some point in the
meeting/presentation.
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WHO IS BEST SUITED TO CARRY THE NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
MESSAGE IN A HOSPITAL & INSTITUTION MEETING?
In our experience, it is best for members to have three months
clean before attending an H&I meeting, and six months clean
before speaking at one. It is not important whether or not we
have been in a similar facility ourselves. Anyone with a clear
and consistent Narcotics Anonymous message who is willing to share
is well suited for H&I work.
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H&I MEETINGS/PRESENTATIONS WHERE NO AREA
SERVICE COMMITTEE OR H&I SUBCOMMITTEE EXISTS
As Narcotics Anonymous grows, meetings are starting up more and
more frequently in smaller communities and rural areas. Often
because of their geographical location, or because of the limited
development of an NA service structure in an area or region, formation
of and participation in an ASC and its H&I subcommittee is
not yet possible or practical. Yet once an H&I meeting/presentation
is started, the news seems to spread very quickly. Facilities
may seek out local members and request an NA meeting. Usually,
these original members in an area are very committed and try to
say yes to all requests, so H&I meetings are started.
These commitments are many times taken on by one or a few dedicated
members who mean well, but usually discover that the demands of
supporting one or more H&I meetings, week in and week out,
can quickly lead to burn-out. It is possible to do H&I work
in such circumstances, but be sure to use some common sense. Here
are some tips:
Never take on an
H&I commitment alone. In the absence of an area H&I subcommittee,
any H&I work has to be the effort of one or more groups. Remember,
I can't--we can. the H&I member working alone may end up doing
more harm than good in the long run.
Make sure the group is ready for the responsibility. Don't be
afraid to say "no, we're just not able to support a meeting
in your facility at this time." Don't take on additional
commitments until you are ready.
Get other groups involved whenever possible, perhaps alternating
weeks or months. Reach out. There is the possibility that some
member from neighboring areas or the region would be able to come
and help occasionally.
Use these guidelines. You will find much material in here that
will be helpful in your efforts. If you find that you have over-committed
yourselves, go to the facility and let them know that you need
to discontinue the meeting for a while. They will respect you
more for letting them know face to face than if you just stop
showing up.
Always keep an awareness that H&I work is best done by area
H&I subcommittees using the panel system. As soon as it is
possible to form an ASC (Area Service Committee) or join one,
do so.
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DO'S & DON'TS
DO'S
Do Make directories of outside meetings available to residents.
Do Clarify the rules with whomever you bring into the facility.
Do Start and end on time!
Do Emphasize that NA recovery is available to all addicts regardless
if drugs used.
Do Clearly state that Narcotics Anonymous is separate from the
facility and from other fellowships.
Do Involve residents with the meeting, especially those in long
term facilities
(readings, etc.).
Do Obey the dress code, exercise common sense.
Do Screen all panel members, speakers, and chairpersons.
Do Attempt to get all agreements in writing
Do Adhere to the security regulations at all times.
Do Ensure that a clear NA message of recovery is carried by all
panel members.
DON'TS!
Don't Attend H&I facilities alone.
Don't Emphasize "using days" while sharing an NA message
of recovery.
Don't Give anyone within the facility your address or telephone
number.
Don't Use excessive profanity
Don't Break another person's anonymity.
Don't Debate any issues involving facility rules, regulations,
programs, or other felowships.
Don't Get involved in discussions on outside issues, remember
why we are there.
Don't Emphasize "using days" while sharing an NA message
of recovery.
Don't Discuss conditions within the facility.
Don't Discuss facility staff members with inmate(s).
Don't Wear flashy jewelry and don't carry excessive cash.
Don't Show favoritism to any resident(s).
Don't Take messages or carry letters in or out of the facility.
Don't Bring an NA member who has friends and/or family in the
facility.
Don't Ask what type of crime an inmate has ben convicted of, or
discuss guilt or innocence.
Don't Accept money or gifts from, or give money or gifts to any
inmate.
We hope these excerpts have been of help. For more detailed information,
refer to the Hospitals & Institutions Handbook. If you have
questions or need more information, please contact the WSO H&I
Project Coordinator at the World Service Office: PO Box 9999,
Van Nuys, CA 91409 or call (818) 773-9999.
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