|
*** Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering *** |
1. How can I volunteer in a Concord prison? First you must attend the next Orientation. Call Lenore James (978) 369-1430 for details. There will be a waiting period while your record is checked
2. What programs are open to volunteers? Virtually all! - Try a one-shot visit, for the Family Day. Call Lenore James (978) 369-1430 for details. -Come in to join a book discussion for one afternoon or night, and then continue if you wish. - Help with the filling of Holiday Gift bags for all the inmates, the week of Dec. 11-15. (We do nearly 2000, so many hands are needed!) - Have you skills in Art or Music or Chess? Come and spend a few hours with one of these groups and see if this meets your interests. - Ready for more? A weekend Alternatives to Violence (AVP) course is powerful and may change your life. See the description on the AVP page. - Want to help facilitate a 5-6 week course in Job Search Skills or Anger Management? (You may want to come as a community member first for one series, and then take on more leadership.) - Are you a certified Nutritionist? There is a need for a 3 session course on healthy eating, for lower blood pressure and for athletic health, to be held in the winter.
3. What qualifications are necessary to do an activity? You must be at least 18 years old. For a few programs, like Nutrition, the prison requires a certified person. For most, interest, a willingness to share life experience, to attend regularly, be prompt and obey the prison’s rules are the only requirements.
4. What are the prison’s rules? You will learn these at the Orientation meeting. Most are common sense, but a few may seem strange to you: no blue jeans, sandals, sleeveless shirts, collarless shirts for men, etc. (All to differentiate inmates from outsiders, probably). Bring nothing in for inmates, and carry nothing out for them (letters, etc.)
5. Is this work dangerous? Is my safety guaranteed? Those of us who volunteer there never feel fearful of the inmates. They are pleased to have outsiders care enough to come in, and are nearly always welcoming, polite and helpful. The prison authorities always have an officer nearby (in the hall, or the next room), and they expect volunteers to work in pairs. However, you will hear from them that they cannot guarantee your safety—so if this bothers you, this is probably not the work for you. Occasionally there is a “lock-down” and you will be asked to leave at once.
6. Are there problems being a female volunteer? There are many women who volunteer, and are respected and well-treated by the inmates. Everyone must be 18 to volunteer, and sexy clothing is not allowed—nor is seductive behavior. Don’t come looking for a boyfriend! But women can offer a warmth and mature caring attitude, and also a firm no-nonsense expectation that inmates in the programs will work to change their own lives, that have sometimes been lacking in these men’s previous life experiences.
7. What do I have to do to get into the prison? There is a strict protocol required in each prison. You hand over your driver’s license and get a visitor’s pass. At NCC that’s all there is to it. At MCI you must then go through an inspection of shoes, hands, waistband, etc. by a woman guard for women, (for drugs apparently) and then are walked to the classroom by a guard. All this is explained at Orientation.
8. Is there a religious connection with CPO’s work? Our programs are all non-denominational, and Christians, Jews and those of no affiliation participate in many of them. There is a spiritual aspect to some of the courses—as in Emotional Awareness or AVP, where men are encouraged to look to their own faith or inner resources. . (Those interested in sharing in the religious services or Bible study programs at the prisons should call and speak with Pastor Dave Renna [NCC] (978) 371-7941, or the Catholic priest, Father George Williams.) 9. Who pays for CPO’s activities? The faith communities of Concord and surrounding towns are one of the major sources of funds for our work. Also many local individuals send contributions each year, as do several businesses and other organizations. 10. How do I find out more? Call Lenore James, Executive Director of CPO at (978) 369-1430 and just ask!
|