Thank you for joining us tonight. It’s heartening that we can come together like this to support each other in this challenging aspect of our lives.
Our support group focuses on challenges and feelings associated with having a loved one in the prison system now, in the past, or in the future. We understand that we are all here to better understand our own feelings about these challenges and to support each other as we learn how to navigate them.
Please keep in mind that we do not claim to be subject matter experts and cannot provide professional advice. We are here to facilitate and encourage discussion and empathy as human beings. To this end, we will treat each member with respect and dignity regardless of crimes committed by their loved ones, gender, age, race, economic class, sexual orientation, gender identity, country of origin, religion, veteran status, HIV status, and other typically protected classes.
Confidentiality is a top priority. Nothing said in this room will leave this room, nor will people be pressed to share more information than they are comfortable with here or after the meeting.
We provide support by listening carefully, sharing our own stories, and discussing our own problem-solving experiences. We each speak from our own experiences and respect the experiences of others, regardless of our personal biases.
We are supportive rather than confrontational. Anyone who feels uncomfortable may make this known to us.
To ensure that everyone has a chance to speak, each person is asked to keep their share limited based on how much time is left and the number of people attending. Please silence phones, do not record audio or video, and make sure to save side conversations for before or after each meeting.
The facilitator will intervene when the guidelines are not followed and redirect the discussion. Our main concern is to create a supportive atmosphere for all group participants. Please respect the rules and listen if a facilitator intervenes.
We will typically start each meeting by having each person in attendance state their first name and why they are here. If you’re feeling up to it, you can talk about what is currently troubling and/or encouraging you in your life. If you prefer to not speak at all, just say “pass” and we can move along. No one is required to speak.
We may also provide additional discussion topics if we have enough time after everyone has spoken.
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