12-Step Meetings, Jail Style

When we started The Good Way program (an A.A. affiliate) in our part of the Navajo Nation, we were willing to serve, but woefully ignorant. How best to go about it? Realizing our program could benefit probationers assigned to 12-step programs, we went to a local judge and the probation office as well. Both approved our program, but added, "Can you go to the jails?" Thus began the most intense and most rewarding part of what we do.

On any Tuesday, you will likely find us working the twelve steps with participants in four or five different sessions in the Kayenta Jail. Groups include three to twenty-three people. On Thursdays, we do the same thing with five or six groups in the jail in Tuba City, usually in groups of eight to twelve.

When we add in our evening meetings, open to everyone, in Monument Valley, Kayenta, and Tuba City, we can see 115-120 people in a good week.

Although taking pictures is very strictly NOT allowed, we got permission to shoot a few photos of our meetings, so long as none of the inmates' faces showed. If you've ever wondered what such a session might look like, here is one answer.

We love what we are doing. Our participants in the jails quickly become our friends and we're always thrilled when we meet one of "our" people on the outside, especially when he or she is eager to report on their weeks or months of sobriety and success. Today, August 21, marks our anniversary. With 11 months to go, we look forward to even better experiences in the future.