Number 1. Avoid prolonged Drug-a-Logs.
We're here to carry the message of Cocaine Anonymous. It's important to connect with the clients you're speaking to and get them to identify but after that is quickly established switch your talk to recovery. We all know how to get high but to belabor the point doesn't serve the purpose of carrying the message of recovery. Our goal is to let them know there is a place to find recovery in Cocaine Anonymous. What is most Important is; 1. "What Happened" i.e. how did we get to C.A. and how we worked the steps and, 2. "What it is like now." i.e. what do we do now to maintain our sobriety.
Number 2. Do not criticize or make derogatory remarks about the facility, its personnel, or any of its policies and practices.
This includes opinions about pills, anti-depressants, tranquilizers, Antabuse and any other medications prescribed by a medical professional which are used by many facilities. According to C.A.'s 10th Tradition "Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the C.A. name ought never to be drawn into public controversy". What this means is that we never give our personal opinions about the practices of a particular facility or institution or its employees in the context of an H&I meeting. If by any chance you thought that something wasn't right in a place where you were conducting a meeting do not verbalize it during an H&I meeting but rather speak to the H&I Chair for your Area or District about your concerns, if necessary, they in turn can communicate with the facility through the proper channels.
Number 3. Never give medical or legal advice or recommend other facilities to patients.
Again, Tradition 10 states, "Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the C.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Also, Tradition 6 states "A C.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the C.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose." Simply put, medicine, legal issues and any other facility related opinions is not any of our business. Shall any recommendations of those sorts not work out then blame can be placed on C.A. Also, a facility probably wouldn't look kindly at us for recommending one of their competitors to one of their clients.
Number 4. Do not talk down to the group or any individuals.
No one likes to be talked down to, least of all a person new to recovery. They are new and probably don't know much about recovery, so we hold out our plan of action as a solution to their problem. Our message should be one of inclusivity. Acting as if you are better than someone, or that they don't know anything, will only serve to drive that person away.
Number 5. Do not use profanity; you may be stopped by the meeting chairperson if you do.
We should always remember that we are guests invited into the facility. It is important to carry ourselves in a respectful manner. Plus, we might be someone's first impression of Cocaine Anonymous. We should be able to articulate our simple program without reverting to using profanity.
Number 6. Do not bring visitors: people from outside the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous.
This should be obvious but sometimes members think that they can bring whomever they want to an H&I meeting, in other words people from other 12 Step fellowships. We are here as members of Cocaine Anonymous to carry the message of Cocaine Anonymous and people who are not part of our fellowship can't be counted on to do that. So, whomever is brought to a C.A. Hospitals and Institutions meeting either to speak or even just attend must be a member of Cocaine Anonymous.
Number 7. Do not bring anything in or take out any contraband – defined as items prohibited by the facility.
This includes written or verbal messages for an inmate or patient other than the message of hope from C.A. Each facility has its own rules, and it is important the chairperson is familiar with them and passes them onto anyone who joins the commitment. Always check with staff first whether they bring in pamphlets, books, chips and even giving out phone numbers. Correctional facilities certainly have stricter rules and may carry more serious consequences.
Number 8. If a facility (treatment centers, hospitals) allows exchange of phone numbers do so at your own discretion.
We must first know that it is ok with the facility that it is ok to exchange phone numbers. If it is ok, you need to remember that you are doing so at your own discretion.
Number 9. Do not promise anyone that resides at the facility jobs or aid of any kind.
Again, we have one job, that is to carry the message of Cocaine Anonymous. Any information not pertaining to our fellowship SHOULD NOT be addressed or discussed with patients/inmates. i.e. jobs, sober living, doctors, therapists, other treatment facilities.
Number 10. Dress appropriately and remember that you are a reflection of C.A.
No clothing with foul language or imagery. No immodest attire. We might be inclined to wear shirts with what we think are comical sayings or suggestive imagery. Not everyone necessarily thinks the way we do. We should not be wearing shirts with foul language as that creates the wrong image. Also pay attention to the actual clothing you are wearing, revealing outfits are not appropriate. All shirts should not be sleeveless, i.e., no strap shirts or cut-off sleeves.
Number 11. Make sure that you are properly cleared to attend a correctional institution meeting.
If you have outstanding warrants, or are on parole or probation, they may keep you. There is a good chance these facilities have some sort of training or a clearance policy but be mindful of your affairs.
Number 12. Show up. Having a meeting "go dark" is worse than not having a meeting there at all.
There is nothing that makes C.A. look as bad as nobody showing up to do a meeting. We have been invited to hold these panel meetings by the facilities - it is a privilege. C.A., as a whole, looks bad when no one shows up.

If you have made a commitment to do an H&I meeting, then it is your responsibility to be there. If for any good reason you can't attend the meeting it is your responsibility to find someone to take your place. (A good reason would not be that you don't feel like going.) Do not turn to the committee chair and dump the problem in their lap, especially at the last minute. Solve the problem yourself. If after you have exhausted every possible means of getting someone to cover for you, that you have called everyone you know and even those who are only acquaintances, and you have come up empty, then reach out to the H&I Chair and explain the situation to them.
Number 13. The number of people on a panel at an NJDCA H&I meeting is limited to 4 PEOPLE TOTAL.
Some facilities have their own rule on how many attendees can come in on the panel. It has also been our experience that 4 people for an hour-long meeting is plenty. We don't want to overcrowd or cause a disruption to the facility. Again, we are guests, and it is a privilege to be able to bring the message of Cocaine Anonymous anywhere. If there are people who want to get involved have them come to our business meeting and get assigned to a meeting.
Number 14. The Sobriety Basic Requirements for an individual to speak at an NJDCA H&I meeting.
The requirement is either having worked step 5 with their sponsor or 90 Days of sobriety. You will be allowed to "sit in" a meeting at 30 Days sobriety but not speak until the Basic Requirements are met. Any person who has a relapse will be required to start over. Anyone who attends an NJDCA H&I meeting for the first time must first read this first page of the H&I Binder before speaking.

This is self-explanatory. We do want people who are fairly new to participate in H&I meetings, in fact we encourage it, but before they start sharing their story at a meeting, they need to have a little experience with sobriety.
Number 15. In order to be an H&I Lead or Meeting Chair you need to be a member of a Cocaine Anonymous Homegroup.
The arrangements for such commitments are made through the Cocaine Anonymous H&I Committee, so it is important to know that the message being carried is that of Cocaine Anonymous. Often facilities recognize us by fellowship and not by the individual, so it is Important that the person in charge of the meeting knows what is correct and be able to make sure that people don't violate the rules.
Number 16. We need to respect the integrity of all other 12-step programs.
We need to refrain from criticizing or disparaging any specific program by name. This approach fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for all individuals seeking help.

One more time; Tradition 10 states "Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues hence the C.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy." In other words, we mind our own business and stay out of the business of others. In addition, Cocaine Anonymous looks to be all inclusive. There may be people in the facility who like to go to several different fellowships. We do not want to possibly turn someone off to our message by disparaging another fellowship.

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