Meetings
RECOMMENDED
TOPIC MEETING DISCUSSION
FORMATS
A CGA RECOVERY GUIDE
WHAT CAN THIS
TOPIC GUIDE OFFER?
The booklet is intended to provide a recommended format for CGA topic group meetings. The topic issues presented are focused on important topics that are essential to develop a personal and group course of action toward effective recovery from our common problems.
We hope this guide booklet will help CGA groups in the development of general topic issues that fit the needs of their respective CGA recovery groups, utilizing this suggested basic format for topic discussions. This booklet does not provide a thorough ìdiscussionî on issues. Instead, we offer only a ìgeneral formatî for groups to follow. We hope you will take these topic issues, expand the discussion further and openly share your experiences in group meetings.
From our experience, we find that when these ìtopic sheetsî are passed out in group meetings they help individuals focus on the issues in a ìpersonal way.î Additionally, individuals make personal notes on the topic sheets, take the sheets home and begin developing their own personal CGA topic workbook. In doing so, we find these topic sheets will become ìready referenceî recovery information whenever needed.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. What Can This Topic Guide OfferÖ i
2. What Are Topic MeetingsÖ 1
3. Use of Charts or Other Visual Examples With Topic DiscussionsÖ 2
4. Suggested Topics For DiscussionÖ 3
Importance of Connecting with your Criminal PastÖÖÖ..3
Sample ChartÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ. 4
Removing the Masks We WearÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ.5
Interacting - Getting to Know Each OtherÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ.6
Why We Share Experiences, Strengths and HopeÖÖÖÖ.7
Sample ChartÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ…8
Self-HonestyÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ9
Tolerance and PatienceÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ..10
AcceptanceÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ.11
Sample ChartÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ .12
Victims - Exploring the Cycle of Pain, Resentments
And VengeanceÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ…13
Sample ChartÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ..14
Practice of the 11th Step, Prayer and MeditationÖÖÖÖ..15
5. The Benefit of Topic Group MeetingsÖÖÖÖÖ.16
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WHAT ARE TOPIC
MEETINGS?
Topic meetings broaden our understanding of why there is a need for CGA and why we need to be here in this group meeting. It is this important type of CGA meeting that opens the mind of the individual just entering recovery. These group topic meetings help us to find our common similarities, rather than differences. We learn from those who speak openly and honestly that we are not alone in feeling ìno one can understand what we are going through in our lives.î These meetings build ìsupport bridgesî of trust, faith, confidence, strength, esteem, unity, and much understanding.
Topic meetings help us put together the broken puzzle pieces of our lives and guides us toward responsibility and accountability. We also find the freedom to speak our blunt truth to release our pains, fears, anger and resentments. It is these meetings that are a major part of CGAís structure in maintaining a reliable, effective recovery process. These group meetings are critical to examining the facts, speaking our truth in a safe environment, and allowing ourselves to begin a healing process so we may free ourselves from the grip of the lifestyle addiction to illegal activity.
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USE OF CHARTS OR OTHER VISUAL EXAMPLES WITH TOPIC DISCUSSIONS
Charts or other visual examples can be very helpful in topic meeting presentations. In CGA we believe itís important to be as thorough as possible while taking recovery serious. Charts and other visual examples can provide the group with a more clear understanding about the specific issue being posed for discussion and guide the group toward sharing their experiences staying accurately connected to the topic issue.
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CRIMINALS & GANGMEMBERS ANONYMOUS
GROUP MEETING TOPIC FORMAT
Topic: IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTING WITH YOUR CRIMINAL PAST
When thinking about our past behavior and actions, especially surrounding our criminality, how did we justify our wrongs? Many are unable to understand why they did what they did. Some carry feelings of guilt and shame; others glorify what they did, while others simply do not want to talk about it. And others still believe they are entitled to live as criminals. Yet, the strange reality is that none of us were born criminals. Criminality is a learned behavior and series of habits. Think back to your first time doing something illegal; how old were you and how much can you clearly see the pattern of criminality continue to escalate until it was out of control, becoming worse.
Questions To Be Honest About:
Do you believe it is important to understand your past?
Did you make the choice alone to be a criminal or were you influenced by others?
Do you understand how your criminal behavior continued to get worse?
Do you still practice criminal behavior today?
Why is it important to you to change your bad habits?
Key Words Defined:
CRIMINALITY: The quality or state of being a criminal; a criminal act or practice.
PAST: Gone by or elapsed in time; having existed in, or having occurred in a pervious time.
CONNECT: To join; to be related in some way or in a proper or logical way; linked together.
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SAMPLE CHART
(For Chalkboard)
TOPIC: Importance of connecting
with your criminal past
List some of the common patterns of crimes
or behavior from group members to write on board for discussion.
List some of their reasons for justifying the crimes or behaviors that are recorded above for discussion.
List some of the group members explanations how they learned to commit crimes or where they got bad behavior traits from (beliefs, traditions, influences; etc.) What the group shares helps guide the discussion.
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CRIMINALS & GANGMEMBERS ANONYMOUS
GROUP MEETING TOPIC FORMAT
Topic: REMOVING THE MASKS WE WEAR
Wearing a mask can mean different things to different people. Children use masks to play games, having fun. Criminals call masks ìtools of the trade.î Yet, in reality many of us created fake personas to cover up our fears, shield our loneliness, hide our pains or protect our insecurities. As our addictions became progressively worse, our closets full of masks became a wider selection. We knew that the better the mask, the less chance others would see the person we were behind the mask. Now in recovery, we are confronted with removing the masks. This means allowing others to see and know us as vulnerable normal human beings. To remove the masks, we need to understand the reasons that cause us to put on the masks in the first place. This will require being thoroughly honest with ourselves so we can accurately identify why. Sometimes the truth is painful, yet its said, ìthe truth will set us free.î Nobody is perfect or made of stone in this group.
Questions To Be Honest About:
Have you ever asked yourself why you needed to wear a fake mask to hide or conceal how you felt?
Are you afraid of people knowing the real you?
How do you feel when you have to fake who you are?
Are masks helpful or harmful to your growth?
Knowing you fake who you are and how you feel do you expect people to trust and respect you?
What does it mean to you to have integrity?
Key Words Defined:
MASK: A covering for all or part of the face, usually worn to conceal oneís identity.
PERSONA: A person, or the public role or character that a person assumes.
FAKE: To prepare or make something specious, deceptive, or fraudulent; to pretend; counterfeit.
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CRIMINALS & GANGMEMBERS ANONYMOUS
GROUP MEETING TOPIC FORMAT
Topic: INTERACTING…GETTING TO KNOW
EACH OTHER
Have you ever gone to a restaurant or someoneís house and seen a certain food item and thought ìno way am I going to eat that!î And no matter what others said you refused to try it? And the old clichÈ, ìdonít judge a book by its cover.î We are selective with whom we associate with, based upon our beliefs and different prejudices. Look around, do you know everyone here in the room? Each of us have a certain constitution, a set of rules and standards we live according to. This constitution has the power to improve who we are or hold us back in isolation or a very judgmental person. Today lets take time to get to know each other, mainly those who we have intentionally avoided for our own reasons. We are here to support each other, in and outside this room. Recovery doesnít end when we leave the group meeting. Recovery is actually about developing a new way of life.
Questions To Be Honest About:
What is it that stops us from talking to someone we do not care to be around?
Why are you selective in your associations or friendships?
Do you find your relationships improve as your recovery continues?
Is your constitution good for your self improvement or harmful?
Key Words Defined:
INNOVATIVE: To introduce something new; make changes.
INTERACT: To act or associate one upon another.
CONSTITUTION: The way in which a thing is made up; character or condition of mind, any established arrangement or custom.
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CRIMINALS & GANGMEMBERS ANONYMOUS
GROUP MEETING TOPIC FORMAT
Topic: WHY WE SHARE EXPERIENCES, STRENGTH AND HOPE
When we share our personal experiences with each other we are inviting or allowing someone into our lives. What we allow others to see include events that were good, bad, happy and painful. Our goal is sharing experiences is not to ìlook better or worse than the next personî but rather to show proof of the fact none of us are perfect; none of us were spared from having to go through difficult situations; and none of us are incapable of improving ourselves. We share how people, places and things affected us, whether then or now. As we open doors into ourselves, we demonstrate courage and confidence instead of fear and shame. We help others to realize they are not alone and we do understand their reaction to events or their feelings of anger or mistrust based upon the fact we survived those situations.
Questions To Be Honest About:
When sharing experiences with others do you stay focused on speaking from your own personal experiences and express your genuine feelings?
In your giving or offering strength to another are you careful not to support their bad habits or negative feelings? Understanding if you do, its not strength you give but rather harmful reinforcements?
Do you honestly approach recovery with hope for self improvement in knowing you can change?
Key Words Defined:
EXPERIENCE: The act of living through an event or events; all that has happened in oneís life.
STRENGTH: The state or quality of being strong; force; power; great effectiveness or high potency.
SHARE: Means to use, enjoy, or possess in common with others and generally suggests giving.
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SAMPLE CHART
(For Chalkboard)
TOPIC: Why we share experiences, strengths and hope
Ask the group to Ask the group to give
give examples of examples of good
bad experiences in experiences in recovery.
the lifestyle addiction.
(Group members will see/hear similarities)
What personal strengths are group members gaining through the CGA process of recovery and from group support. (invite members to share and write brief examples on the board.)
Ask the group members how their hope is improved through faith and trust in Godís care, protection and guidance. (ask the group members to share brief examples to put on the board.)
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CRIMINALS & GANGMEMBERS ANONYMOUS
GROUP MEETING TOPIC FORMAT
Topic: SELF HONESTY
Why is it so important to become more honest in our recovery? Without being able to be more honest with ourselves, our recovery would stay at a standstill. Many of us know that ìour past experiences are our own truth.î When we look back we can clearly see how our lack of honesty affected our character through behavior and actions. Today, with the help of CGA and the process of recovery offered, we can open up and begin to be more honest and gain insight about what we truly need to focus attention on in changing. Honesty opens doors to repairing broken relationships while promoting healthier ones. Honesty will put personal responsibility back in order. Once we can be accountable for ourselves through honest self-examination, recovery becomes more meaningful.
Questions To Be Honest About:
How honest are you to yourself concerning the need to change?
Do you have difficulty being honest with others? If so, why do you have problems?
Give examples of how you make excuses for not being honest.
Can you share how honesty has helped you to improve a relationship?
How does honesty improve your recovery efforts?
Key Words Defined:
HONESTY: Being honest, truthful, trustworthy.
SINCERITY: Free from pretense or deceit in feelings, manners or actions.
INTEGRITY: Honesty, incorruptibility, wholeness, etc.
CONTENTMENT: Satisfied with what one has; to satisfy.
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CRIMINALS & GANGMEMBERS ANONYMOUS
GROUP MEETING TOPIC FORMAT
Topic: TOLERANCE AND PATIENCE
Two of the most important principles we need to learn in recovery are tolerance and patience. For so many years we, as criminals and gangmembers, did whatever we wanted whenever we wanted without empathy or compassion for the people we were taking from. We did not have the tolerance it took to do for ourselves so we learned to take from others because it was so much easier. If we wanted to change we could not endure the way it made us feel; the discomfort, the hardship it put us through so we remained in a lifestyle we were used to. We had the patience to do evil, staking out a place to rob, laying in wait to attack former gangmembers from another place, stalking someone to sexually assault, and the list goes on. Having the patience to change took too long, it was something we were not used to until we stepped into CGA and made a personal commitment to ourselves to change.
Questions To Be Honest About:
Why was making the right decision so hard for you?
Does a lack of tolerance and patience cause problems in your relationships with others?
When you want something your way and it doesnít happen ìinstantlyî how do you feel and react?
Why is it so difficult for you to have tolerance and patience with yourself and with others?
How does tolerance and patience play a role in your choices and decisions in recovery today?
Key Words Defined:
TOLERANCE: The power to endure or resist discomfort or hardship; to allow without hindrance.
PATIENCE: The quality or capacity of being patient.
ENDURE: To sustain without yielding; to bear.
CAPACITY: The ability to receive or contain; mental ability; ability to do something.
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CRIMINALS & GANGMEMBERS ANONYMOUS
GROUP MEETING TOPIC FORMAT
Topic: ACCEPTANCE
We naturally expect people to willingly like us and readily enjoy being in our company. In some instances, we will go to extremes to win the favorable recognition, affection, respect or friendship of a person or others by actually doing whatever is necessary to please them, even at the risk of putting ourselves in danger or intentionally doing things to bring harm to ourselves or others. We are willing to lie, deceive or manipulate others simply to win their approval. We can become very aggressive or very submissive and ultimately resentful when we have to ìfakeî a false character and act a certain way simply for acceptance. Recovery teaches us how to build our self-esteem and self-confidence. The twelve steps offer us the tools to develop a strong character so we can be secure with who we are and no longer threatened to live destructive as others would like for the wrong kind of acceptance.
Questions To Be Honest About:
Think back when you were trying to fit with a certain crowd, what did you do for acceptance?
Has your need for acceptance from a person had a destructive impact on your life?
How do you feel always trying to please others?
Why do you feel you need the acceptance from others?
Do you determine your self-worth based upon the opinions of others?
Key Words Defined:
ACCEPTANCE: An accepting or being accepted; approval, acceptability; belief in.
SUBMISSIVE: Having or showing a tendency to submit without resistance.
FAKE: To make something seem real or satisfactory.
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SAMPLE CHART
(For Chalkboard)
TOPIC: Acceptance
Ask the group for reasons they sought ìacceptanceî from others. List their reasons on the board for discussion.
Ask the group for reasons why they lie and deceive others for acceptance. List their reason on the board for discussion.
Ask the group to identify which of the twelve steps help them to build their self-esteem and self-confidence. List the steps and brief example of why these certain steps are important - for discussion.
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TENACITY,
Sticking to what we have to do to make itóis the key to Success
- Richard M.
CGA-081
If you are interested in obtaining further information on CGA
or wish to start a CGA group in your community and/or
institution you my contact us at:
CGA Services, Inc.
2049 South Santa Fe Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90021-2919
E-mail: petermeji@aol.com
Website: www.CGAnon.org
Phone: (213) 438-4833
Fax: (213) 489-7601
CRIMINALS & GANGMEMBERS ANONYMOUS, INC.
CRIMINALS & GANGMEMBERS ANONYMOUS
GROUP MEETING TOPIC FORMAT
Topic: VICTIMS - EXPLORING THE CYCLE OF PAIN, RESENTMENTS AND VENGEANCE
If we honestly seek to understand how crime impacts a victim then we must first: (a) feel the power of the criminal act, (b) learn how the event or experience hit with force, shocking the person and (c) left them with an ìeffectî whether emotional and/or physical. Our feelings need to merge with an effort to understand their feelings and only at this point can we be willing to produce change in our thinking and behavior. If we fail to realize the force of our wrongs to others we continue the cycle of (1) not understanding how wrong crime is, (2) not understand why their fears and pain keep a wall of anger and resentments; (3) what we do not change in attitude and behavior is repeated; (4) the cycle of retaliation through vindictiveness continues out of control tearing other lives apart including those dear to us.
Questions To Be Honest About:
How were you impacted by the wrongful/harmful words and/or actions of others which affected you and your character or behavior?
How did you impact others by your wrongful harmful words and/or actions which affected their lives?
What do you feel you need to focus on for your healing and mending broken relationships with others?
Key Words Defined:
BLAME: To accuse of being at fault; responsibility for a
fault or wrong.
RESPONSIBILITY: Involving accountability, obligation or duties; able to distinguish between right or wrong and to think or act rationally.
ACCOUNTABLE: Obligated to account for oneís actions.
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SAMPLE CHART
(For Chalkboard)
TOPIC: Victims - Exploring the
cycle of pain, resentments and vengeance.
Ask the group to give examples of how crime causes pain. List these examples on the board for discussion.
Ask the group to give examples of how crime causes resentments. List these examples on the board for discussion; connecting examples to pain.
Ask the group to give examples of why they
feel victims seek vengeance. List these examples on the board for discussion; connecting examples to pain and resentments.
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CRIMINALS & GANGMEMBERS ANONYMOUS
GROUP MEETING TOPIC FORMAT
Topic: PRACTICE OF THE 11TH STEP - PRAYER
& MEDITATION
The 11th Step is our guide to improving ìspiritual awarenessî through our practice of prayer and meditation with God. We are asking for Godís guidance in being decent and responsible to ourselves and when doing so, we are more inclined to be more caring towards others. When we move forward following ìspiritual principlesî throughout the course of the day it is less likely we can go backwards into old behaviors of the past. The 11th Step helps us to constantly adjust or change our attitude, letting go of any poison thoughts, before they become words or actions that will affect how we feel and impact others. Prayers and meditation is necessary for daily character balance and to keep our intentions of maintaining stable on-going recovery. When we apply all the twelve steps (when applicable) these steps singly or in concert with one another will lead us into being more humble through manners and actions.
Questions To Be Honest About:
How has the 11th Step helped you to maintain peaceful thoughts and good balance in your attitude and behavior?
How has your 11th Step practice improved your relationships with others no matter where you are?
What does ìspiritual awarenessî mean to you and how do you apply it daily?
Why would it be important to pray and meditate daily and what times of day are more effective.
Key Words Defined:
PRAYER: The act or practice of prayer; spiritual communion with God; an earnest request.
MEDITATION: To think contemplatively; private communion with God.
SPIRITUAL: Of sacred things; refining character.
PRINCIPLES: Fundamental rule or rules of conduct.
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THE BENEFIT OF TOPIC GROUP MEETINGS
Topic meetings guide us to examining issues surrounding why we need recovery. Topics explain what our problems are, what CGAís solution is and allows us to share our experiences good and bad. Simply, topics help us to talk about the things going on within us that we have never felt freely safe to talk about.
Topics provide us with different issues we need to consider about the need for change. We find there are unlimited subjects for discussion. We are people who are used to talking, but our conversations are rarely, if ever about recovery or simply ìchanging our lives.î Experience has taught us too, that most of us entering CGA are not use to communicating. Itís unfortunate, but the fact is, we never learned how to speak about how we feel. It was always easier to be quiet, or act aggressive when we seemed to be cornered in a spot when we wanted to say how we felt, but pride, ego or fear that we could be criticized, face consequences, or be rejected would be the end result of speaking openly. So in frustration weíd push people away or turn and walk away.
In CGA topic meetings we hear people begin to open locked doors of silent confusion or misconceptions about their real life experiences directly relating to a wide variety of topic issues discussed. Our topic meetings guide us into focused discussions regarding subjects such as: (1) what caused our problem; (2) what reasons do we create for resisting or rebelling against change; (3) our motives for being dishonest; (4) the need for self-honesty; (5) our prejudices and judgmental attitudes; (6) pain, anger and resentments; and many other topics and important issues and the solutions that CGA recovery will offer.
CGA MEETINGS
Thursdays 6:00 pm
CTSI Bldg.
1901 44th Ave North
Minneapolis, MN 55412