RSVP Online Newsletter September 1995

NCTD is just one of the many organizations with which RSVP of the Upper Valley and White Mountains (VT/NH) works to get things done in the Upper Valley.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program's services are free to the volunteers and organizations we serve.

RSVP home page to find out more about the benefits of being an RSVP volunteer, or how your non-profit organization can provide volunteer opportunities through RSVP, most anywhere in the United States.

Northcountry Thresholds and Decisions:
A Volunteer Opportunity to Help Fight Crime

Since December 1990, RSVP of the Upper Valley and White Mountains has sponsored the fast growing program which teaches inmates in Grafton County Corrections to make decisions, set goals, solve problems and build self-esteem. NCTD is taught by volunteer teacher-counselors to volunteer inmates in 5 week sessions. During the session 10 one-on-one (micro) classes are held. Thus, each inmate-client has a teacher, and 3-5 more teach the macro classes. Presently there are 29 active teacher-counselors, of whom 17 are RSVP volunteers.

Already in its fifth year, NCTD has graduated 10 sessions. The expected recidivism for the institution is 52%. Only 15% of NCTD graduates have been reincarcerated. NCTD really works. The Corrections officers see changes in inmates who are enrolled in the program.

How does NCTD work? It teaches 5 easy steps which are:

  1. See the situation clearly.
  2. Know what you want/don't want from the situation.
  3. Expand the possibilities of reaching that goal.
  4. Evaluate and decide which is the best possibility.
  5. Act.
The inmate-client also learns to separate facts from feelings, to decide instead of reacting, and to understand that s/he is important, unique and irreplaceable. S/he also learns to develop proper and productive attitudes, accept responsibility and build a better image to live up to for the benefit of himself/herself and others. The inmate is taught to use the past as a tool in targeting a productive, free and happy future. Lastly, NCTD teaches the inmate-client to review, remember and reward himself/herself for a good performance. Followng satisfactory completion of the course, the teachers give a beautiful pot luck supper to the graduates followed by graduation/recognition ceremonies. The inmates may invite guests to the graduation, which may be the first time s/he has ever accomplished or completed a goal. This is a time of smiles and pride unlike anything else found in the correctional setting.

The volunteer teacher-counselors are from all walks of life. Each attends an extensive 22 hour training before teaching. A 450 page manual is provided as a teacher's guide to this carefully structured program.

RSVP volunteers make wonderful teachers because of their maturity. Their volunteer status impresses clients who find it amazing to meet someone who chooses to work with them. Volunteers gain an understanding of the penal system, and achieve a feeling of satisfaction that they are making a real contribution to dealing with serious problems in our community. RSVP volunteers have a lifetime of wisdom to share, and they are not threatening to staff or prisoners.

Originally, Thresholds and Decisions was started by Dr. Milton Burglass. As a former inmate, he recognized that people's inabilities to make sound decisions is what often led them to committing actions that resulted in incarceration. Dr. Burglass incorporated symbols, anecdotes and stories as a way to share his ideas with inmates, including those who were illiterate. Today, T & D courses take place in over 33 locations in the United States, involving inmates with a wide variety of backgrounds. Penny Rogers was responsible for developing a teacher's manual and workbook to provide the course with a consistant structure.

Since the successful establishment of NCTD in Grafton County, Cheshire and Hillsborough County RSVP programs have started Thresholds programs in their regions. Both Grafton and Cheshire County programs have been recognized by the Governor of New Hampshire for outstanding volunteer work. The Hillsborough County program is being considered for similar recognition. Corrections officials love the program.

If you are interested in sponsoring a Thresholds & Decisions program in a corrections center near you, contact Edith Celley, Director, Grafton County RSVP: telephone: (603) 448-1825; e-mail at: RSVP@valley.net.

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