01/08/2026
On Friday, January 2nd, four of us did something we thought was really special.
While many were arriving in town for the Area Convention, we took a short drive to a nearby prison to share Narcotics Anonymous in person.
The prison staff welcomed us warmly and even provided popcorn and drinks for everyone. There were about 150 incarcerated men who chose to spend their afternoon with us. That simple act said a lot about how much these connections matter.
Each of us shared for about 15 minutes, followed by a Q&A. The questions were honest, thoughtful, and full of hope. The energy in the room was powerful. These men were deeply grateful to see NA members show up in person and carry a clear NA message behind the walls.
Doing this during a convention weekend made it even more meaningful.
Conventions are important. They’re full of love, laughter, recovery, workshops, late nights, and renewed connection. New members get a glimpse of a new way of life, and long-timers recharge their recovery. All of that matters.
And at the same time, just 35 minutes from the convention hotel, more than 100 men in a therapeutic community are asking for the same connection. They already attend virtual prison meetings like Freedom of Choice and Miraculous Mondays twice a month. They’re showing up and doing the work. What they’re hoping for now is in-person NA volunteers…members willing to sit with them and help build strong meetings inside.
Right now, our Area doesn’t have enough volunteers to meet that need. Within 40 minutes of downtown, there are three prison yards with no regular in-person NA connection at all. That’s not a criticism, it’s simply the reality. And it’s also an opportunity.
We left that day full of gratitude and with a clearer understanding of what “Any addict, anywhere” really asks of us. The emails below, and the responses from prison staff, speak for themselves.
Our gratitude speaks…
The therapeutic value of one addict helping another...
Any addict, anywhere. We do recover.
If any part of this speaks to you - if you’ve ever been curious about H&I, stepped back from service, or thought “maybe someday” - that someday is coming up soon. The Central Ohio Area H&I Subcommittee is hosting an Open House on Sunday, February 1st at 2:00 PM at the Parsons Avenue Library. It’s a relaxed meet-and-greet for past, present, and future H&I volunteers, with food, fellowship, and a simple refresher on H&I basics. No pressure. Just a chance to learn, ask questions, and see where you might fit.
Our follow up email to prison admin
Hi Diane, Sara and Rick,
Thanks so much for arranging the mini speaker jam on Friday. We were very grateful to meet with the guys and experience recovery with them.
The attached picture is from on our way back from Madison to the NA Convention in Columbus. This convention is held every two years, but there are many more all across the state throughout the year.
Perhaps sometime in 2026 we could arrange for guys at Madison to virtually participate in part of a convention (and hopefully in addition to more in-person connection too).
In service,
Diane’s reply
Greetings!
Thank you, so very kindly, all four of you, for bringing your experience, strength, and hope to MaCI on Friday!
I know your words, support, and empathy meant a lot to these men. Many had great things to say about the event! The feedback received was very positive!
Yes, we would love to be a part of future virtual NA experiences so please keep us is mind!
Rick’s reply
Yes, any virtual experiences that you can enable us to be a part of would be appreciated. I will definitely facilitate any options that you provide to us. As Diane already said, the men enjoyed the speaker session Friday and are always asking for new NA opportunities.
Sara’s reply
We GREATLY appreciate your willingness to spread the NA message to the incarcerated population, especially here at MaCI!
I received very positive feedback from our population, and they are asking for more opportunities to engage with outside members of NA.
Thank you again!
