The SIAFU Guidebook

20 The SIAFU Network Guidebook

will need to be modified in order to conform to each prison and jail’s requirements.

Therefore, all references to leadership positions (offices) of a Chapter, handling of finances, references to membership, service projects, collecting of contact information (email, mailing address, or phone number), or other problematic issues only refer to the function of the Chapter on the outside, whether to volunteers or to those given authority by the institution. Everything listed in this guidebook should be interpreted and applied so as to comply with and obey the official policies of a participating prison or jail. This means that every SIAFU Chapter must comply with the normal rules that govern the Department of Corrections in the state it is in. For instance, SIAFU Chapters on the inside will not be able to use the leadership offices or require strict membership compliance as in a Chapter’s normal operation. Essentially chapters on the inside will need to function more as a Christian “call out” within the prison or jail, a gathering that is sponsored by a particular church or ministry. This will provide both an opportunity to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters who are in the facility as well as share our testimonies of faith with those who attend who may not yet know Christ. Under no circumstances can any church- or ministry-sponsored SIAFU chapter change, overrule, or ignore the formal policies of the correctional facility they exist in. Chapters on the inside must function under the jurisdiction and oversight of the correctional system which has allowed them to host such a gathering in their facility. Within this guidebook, you will observe specific note sections addressing how a point under discussion relates to those sponsoring a SIAFU Chapter within correctional facility. Those notes will be titled “For Chapters on the Inside.” We designed these notes to clarify specific issues and navigate correctional policy as you strive to host a successful chapter within the prison or jail you serve.