Post 57
In February, I was contacted by National Council on Problem Gambling committee members with a request to telephonically meet with them to discuss outreach. I had been referred to them as one who could provide ideas as to how the Council could reach out to faith-based communities. The basic question was, What are the most effective ways to share information on problem gambling with religious leaders and their parishes?
In preparing for the teleconference, I jotted down several "best-practice" and successfully proven experiences I have had in connecting with faith-based communities. As the list lengthened, the need grew, also, to share - broadly - these endeavors. So ... here is the list!
REACHING OUT TO FAITH COMMUNITIES CHECKLIST
1. Reach out to specific faith-based places of worship/agencies/ministry centers/treatment centers that already deal with addiction issues. Often, these entities will be open to gaining more information that are recovery-specific with regard to gambling problem. However, such centers/parishes may not be up to speed on knowledge about gambling addiction - much less, having awareness of their area's certified compulsive gambling treatment providers, GA/Gam-Anon Meetings, or even problem gambling help-line numbers. Therefore, go where addiction is already part of the conversation and join in!
An excellent example of a faith-based treatment center - already addressing gambling issues - is Salvation Army's Harbor Light Center in Indianapolis. Check with the Harbor Light staff about their established connections with churches, agencies, and other ministry centers that would be receptive to information about problem gambling and recovery issues.
2. Some States have State employees whose job description calls for interacting with the faith-based community with regard to addiction issues - problem gambling included. Connecting with these persons may provide excellent partnering relationships in outreach to many people!
3. Use the person-to-person approach and utilize your own resources. Individuals with strong faith-based connections, generally, provide personal encouragement to clergy and lay leaders alike. These folks can be great door-openers for meeting with congregational leaders and parish clergy.
4. Congregations often have "Social Justice" or "Social Concerns" types of committees. Community outreach usually falls to these groups.
5. Be prepared! Have quality materials - in quantity - about problem gambling and recovery issues. Include practical information such as listings of certified compulsive gambling treatment providers and Gamblers Anonymous/Gam-Anon Meetings. Also, have speakers ready and willing to present programs in faith-based settings - both professionals and GA/Gam-Anon members.
6. Consider going all out and sponsor educational conferences for interfaith audiences on gambling addiction and recovery. Expanding the topics to include substance abuse and other addictions without substance may bring a larger response, as well. Work together with other mental health leaders to put together a top-rate program. Have a point-person from the faith-based community to serve on the event's planning committee. Gear publicity to both faith-based and secular audiences. Grant CEUs! An example of such a program is detailed in the GRM Blog, September 2013 edition. This describes the First Responder Conference - held on September 13, 2013 in Indianapolis.
7. When visiting with clergy, refer to Gambling Recovery Ministries website www.grmumc.org Click on "Ministry" and then "Initial Contact". This is a mini-tutorial script for clergy who are speaking for the first time with a person affected by problem gambling. Again, this is another very practical help that can be shared with clergy of all faiths.
In closing, I want to encourage you: share the good news of hope, help, and recovery to communities of faith. Just about every time I present a program about problem gambling to a congregation, a person will share with me afterward how gambling addiction has directly touched his/her life.
Reach out! Many are waiting for help and healing ... and the good news that you can bring!
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
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