president's training packet

8/6/2019 President's Training Packet

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PRE IDE T


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Oxford House, Inc.PRESIDENTEach House shall have its own duly-elected President. The President must be aresident of the particular house and shall serve a term not to exceed six months. Aresident may not serve as President for two consecutive terms, but may be elected toPresident again six months after the completion of one term.President's Duties: President will be responsible for calling a regular business meeting not less thanonce per week. The President will preside over the meeting and will follow theOxford House Sample Meeting Agenda and basic parliamentary procedure. The President will have the duty of accepting responsibility for general leadershipwithin the house. Such leadership should include encouraging all house officers tofulfill their duties and frequent AAlNA meeting attendance by all house members. Inaddition, the President should stand ready to entertain any complaints frommembers of the house as to general operation, personality conflicts, or events whichwould affect the reputation of the house. The President, when present, will be responsible for calling and presiding overemergency house meetings, particularly in regard to a house member's concerns ofpossible alcohol or drug use by a resident. The President w ill be responsible for presiding over the process of interviewingprospective new residents. In addition, unless otherwise delegated, the President

will be responsible for orienting new house members, including reading house rules,filling out appropriate paperwork, and providing newcomer packets. The President will be one of the duly authorized officers designated to sign checks.As an authorized check signer, the President will not have direct access to thehouse checkbook. The President will represent the house at Chapter meetings. The President will voteon behalf of the house and report the status of the house to the Chapter, includingproviding a monthly financial status report and monthly activity report. The Presidentwill be responsible for reporting to their house all decisions and business conductedat each Chapter meeting." The President, Treasurer and Comptroller TOGETHER shall conduct a monthlyhouse account and audit report. The audit report results must be posted for theentire house to examine and a monthly financial report submitted to the localChapter on a monthly basis. The President will be responsible for checking the house phone voicemail on a dailybasis, retrieving any house business-related calls, and addressing themappropriately in a timely manner.


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O xfo rd H ouse Tradi t ions1. Oxford House has as its primary goal the prevrsron of housing andrehabilitative support for the alcoholic who wants to stop drinking orusing and stay stopped.2. All Oxford Houses are run on a democratic basis. Our officers are buttrusted servants serving continuous periods of no longer than sixmonths in anyone office.3. NoMemberof an Oxford House is ever asked to leave without cause - adismissal vote by the membership because of drinking, drug using, ordisruptive behavior.4.Oxford House is not affiliatedwith Alcoholics Anonymous, organizationallyor financially, but Oxford House members realize that only activeparticipation in Alcoholics Anonymous offers assurance of continuedsobriety. -5. Each Oxford House should be autonomous except in matters affectingother houses or Oxford House,Inc., as a whole.6. Each Oxford House should be financially self-supporting althoughfinancially secure houses may, with approval or encouragement ofOxford House, Inc.,provide new or financially needy houses a loan for aterm not to exceed one year.7.Oxford Houseshould remainforever non-professional, although individualmembers may be encouraged to utilize outside professionals wheneversuch utilization is likely to enhancerecovery from alcoholism.8. Propagation of the Oxford House, Inc. concept should always beconceived as public education rather than promotion. Principles shouldalways be placed before personalities.9.Memberswho leaveanOxford Housein good standing are encouraged to

become associate members and offer friendship, support, and example,to newer members.


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OXFORD HOUSESAMPLE MEETING AGENDA (REGULAR MEETING)

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER AT SPECIFIED TIME.2. ROLL CALL BY SECRETARY

Determine excused and unexcused absences.3. OPEN MEETING WITH A READING pF AN OXFORD HOUSE TRADITION EACH WEE Each Member can be asked to read a paragraph.

4. READ MINUTES OF LAST MEETING OR EMERGENCY MEETING. ' Ask if there are any corrections orl additions. Ask for Motion to Accept as Read or Accept as Corrected i f there are any additioor corrections.

5. TREASURER'S REPORTAll receipts, unpaid bills. and Housr check book(s) should be available at the Meetifor all Members to review and comment. " Ask for corrections or additions to Finance ReportAsk for Motion to Accent as Read or Accept as Corrected

6. COMPTROLLER'S REPORTPast due rent by Members may b~discUS5ed at this time. Motion to take Action may also be in order at this time. Bills owed, or future expenses she Id be presented and Motion made to allocate neessary funds.

7. COORDINATOR'S REPORT List each person's chore detail fer previous week and state completed.

Motion to Accept as Read or Accept as Corrected Coordinator's ReportList and Assign Next Weeks chore details ...

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8. OLD BUSINESS Any business that was discussed previously.. Last week's New Business is thWeek's Olq Business. I Reports from Members assigned specific tasks at previous meeting( s).

9 . N EW BUSINESS I , Any matters that have not been discussed previously. Any Member may bring up new busfness.I

Motions must be made to take action.Assign specific Tasks to individual Members for follow-up on business not acted upo10. ADJOURNMENT President may.ask for a Motion to Adjourn. President may state: ... "If there is no further Business, this Meeting of Oxford House

( ) is Adjourned"... IAn informal group meeting of individual sharing may follow. '


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OXFORD HOUSEBASIC PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES

1. MAKE AN AGENDA AND FOLLOW IT.Agenda should be available to all members before the start of the Meeting.2. A MOTION IS A FORMAL PROPOSAL MADE IN A MEETING The lanquaqe by a Member is: ..."1Move to ...." Requires a "Second" by another Member. All Motions are followed by Discussion To Close Discussion, a member may call for a Vote The President may limit the time for Discussion (i.e. 5 minutes) The President may call for a Vote by saying: ...."If there is no further Discussion, all those in favor, all those opposed ..."A Vote must be taken. No member should abstain.3. ONCE AVOTE IS TAKEN AND ANNOUNCED, THE SUBJECT IS CLOSED. An Amendment (a change, substitution, or addition) to the original motion may beformally made later to change a Motion. An Amendment requires a Second, a Discussion, and a Vote.4. TABLING A MOTION.After a Motion has been made, Seconded, but during Discussion it is decided thatfurther information or investigation is required a Motion is made to Table.

e Language: ..." 1 move to table the motion until (Specific Time)... Requires a Second, and a Vote. 'There is no Discussion and the original Motion is Closed If the Tabling Motion is defeated, Discussion is again open on the original Motion,or Vote is called for that Motion.

5. A MOTION IS DEAD IF THERE IS NO SECOND. MOVE ON TO THE NEXT SUBJECT.6. EXPULSION OF A MEMBER FOR DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR REQUIRES: The disruptive Member must be present unless he/she refuses to attend. The disruptive Member can participate in the discussionThe disruptive Member has a right to vote.

o Carefully record reasons for expulsion and vote.7. ALL MOTIONS MUST BE RECORDED IN THE MINUTES AND VOTES RECORDED. Example:- A Motion was made by Bill W. to ... (record clearly what the motion was, howmuch, or what action is to be taken by whom.).- The Motion was Seconded by Harry J.- The Motion was Passed by 6 yes, 1 no, 1 absent House Secretary must write (record) all Motions and Votes in the House MinutesBook.


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Application For Membership In Oxford HouseTq'.b,.~i~~S~p.f~q'J!ti;tn:9Xf9.t(t:tP.I;!~~~,~!F~ppl~p~J.!~tico.~plet$jpq\frsid~~?:~f;h is ~apPJ.i~ tjon"1 ;\nd: be"' in t~ lV iewed::br e s i g e : n t ~ . i . b f ' J I 'i ~ ;: ) : i a i 1 ic u r a t . O X f f i . r < f ~ I f O l J S ~ f f Q : W n fC f f th e : 'apPl i~"r Is : - a p p J V i r i t J . : ; " - rn:~; s ; C J & l 1 t ~"?(;:tfle:. JjB~~itf~ii\;ai ::t e i:?t i:fr iC ~ : ': : .AI:I:80% affitrriative'vo~eis~needed-to ' p-~ acceptEl'dL :.G ;4 refu IlY : re ad . th e app li ca tion : ari d holi 9 tfY . arisWq ~ te li.~H~t)W~1.~iyJn~jb n OXfb rdHbu se is spec ic i! ' and jf YOu;unders tand ii s ' v~Ju ~lt c an help ': you ' achieve comfortable ~WI ol.!.Je.ap se.~.. . - ...

1. Print Name (Last, First, Middle) 3. Date of BirthMonth Day Year

2. Present address (Street) Check jf treatment facility 0 4. Phone Where You Can Be ReachedHome ( )

C ity Sl a te ZipWork ( )

5. Are you an Alcoholic? 6. Date of Your 9. Ust drugs you used addictively:DYes ONo Last Drink?

T.Ne you addicted to drugs? . 8. Date of lastDYes ONo drttguse?

10. When did you attend your firstMr NA meeting? 11. How many AAJNA meeting do you now attend eachweek? I.12. Do .youwantto stop drinking alcohol and using addictive drugs? 13. Are you employed?

DVes D No DYes ONo If 'yes" who is your employer?

14. Are you getting welfare orother non-job related income? 15. If you do nol have a job will you get one?D Yes 0No If "'yes" what? DYes 0No If "yes" What job plans do you have

16. What is your monthlx income right now? 17. What do you expect your monthly income to be nexmonth?$ $18. Marital status [Check One] 19. Do you have a medical doctor?DMarried, 0Never Married, 0Separated, 0Divorced DYes 0NoIf"yes" list the doctor's name and phone number.

20. Have you ever been to a treatment facility for alcoholism and/or drttg addiction? 21_Do you take prescription drugs?DYes D No If 'yes" list the treatment provider, phone number and primary D Ves D No If "yes' list drugs and reason thecounsellor, if any. has been prescribed.

Please complete the other side of this application. t. ..~

Oxford House World Services, 1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400. Silver Spring, Maryland 20910Telephone (301) 587-2916 Facsimile (301)58~302


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Side

22. Date of move in? 0Immediately oOther - If "other" list the date you would want to move in, if accepted, and why the date is in the Murerather than immediately. Date: Reason:

23. Have you ever lived in an Oxford House before? DYes D No If "yes; provide the name and location of the Oxford House below andanswer question 24.

24. [Answer this question if the answer to question 23 was "yes."] I left the previous Oxford House for the following reason: [check one}o relapse, 0voluntarily, 0other reason(s)I, did0or do not0owe money to the Oxford House I left. If I did owe money to the Oxford House I left, I will agree to repay the money I owed to myformer Oxford House. 0es D No25. Emergency Telephone Numbers. [[List tami v doctor, if vou have one, + two family members or friends)

Name and Address Relationship Telephone1-

2-

3-

26. I realize that the Oxford House to which I am applying for residency has been established incompliance with the conditions of 2036 of the Federal Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, P.L. 100690, asamended, which provides that federal money loaned to start the house requires the house residents to(A) prohibit all residents from using any alcohol or illegal drugs, (8) expel any resident who violatessuch prohbition, (C) equally share household expenses including the monthly lease payment, among alresidents, and (D) utilize democratic decision making within the group including inclusion and expulsionfrom the group. In accepting these terms, the applicant excludes himself or herself from the normal dueprocess afforded by local landlord-tenant laws.27. Use this space for additional relevent infonnation:

28, I have read all of the material on this application form including the limitations set forth in item 26.have also answered each question honestly and want to achieve comfortable recovery from alcoholismand/or drug addiction without relaspe.SIGNATURE: DATE:

,FOR USE BY OXFORD HOUSE '{ :'. ,oACCPETED oNOT ACCEPTED ' MOVE IN DATE MOVE OUT DAn;: ...

- :

HOUSE KEYS RETURNED 0XES 0NO OUTSTANDING DEBT TO HOUSE $' , .. DATE REPAID

2000 Oxford House World Services Call 1-800-689-6411 for the Oxford House nearest you.


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INTERVIE E T IQUETTEThe interview process within your house is a very important part of getting and keeping youhouse full and financially self-supporting.Although each house is autonomous, there are suggested interview guidelines that each hocan follow. Your outreach worker can supply your house with a copy of these guidelines if ydo not have one.Below are a few suggestions that can help to make the interview process a more comfortableone for the house and the applicant.

Have the application and pen ready with a quiet place for the applicant to sit and fill iout. Introductions: Each individual will introduce themselves. Open with a brief explanation of the Oxford House concept. Show the 1 1 6 0 Minutes" DVD . (Have house members sit and watch with applicant. This

also a good time to pass around the application for members to review.) Have the House President read the application out loud, and address any missing

information. Have applicant speak briefly about him/herself. Conduct your Q & A time. Give a brief explanation of share of expenses, move-in fees, house expectations, chorfines, etc.

Ask applicant if they have any questions for the house.

Once the interview is over, make sure you have a contact phone number where the applicancan be reached. Explain that after they leave, the house members will discuss the interviewand vote. Let them know that someone (usually the House President) will call to say if theyhave been accepted or not.In the event that the applicant was not accepted and they question why, explain to them thathey did not get an 80% vote from the House members - then refer them to another house.


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SUGG~srED OXFORD HOUSE INTERVIEW QUESTIONSOpen b y havingthe house presidentread theappllcatton out loud and address any missing information .

.B r ie f ly e x p la in th e Oxfo rd Hou se con ce p t, a nd sh ow th e ~'60Minu t e s " DVD. H ave e ach re sid e nt in tro du cethemselves, and then conduct your Q & A t im e ~

NOTE TO IN TE RVIEWER S:DO: Lis te n , sh are b rie f ly a b ou t y ou rs e lf , p u t th e p e rso n a t ease; and 'a skq u e st io ns if y o u .W a n t ,mo re i nf o rm a ti on ,': \ . . . . . ".. . . . .DON'T G iv e a dv ic e ab o ii t t he ir r e co ve ry , d i~ ~ u s s a ny t h in gr el at~ d t~ h 6 u se b u s in e ss o ra n6 th e r. r r ie rr ib~ r ' s ' ~ r o b l em s l lgnorelt i f someone is u n su re a b q ~ t th ~ 'i rc le an d ate , or dlscusss e xu a l p r e f e r e n c e d ;o l it ic s o rr e l h ii o n'- , : \ . .

L : , Tell us a l it tl E !a b b u ty o u r s e l f : : ,< ' '.... . ... ..2 ; How d i d yO~ g~ tto t : t1 i~ p~ i n t i~ YQu rre co y e r y ?~ ,: ~ ,. . ,. 3;H6,wdbY~ ~ ,Je ~ l ~ b ~ J.Jt y oJr gd dh :t iq n? '(Pro~ e fo r denlal.> do th ey a c c e p t the d ise as e c on ce p t- a ng

. .. 4. ~ ~ ~ ~ i s g J % r '~ ' ~ ~ ; f ~ '? r ~ G : ~ ~ i C Y '; :. . . . . . . .S','o 6y ou go 'to 'M .iN A :~ e ~ t in gs? W h a ts t e p ar~,YQ~cLJr fe n t ly wo rking on , ifa ny i . ". '.

'. ; ~ '.: 'Pd '~ 6~H~Q~ ~ c~pd r i '~ 9 ~ ?Y fri b f ;~ iiIY o~ ge {~ r i~~~ th i~ 30 da y s ? ;;: : ', ' ..' 7.H~ve you'iCientifleq y'our ';~laPs~ trigg~rs~ If sq,,'I!hat_are,they? .. '. . . .,.... .. '': '8~ ' :c~ r lYh ti.t~ u ts ;an y ~ .~ h a ti .d rs :Ydu 'mjgh t,,~Xh i t l i .t t h a t ; W Olj ldJn d ica te ' vo u a re h ea de d. t6wa rd sa re la p. ",' 'N ,W e ~ ~ ~ ~ 'th e ~ ~ 'b ~ h ~ ~ l~ r~ ; i~ 'Yb ~ :~ ouldy~ ~ cc ir l1p IYW ith '~ h ~ ~ s e contract to ad d re ss th es e b eh avio r..' 9 : ., .Wha . t i ~ yo u r J o t l'~ h i s tb fY? 'D 9 ,.y o u h a " t= ~..rOf~~ i d~ /'t r a d eor ski l l? Do y o u .havk a re -e ntry p lan ?' .' . . . .. l o . .'D () y o u p a "~ '~ n~ ~ h g~V p r b b i~m? :l fs o twh a t ~ iov6k:e~ t6e .ange r? (A skth em to ' n ame some th ing th at... .. . : 'w6u id 'make 1:h e ~ ' a ~ kty .p ~ o b e f o ~ !~ggr e s s i~ ~ b e h avior ; phYSica l anddo rne s t icvio l~ l1ce ~ lsolatlon.).Ha~e:you'everatt~ndedang:etITlar1agen,~I11:.i~';;:;:;;'::-~':" .'. ..'.............. .......... :

.' ,. 11~H9wd .q y ~ ~ .f ~ e l a ,b oJ.l tg rdJ~j ivi~ ~ ? }ie y ~ ~ '~ h r i ,p a t ib le vvit h m os t p e op le ? Are YOll w il lin g to w ork. w i~h .o t he r s ? ,:C. " . '. ):-,:: ,< '"-,12. Are yo u i n \fo lved ln a r 'e la t ionsh ip(s ign if ican to th e r , ch i l d r en , etc.)? ',' . -;:",'.. 13. A re You .in y o lve d ip anY rE ? l~ t iO!1$h jp s t h a~ 'may ~ ~ 'p o t:en t i a lly d is ru p tive to the 'h o u s e ?:14. A re y ou on a~ y rr le d i~a t io t1s ? If s~ , w l ia t? If y o u a re o n na r co tic s , is y ou r do c to r awa re o f y o u r

a dd ic tio n? (E xp la in th e h o u s e p o licy on m e d ica t ion . )15. Tell us about your 'legal p r~ b le n1s . .

a . How many time s h ave y ou b e e n in ja i lb. How long? Fo r what? .:,c . Dovou h ave an y le ga l ch arge s p en d ing? T rIa ls ? Sentencing?d. Are y ou cu r re n t ly o n p ro b a tion ? If so , fo r w h at?e . How d id you r a dd ic tio n re la te to your i l l ega l activities?


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SUG GESTED O XFORD HOUSE INTERVIEW Q UESTIONSf. At what age did it start> (Probe for criminal mentality - does crime precede addiction?

Frequency of institutionalization?)16. Are you a registered sexoffender?17. Can you handle being confronted in a constructive manner?18. Can you confront others in a constructive manner?19. Do you have any prejudice issues (racial, sexual, etc)?20. Would you have any problems performing chores (disabilities, grass cutting, etc)?21. What do you feel you can offer Oxford House?22. What can Oxford House offer you?23. Why do you want to live in an Oxford House?24. Scenario: You and your roommate become friends. One day your roommate tells you they have had

bad day (got fired from their job, lost their girlfriend/boyfriend, death in the family, etc). They needunwind a little and they just took one hit or drink, but they are so sorry and promise to never do itagain. They really want to continue to live in Oxford House, and know they will be evicted if anyonefinds out, so they ask you to please keep this a secret. How would you handle this situation?

25. Explain the house guidelines. Go over probationary period, meeting attendance requirements, andhouse meetings dates and times. Make sure they understand that house meeting attendance ismandatory.

26. Explain Chapter and Housing Service Committee meetings, dates and times, and rotation. Make theaware of your houses attendance expectations.

27. Explain officer positions and the houses expectation to fulfill them. (It's a good idea to let them knothere are "outside" duties as welL) Ask them if they have any disabilities that would prevent them ffulfilling a position (unable to read, do math, etc).28. Explain the move-in cost (non-refundable move in fee/alumni gift and advance rent). Explain theweekly rent amount, date and time the rent is due, and expectation to be current on rent at all time

29. If accepted, when could they pay rent and move in?30. Explain the voting procedures of accepting a new member (80%) and that the house will call them a

soon as possible (no longer than 24 hours) to let them know if they are accepted or not and the termof their probation contract if they are accepted. Make sure you have a good number to reach them.

31. Thank them, ask if they have any questions, and show them around.32. Inform them they will receive a call from the House President regarding the status of their applicatio


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OXFORD HOUSESWORKING WITH THE NEW MEMBER

I. The GreetingII. The Interview (video and interview questions)III. Notification of acceptance

(It is best to contact the individual immediately after the meeting and no later than ealiythe next day)

IV. Newcomers Packet1.Medical Release Form2. House expectations3. Manual4. Any other helpful Info I.e.; bus schedule, meeting schedule etc.5. Some houses ask for a written plan of recovery6. 10 Insights for New Members7. Any house specific guidelines for new members

V. The "Buddy" system(Houses should assign a specific individual as a "buddy")1.Go over House expectations or rules and manual2. Show them around and their designated room, refrigerator, cupboards etc.3. Help them get settled in and familiar with house organization and filling out

forms.4. Take them to 12 step meetings and introduce them around

VI. Getting The Newcomer Involved1. Explain Offices2. Review Chores3. ChaDter Newcomers Orientation


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10 Insights For The New Member1. Oxford House is a missing link in the recovery process. It provides

the time and support each of us need to develop comfortablesobriety.

2. It works only if the Oxford House system of democratic operations isfollowed and the system of financial self-support is strictly followed.Learn the Oxford House Manual and the nine Oxford Housetraditions ..

3. House meetings take place once every week. Attend every weeklymeeting. The reason for weeks house meetings is to make thehouse run smoothly. The weekly meeting is the place to resolvedisputes among the "family" and a place to work together to keeprecovery at the heart of all house operations.

4. Pay your share of expenses on time. Put first things first. Oldbehavior put our rent last. New behavior puts it first; otherwise eachof us feels lousy and the house can fail.

5. Pride that is earned is worthwhile but false pride causes conflict. Ahouse where all the residents work with each other to gaincomfortable sobriety is one that generates worthwhile pride.

6. Open finances of the house helps to overcome the suspicion we allhave in early recovery. The house finances should be discussed ateach meeting and posted openly for everyone to see.

7. Do household chores on time. You may be the coordinator somedayand others will do unto you as you did to them.

8. Don't isolate, loneliness and self-pity lead many of us back todrinking or using drugs.

9. Go to a lot of twelve-step meetings. AA and NA attendance is a goodhabit to develop to make behavior change comfortable and to gaincomfortable sobriety - forever.

10. Blow the whistle on any member who relapses. The house can loseits charter if the resident who uses alcohol or drugs -in or out of thehouse - is not expelled immediately.


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Oxford HouseNew Member

My Plan for RecoveryName: Date: _My Plans for Follow Up In Recovery: _

If enrolled in an Aftercare Program, my plans for attendance: _

I do__ do not __ have a sponsor at this time. If you do not, how soon can you obtaina sponsor? _I plan to attend. ~AAlNA meetings per week?I am using book for my Daily Meditation?

I understand that if I drink or use in or out of this house, I will be expelled immediately.Signature: Date: _House Officer: Date:-------------------House Officer: Date: _


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Oxford HousesEmergency Medical In fo rm atio n R ele ase F orm

This form is to be used for emergency medical use only:Name: Age: _Date of Birth: Blood Type: _Primary Physician: Phone # _Hospital or Clinic: ----------------Insurance: _Allergies: _

Medications: _

Medical History (major surgeries, contracted diseases, hereditary health problems,etc...):

In Case of Medical Emergency Contact:1) Name: Phone _2) Name: Phone _3}Name: Phone _I hereby give my consent for emergency medical treatment:

Signatu re : Date: _


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Oxford HouseHouse Member Property L ist

N am e . _

Date Property of House Member House PresidentInitials


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Sample Guidel ines for Expulsion From an Oxford H


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Mar.y chapters and state associations have established guidelines for disruptive behavior that constitutepossible expulsion, but some individuals in houses still make up their own self-serving roles.A behavioral problem connected to the process of recovery can be as mundane as a result of an incompletechore or as significant as isolation; in the midst of the psychological trauma of the fourth step; a personalityconflict with another member; an unhealthy relationship; and any part of our old behaviors.Change is a vital part of a healthy recovery. Change does not imply the other individual but you. Each of US isat our own level of growth and acceptance - "Live and Let Live" The one personality defect that we can controlis our attrtude. We often hear the old adage of drinking of life from a haft empty ora haft full cup. Shiftingthe focus on someone else's behavior leaves us void of honesty about ourselves. If you take the "me" out ofblame, all you have is bla, blc, bla. The only inventory we should be concerned with is our own.Oxford is intended to act as a surrogate family and a support system, neither a treatment program nor adictatorial entity. We have no bosses in Oxford House. It does not mean that someone is not an importantpart of the family if for some reason their behavior does not coincide with you. Oxford House should be a safehaven. We must always put principles before personality. The welfare of the entire house and the principles ofour tradition should come first. Many of us choose to use a 12-step program. This teaches us that service toother alcoholics and addicts is a vital part of our own recovery. What greater opportunity could we have thathelping a l"Oomma1e explore solutions to their behavioral problem? We have seen many individuals turn theirlives around while living in an Oxford House.

Suggested Guidelines for Behavior ModificationN.any houses use a contract; fines, and revocation of certain privileges or probation when some one displaysrepeated behaviors that could be construed as dlsrup+ive to the house as a whole.An example of revoking special privileges might be for someone who doesn't clean up after themselves in thekitchen or laundry area would lose the use of the kitchen or laundry areas for one week. Fines could be fornon-completion of a chore or a late fee for tardy rent. A contract might be used after warnings or previousdiscussion about a certain behavior that is disrupting the serenity of the house or is putting the individuaJ injeopardy of relapse.The members of the house should write out the offending behaviors and the individual under contract writesthe means by which they will take to correct it. The contract is intended as a tool to aid the offender, not as apunishment.

Definitions of RelapseRelapse can come in different forms - the easiest one to deal with is the "for sure" relapse when a membercomes in obviously intoxicated or high on dnJ9S and admits relapse. Because there is no denial to deal with, theother members have the time to concentrate on getting help for this resident. However, there are moredifficult types of relapse - many relapses can only be discerned by looking at behavior change - late paymentof rent - lapse in doing chores - argumentative or isolating behaviors - are all warning signs. Remember tokeep principles above personalities and think with your head and not your heart.Another form of relapse is misusing prescription or over the counter drugs. Drugs must be taken according toprescriptions or directions and residents who are getting prescriptions should inform the doctor of his/heraddict status.Another form of relapse is when a member is usinq and others know about itand do not blow the whistle - inthis case, o J l who are using and all who knew about it are considered a relapse.


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OXfORD HOUSE MEMBER CONTRACTFOR

DISRUPTIVE ANDIOR RELAPSE BEHAVIORS AND/OR PATTERNSHouse Name and Location:le ngth o f C on tra ct:Member under ContractThis contract represents our concern and responsibilitY as Oxford House members. To help youyourself, we have observed: ' .Behaviors andJor Pattems:1.2 .

3.Contract Terms

Step1Step2 _Step3 ~ ~ _

Step4~---------------------------------------------------------

I. acknowledge and accept full responsibility for my. of recovery as outlined In this contract. Being fully aware if I am found negllgent of said terms as outabove, during any tlme of contract length, I am subject to Immediate expulsion from this Oxford Hoas well as possible future Oxford House membership.Dated this day of '

SIgnatureWe, your housemembers and roommates, friends in and for recovery for life, are wiling to go to any lewith you, not for you.President: Members:

Treasurer:Secretary:comptroller:C oo rd in a to r:


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Oxford House Member Contract for Disruptive BehaviorHouse:Member under Contract:~w:r~~~~rM:tW:1WJ@"jjtJtj!.~~~~tg'J~!!.:11~11:fMf~i1;ti1rt' .I."tr;;Pl.'t:-':'Jetrt;'j{!I;MiMJ:~&irpl4i'J:,,,'f'.f'lJI!J~/!ff.N;1~"fl;;"E.,iilZlfI'~rr!I:'-"f':JJJrft~E~~1~$Y.%.2-}t~~~p}~}}'~~!'~Jt~'#~~~~~f~:;,~~m~~~~#~;:.:&~~~tE~~~~i:.!~j.:C~~~~7t~~~f:;it~;:~~~~.&~~~0);,~~This contract is designed to help you help yourself. As your housemates, we have observed the following behaviors andpatterns that are disrupting the smooth operation of this House.Disruptive Behaviors:L

2.use additional paper if nece

. The House is asking tha t you modify your behavior in the following ways in order to best facilitate your recovery andrecovery of everyone in the house.Specific Behavior Changes.. 'L

2.

3.use additional paper if nece~~~t~1i~.~j}~~i~~m

This contract will be reviewed at each regular house meeting for its' duration and may be modified at any time by amajority vote of the Housemembership.Thirty days from the beginning of the contract. the House membership will vote to either:1. conclude the contract satisfactoriiy and retain the member2. expel the member for disruptive behavior-3. extend and/or modify the contract and continue it

I acknowledge and accept f u l l responsibility for my p lan of recovery as outlined in this contract, I understand and accepthat thiscontract may be modif'1ed by amajority vote of the membership and that failure to comply with the terms ofcontract may result in my expulsion from this Oxford House.Signature I DateWe your bousemetes and brothers/sisters in recovery ar e wi/fing to go to any length with you, but not for you.

I DateignatureSignature DateSignature DateSignature DateS\gnotur~ Date_Signature Date


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- 5 ~ i 2 g ~ n a - t - u - r e ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I - D D - - a a t - t e e - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' Signature __

Week t Review:

Week 2 Review:

Week 3 Review:

Week 4 Review:

Contract ended on Date:

Action Taken:Arlcfitinnal C:ommPl1t~~


21/31

BOUNDARIES .... and WHAT IS and IS NOT ACCEPTABLE'WE HAVE NO BOSSES IN OXFORD HOUSE"

IT IS NOT OKAY TO:1. VERBALLY ATTACK ANOTHER PERSON, EITHER BY RAISING YOUR VOICE OR MAKING SARCASTICREMARKS TOWARD THAT PERSON2. PUT ANOTHER PERSON DOWN. EXPRESSION OF INNAPPROPRIATE CRITICISM TOWARD A PERSON'SMORAL BEHAVIOR, APPEARANCE, CLOTHES, FRIENDS, ETC.,3. TAKE SOMEONE ELSES INVENTORY, UNLESS YOU ARE CONCERNED THAT PERSON IS EXHIBITINGRELAPSE BEHAVIOR. RELAPSE CONCERNS ALL OF US4. SHAME OR FRIGHTEN ANY OF US BY CROSSING THE BOUNDARIES WE HAVE SET FOR OURSELVES5. PLACE BLAME ON SOMEONE ELSE FOR YOUR BEHAVIOR OR FEELINGS. WE MUST TAKERESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR OWN ACTIONS AND FEELINGS.6. THROW OBJECTS, SLAM DOORS, STOMP AROUND, CALL NAMES, OR PHYSICALLY ATTACK IN ANGER.RAGING OUT OF CONTROL FRIGHTENS AND TRAUMATIZES EVERYONE AROUND YOU, AND IS NOTACCEPTABLE.7. ISOLATE8. HOLD RESENTMENTS TOWARD HOUSE MEMBERS WHICH CAUSE COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN ANDOR TENSION. AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR IN HOUSE MEMBERS. (IF PERSONALITY CONFLICTS CANNOTRESOLVED BY THE PERSONS DIRECTLY INVOLVED, THEY SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE HOUSE AS AWHOLE.)9. TO ATTEMPT TO MANIPULATE OR CONTROL OTHERS TO MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS THROUGHGOSSIP, AGGRESSIVENESS OR SELF-JUSTIFICATION.10. NO SPANKING, HITTING, OR YELLING AT THE CHILDREN. THEY ARE PRECIOUS AND VALUABLE PEOPLTOO, AND DESERVE OUR MUTUAL RESPECT.11. IF A PARENT CANNOT CONTROL A DISRUPTIVE CHILD WITHIN 10MINUTES THE PARENT MUST TAKETHE CHILD TO HER RESPECTIVE ROOM, OR TO A LESS POPULATED AREA UNTIL THE CHILD HAS CALMEDOWN.IT IS OKAY AND ACCEPTABLE TO:1. BE PATIENT AND TOLERANT. EACH OF US ARE AT OUR OWN LEVEL OF GROWTH. PRACTICEACCEPTANCE. uLlVE AND LET LlVE~2. TO SHARE POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND FEELINGS TOWARDS OTHERS3. TO RECOGNIZE ACHIEVMENTS AND GROWTH IN OTHERS.4. SHARE YOUR PROGRAM AND LISTEN TO OTHERS.5. TO HAVE PERSONAL QUIET TIMES AND PRIVACY6. TO LAUGH AT YOUR MISTAKES.7. TO DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE THEM DONE UNTO YOU.

"OxforU Houses provide the addicted individual the opportunity to change their behaviors"Paul Molloy-Founder, OXford House Inc.


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GUEST EXPECTATIONS

** YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR GUESTS AT ALL TIMES...lF NEEDBE, ASK ANOTHER MEMBER TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR GUEST** NO GUEST IS ALLOWED IN AN OXFORD HOUSE WHILE UNDER THEINFLUENCE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.

** NO GUESTS ARE ALLOWED TO STAY IN THE HOUSE WHILE YOU ARENOT PRESENT. ALL GUESTS LEAVE WITH YOU UNLESS OTHERARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE HOUSE!!!

**GO OVER HOUSE EXPECTATIONS & CURFEW WITH YOUR GUEST

**IF YOU HAVE A ROOMATE, YOU MUST PRE-ARRANGE WITH THEMBEFORE HAVING AN OVERNIGHT GUEST

**PLEASE BE COURTEOUS AND INFORM THE HOUSE WHEN HAVING ANOVERNIGHT GUEST

**CONFIDENTIALITY--NO HOUSE BUSINESS IS TO BE DISCUSSED OUTSIDTHE HOUSE, OR, IN FRONT OF GUESTS

**IF YOUR GUEST IS DISRUPTIVE IN THE HOUSE AND, IT AFFECTS THESERENITY OF THE HOUSE AS A WHOLE, ITWILL BE BROUGHT TO THEHOUSE MEETING OR AN EMERGENCY MEETING WILL BE CALLED TOHAVE A MAJORITY VOTE TO EXPEL THAT PERSON FROM THE HOUSE.


23/31

o us ,IN1010 WAY NE AVE NUE , SUITE 4 00

SILVER SPRINGS, M A R Y L A N D 209101-800-689-64 t 1

e

ME 0TO: All Oxford House ResidentsFROM: Oxford House, Inc.

We have had several inquiries to our office as to the policyconcerning long term (more than two weeks) or permanentuse of prescribed narcotics by our residents.Any member prescribed narcotics by a Physician must havea le tte r from hisJherdoctor acknowledging t ha t they a re a wa rethat their patient is a recovering alcoholic or drug addict andthat, in their professional opinion, there is"no alternative orsuitable non-narcotic pain medication for their condition. Theletter should also state the lengt~ of time the patient shouldbe on their prescribed medicine.In addition, the group conscience of the House must determinei f the presence of narcotics in the house might trigger or havea negative effect on their own recovery and vote accordingly,keeplnq in mind that we are a zero tolerance program.


24/31

Oxford House Inc.

Frequently asked Questions from Oxford Houses:Q. When an emergency meetin g Is h eld to v ote o n e xpu lsion of a m em be r fo r u s I n g or d \ s \'U p t W e b e 1 \ a " i t o t ,does the member tn question have a right to attend the meeting and vote?A. Yes ,in a democ raU~81/Yrun Oxford H ou se , ere rrm em be r ha s the right to vote, evenIf theyere suspected 01breaking house rules. Emergencymeetin{ should nol be held without thomember In question belngpresent {unless, of course. thIs member cannot be found withIn areasonable time J .Q. Doe s Ox fo rd Hou s e, Inc.ts s ta tu s o f be ing a "tax ex em pt" non-p ro fit m ean th at IndM du alO x fo rd Hou s es d on 't have to pay state sales ta x o n h ou se p urc ha se s?A. No, a /l state taxes hare to be paid on house purchases. 7ax-exempl" In the case of OxforHouse mean s that Oxfor d to e: d oe s no t have to P ilY fede ra l taxes on Incom e they receive to startOxford Houses and that contributions to OxfordHousesor OxfiJrr/ House Inc. are considered taxtkductible by the IRS.

Q. Can th e h ou s e ke ep a n e xp elle d m emb er's b elo ng in gs in re tu rn fo r u n pa id rent or otherexpenses?A. No, houses can/1{J/legallrkeep belongings In /Jell 81unpaid hills . T1J e$JOtIs should bekep/ln a safe ptsce and If not p icked up within a reaso/Ub/e amount of time, a certified retumreceipt requested Jetter should be sent /0 /he JndMdual or h is /h er fam ily gMnlf them a Hme(atleas/two weeks) wh en the ,fo od s w i ll be gIven away to a non ';J l oflt o r,fan iz aUon such as Goodw ior the SalvatIon Army If not picked up_ Thecertttied letter wi l l protect houses if an expelledmember decides to sue for the belongings.Q. W h at If a zon ing Inspec to r from th e city show s u p at ou r door? 00we le t h im /her In?A~ Politely ask the inspector to call the telephone number of the Oxford Inc. office -301/587291 G belDTS tltey do an Inspection 01 Me house.


25/31


26/31

OXFORD HOUSE, INC.FINANCIAL SERVICES OFFICE

Q: Can Oxford Houses have Bocks on inside doors?A: The simple answer is NO. There are no Jocks on doors inside the House,1. Boarding Houses have locks on doors. The client of a boarding house rents aroom and a bed. He rents his room for a specified or limited time, month tomonth. week to week. He does not share in any of the actfvitfSs of the house,He does not help manage the house. Most of all he or she has no reason tocare or be concemed about whom else lives or shares the HoUSS'. ,2. Oxford Houses are self-run and self-supporting families i , . . recovef)(--. There--should be no reason to lock doors against fellow members of the fami~3. We know that isolation. loneliness and depression am symptom$. of ouedisease and therefore we seek to be open and forthcoming with all membersof our House. A change in behavior and a sudden desire to be away from theactivities of the House is a sure sign of trouble and one. whfdl we allrecognize.4. By locks we do not mean the type of hardware integra. to the dOOrknob andcommonly found on bathroom and bedroom doors. These locks are deSignedfor temporary "privacy", but are not designed to impede en t ry In tnen:!Verif-otfire or emergency.5. By locks we mean dead bolts, hasps, padlocks and other hardware systemsdesigned to keep the guys out in the old neighborhood. This type ofhardware is normally locked when the member leaves the room. Youdo notlock your bedroom door when you leave the House. You are a member of anOxford House. You have been voted into an Oxford House'- Yo(fdfcfnofrenta room or a bed when you joined the House. You joined an Oxford family.6. A lock can of course be placed on a cupboard. closet. or storage area. if theHouse feels that the House records, the House check book or other Housedocuments or valuables belonging to an absent member should be keptsecure.7. An Oxford House is very similar to a church. You voluntarily became amember of the church but membership does not give you rights to the pewyou sit in. As in a church, you abide by the rules of the House. You can be

asked to leave i f you do not comply with the wishes of the majority of themembers. You don't lock your pew when you leave, but i f you sit in it tongenough they may put your name on it!


27/31

HOUSE CHECK-UPAs summer comes to a close, all housesneed to check their status. Each memberof the house should read this and takepositive action.1. How is_Jheoutside of your house? Is

it the best in the neighborhood or atleast one of the best? Are the lawnsand shrubs trim. leaves raked, weedsgone. and all unnecessary junkremoved? You have several adults inyour home. probably more than yourneighbors and this is the firstimpression people have of OxfordHouse..~nd.Jtsresidents.2. It is time to repaint, wash walls, andreally deep clean everything inside. Athoroughly clean house makes for ahealthy environment physically andmentally. Does your house needmaintenance, caulking bathrooms,replacing broken hardware,shampooing carpets, ete? Take careof your home.3. Are your house finances in good orderand following the Oxford Houseguidelines? Is your loan current? Thisrepayment makes it possible for otherhouses to open. Does the houseinsure the safety of its funds bysigning authorized checks (all housemembers voted) at the house meetingonly; by giving receipts for all income;by completing a monthly audit whenyour bank statement arrives; and bysharing all bills and receiptexpenditures at your meeting? Doyou u se a 2-key lock box for yourcheckbook and petty cash? We trusteveryone but not their addiction.

Good accounting practices keep yourhouse and its individuals healthy.

~4: Does everyone participate in houseand chapter activities or do they justuse your house for cheap living? Doyou participate in regularpresentations to the treatment centersand agencies?5. Are you adhering to the three basicOxford charter rules? Is everyonepaying his or her share on time? Isyou house a zero tolerance for alcoholand drugs, including prescribednarcotics? Does everyone participatein the decision making for your house?Remember we have no bosses andeach resident's vote is equallyimportant.6. Are your house files and notebooks ingood order? Are all your forms inorder?7. Do you make new members feelwelcome by walking them through allthe house guidelines and physicalaspects of cupboards, refrigerator,etc? Have you tried the "buddy"system?

8. Is everyone anending your weeklyhouse meetings? Are you rushingthrough the meeting or do you allowtime for the democratic process towork? Do you allow ample time tohold a "How Goes It- or processing?This has proven to be one of thecritical aspects of a stress free home.9. Do your house members makerecovery, attltude. and behaviorchange a focus by practicing theprinciples in all their affairs? Oxfordhouse is a privilege for recovery notcheap digs for dysfunctional people.

If you are experiencing difficulties in anyof these areas, contact your housingservice chairman or outreachrepresentative for suggestions onimprovement. We can ALL make the timeto clean up and sharpen up our homesand our lives for a better chance at longterm recovery. Oxford house isRECOVERY. RESPONSIBILITY, andREPLICATION.


28/31

City: Zip Code: Day and Time of House BusinessMeeting:EmailAddress:hone Number:

PresidentTreasurerComptrollerSecretaryCoordinatorH.S.C. RepH.S.C. Rep Alt.MemberMemberMemberMemberMember

Amount of rent owed to landlord for current month: _ Amount of rent paid to landlord for current month:Are all financial obligations paid in full [YES/NO]? If not, list what is owed and to whom: _

Amount of World Services dues payment: Amount of Revolving Loan Payment _Did House Secretary log on to website, www.oxfordhouse.org/update, & update house data & vacancies at least once per week[YES/NO]? _

Did House President check the house voicemail daily [YES/NO]? _Did House Secretary check the house email account [YES/N01 ? How often? _

list any repairs needed to your house. Discussany contact with landlord regarding these issues.

MONTHLY HOUSE REPORT-VERSION MARCH 2010 Page 1 of


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House Status [How is your House doing?]

l _ c _ o _ m _ p _ l e _ t _ e d _ B Y _ : I _ D _ a _ t _ e :

M ON TH LY H OU SE R EPO RT-V ERSIO N MARCH 2010 Page 2 of


30/31

Reconcile your House checking account every month. This form should be completed in duplicate. Keepone copy for your House records and one copy should be submitted to the Chapter at the regular monthlyChapter Meeting.

+~=~The Beginning Balance should be equal to the House ending balance from the prior monthThe Subtotal should be brought over to page 2

These two amounts should be equal

MONTHLY HOUSE FINANCIAL SUMMARY REPORT VERSION-MARCH 2010 PAGE 1 O


31/31

PRESIDENT: DATE:

president's training packet

Documents