Kairos Frequently Asked Questions
How does Kairos Prison Ministry impact those incarcerated or affected by incarceration? Kairos Prison Ministry affects our communities in many positive ways. Lives have been changed and former inmates return to our communities as more responsible and less violent citizens. Former inmates become better spouses, parents, employees, or volunteers and give back to society. Recidivism rates drop for those who have gone through a Kairos Program, which reduces the cost of operating prisons.
How committed are our Kairos volunteers? Kairos volunteers donate over 3 million service hours per year to the various departments of corrections domestically and abroad. The value of this donated time in addition to the cost of $5,000-10,000 of each Kairos Weekend equals a total value over $35 million each year contributed to those impacted by incarceration. An estimated 3 million volunteer hours of service are provided each year by Kairos. Yes, you can say with absolute certainty that Kairos volunteers are committed.
How many weekend events does Kairos conduct? Annually, Kairos holds close to 1,000 Weekend programs in 500 locations across the world, encompassing Kairos Inside, Kairos Outside, and Kairos Torch. Volunteers also participate in training courses and activities before and after Kairos Weekends, as well as conduct Continuing Ministry year-round.
How does Kairos Prison Ministry affect the lives of volunteers? The program also has a very favorable effect upon volunteers. Many volunteers acknowledge that the team training, with its emphasis on introspection, honesty, sharing and community, enhances their spirituality. Kairos Prison Ministry serves our communities and reduces the number of victims by changing inmate lives. Mary of the inmates who participate in a Kairos program return to our communities as better citizens, family members, and friends, thereby making our neighborhoods safer.
What do Corrections staff members think of Kairos Prison Ministry? Kairos programs have gained the respect of the correctional system. In a study of 505 inmates released from Florida prisons, the recidivism rate was 15.7% among those who had participated in one Kairos session, and 10% among those who had participated in two or more Kairos sessions. The non-Kairos control group in the study had a recidivism rate of 23.4%.
Does Kairos Prison Ministry save money for taxpayers? The savings to the taxpayer are substantial. As one former prisoner put it: "It cost the government about $1,000,000 to try me and to imprison me for several years, but a $100 program keeps me out".
State Chapter Committee/Area Committee/Advisory Council Websites - The technology continues to get easier and the costs continue to go down. Bring it up at your next State Chapter meeting or your next Advisory Council meeting. You might be surprised to find someone in your community willing to setup a very high quality site and the costs would be limited to the domain name and the annual hosting fee.
Where can I see upcoming Kairos Weekends so I can send agape or join a prayer vigil? All Kairos Weekends can be found on the Kairos Kalendar as well as the list of agape contacts which can be downloaded and a link to prayervigils.net where Kairos Weekends are listed and timeslots can be reserved.
Does Kairos offer a teleconference capability for volunteers to conduct Kairos business? Kairos already has the capability to offer teleconferencing. All you need to do is call or e-mail the KPMI Office (conferencecall@mykairos.org and request the teleconference. We will set up the call and send the teleconference chairperson the dial-in information.
How can I change the way the newsletter is delivered? To have the Newsletter delivered via e-mail or a link to the website version, just go to mykairos.org, click on Newsroom in the left hand column, then click on E-News, for the current as well as past newsletters.
Does KPMI provide Official Logos, videos and Professional Brochures? Yes, Kairos provides this material for us to print and use to pass out or to setup at ministerial booths, for presentations - Use the Supply Order Form where your Advisory Council can order DVDs, flash drives, and brochures. The materials are free, but they would appreciate a donation to cover shipping and printing costs. The official Kairos logos can be obtained for your use on websites and letterhead. Go to Website Admin Downloads or in the Kairos Style Guide.
