Our Way

A. Peer Mentoring:

Every member mentors each and every other member as an equal, contributing a unique set of experiences, life skills and relationships to the tribe. We rally around each member as they face their distinctive challenges in life. The releasing member benefits from familiar peer support in navigating the maze of challenges that the releasing ex-con faces. Iron Tribe members know which organizations and resources that have worked for them and are quick to connect new members to those that are beneficial. Having this network of experience and emotional support to draw from and contribute to, the releasing individual transitions more effectively and "does not feel alone". Building inter-dependent relationships amongst the tribe and staying actively involved in various group and community events enables Iron Tribe to cultivate and maintain a healthy and positive circle of influence.

B. Life Aim Development:

Iron Tribe encourages all of its members in developing a Life Aim. The Iron Tribe Chieftains assist in counseling new releasing members in their quest to discover their true strengths, interests and talents. The Chieftains then provide assistance in directing them to various employment or educational opportunities and support them as they navigate through the process of securing funding, entry, and admissions into corresponding schools or employment training. Developing personal and life aims are an integral part of establishing a successful pro-social program of living.

C. Spirituality:

Iron Tribe recognizes all of the spiritual practices of its members, upholding the belief that there are many paths to Creator. Iron Tribe is rooted in spirituality. Practicing various ceremonies and traditions is an essential part of Our Way, these include: prayer, smudging, centering, sweat, song and drum. We are sensitive to respecting these sacred traditions in a "Good Way". We support our members in their own personal expression of their spiritual connection to Creator the Earth and each other.

D. Health & Wellness:

Iron Tribe encourages its members to be involved in a program of exercise and diet. Many members were committed to a program of exercise during their incarceration and Iron Tribe promotes the benefits of continued exercise and maintaining a regimen of good nutrition. Many members exercise together on a regular basis; where fitness training is provided, as well as referrals to nutrition counseling. Iron Tribe partners with a local fitness center who sponsor members upon their release with discounted memberships. Iron Tribe practices centering in the gym saunas throughout the week for physical cleansing and prayer. Iron Tribe maintains a sweat lodge for spiritual cleansing on a monthly basis and encourages its members to participate. Engaging in these principles is a vital component in the pursuit of physical, mental and spiritual health and to achieve centering for total wellness.

E. Relational Projects:

Iron Tribe reaches out to youth and elder organzantions by providing relational meetings: paring members with youth and elders to share kinship, stories and experiences. Providing a sounding board for the pressures they are facing. Iron Tribe members are trained in relational meeting methods by Pheniox Rising Transitions. Iron Tribe begins the relational meetings with an optional smudge ceremony for those that wish to participate.

F. Community Healing Events:

Iron Tribe is actively involved in reaching out to the community with various projects and events which include:

Fundraising Events:

Iron Tribe hosts fundraising events to support our mission and to provide contributions to community organizations.

Recovery Events:

Iron Tribe hosts clean and sober gatherings to provide a venue for promoting unity among recovery groups and treatment organizations.

Volunteer Events:

Iron Tribe donates it’s time, various skills and labor to the community, businesses and qualifying organizations at no cost or on a donation basis.

Community Events:

Iron Tribe hosts and participates in local events that address various issues within our community.