Why Join TIFA?

The age old question of "What’s In It For Me?" usually winds up being ask about almost everything we spend time doing…. Or at least it probably should as we evaluate the spending of our time efforts and energy. Let’s begin with the obvious:

TIFA, Inc. is a FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP. If you (and your family) have a firm grip on your situation, feel that the policies and procedures of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Board of Pardons and Paroles are operating in your best interest, and when an occasional question does arise, you can quickly find an accurate answer ….. then there is probably not much TIFA can do for you other than provide monthly interaction with families who are in a similar situation.

Oh yes, you just might meet someone who happens to just gone down a road you are about travel and they can tell you where the "pot holes" are so you can have a smoother ride.

Through our monthly meetings you will be given the opportunity to not only share in other family’s successes and failures, but also we have speakers from the Texas Department of Corrections to address such topics as Visitation, Medical, Classification, Mailroom, Project Rio…. And the list goes on.

TIFA, Inc. produces a bimonthly (6 per year) newsletter, The Contact, which brings you (and your incarcerated loved one) up-to-date information as to what is going on in and around TDCJ and the Board of Pardons & Paroles. It also includes hints and tips on dealing with the everyday problems we face and interesting articles on how other families are dealing with and handling life’s difficulties.

Through TIFA’s Executive Director, Board of Directors and Chapter Chairs, you are represented at many meetings of TDCJ Executive Committee, Related Legislative Committees, Board of Pardon & Parole Meetings and numerous similar and opposing groups and organizations. As a member, you will be kept informed as to When and Where meetings that are open for YOU to attend and for those that are closed to the public, you will receive a "first hand" report from those who did attend.

TIFA has been in and around the system for the past 8 years and is recognized at "THE" family organization on most units. Through your affiliation with TIFA, you are able to have this creditability proceed you as you deal with the wardens and guards on the unit. It goes without saying that along with this privilege comes the responsibility to deal reasonably and respectfully as you seek remedy to your situation.

So, What’s In It For Me? …. As I travel down a road I’ve never been down before, it is nice to occasionally talk to a fellow traveler who can tell me what to expect around the next bend. When I’m stuck in a rut, it is a blessing to have someone who been there to "give me a push" so I can carry on. When I help someone find an illusive answer to a unique question and it makes life easier for them and their loved one, I have generally learned something that I will need to know as I carry on. As I am able to have my voice heard by TDCJ and Board of Pardons & Paroles I know that I have not only contributed to the Safety and Protection of the Citizens of Texas, The Employees of TDCJ, Our Incarcerated Loved Ones but also to the last victims of crime, the families of inmates.

tyler@tifa.org