Church & School
Bring GOGI to The People You Serve
Free life tools for classrooms, congregations, and community groups.
The GOGI Life Tools were created by incarcerated students who needed a simple way to make positive decisions in some of the hardest situations a person can be. The same GOGI Life Tools work in a classroom, a youth group, a church hall, or a community center. Anyone can learn them. Anyone can teach them. Everything on this page is free, and starting GOGI with your group is simple.
Start in 3 Steps
Download the Calendar and Tools.
One page that shows all twelve GOGI Life Tools and the weekly study schedule.
2. Read the Meeting Manual.
It shows you exactly how to run a GOGI meeting, step by step.
3. Hold Your First GOGI Meeting.
A small circle or a full classroom. If it fits your schedule, it fits GOGI.
How to Bring GOGI to your School, Church, or Organization
1. Download the Free Materials
You can run a complete GOGI program without spending a dollar. Start with these:
GOGI Meeting Manual.
The agenda and format for running a GOGI Circle Group meeting, step by step.
GOGI Mini Book.
All GOGI Life Tools in one quick PDF guide, plus a free Book Report course that earns a certificate.
The World of GOGI.
An introduction to GOGI in a PDF you can print and hand to staff or residents.
Do You Know Your GOGI?
A PDF handout to test and build knowledge of the tools.
2. Pick a Format that Fits
GOGI fits almost anywhere people gather: a classroom lesson, an advisory or homeroom period, an after-school club, a counseling group, a youth group, a men’s or women’s group, a recovery ministry, or a video call. Most groups meet once a week and follow the GOGI Calendar of Study, so everyone works on the same tool at the same time, including GOGI students in prisons and jails across the country.
3. Choose a Facilitator
Anyone can facilitate a GOGI Life Tools meeting. Teachers, counselors, youth leaders, pastors, volunteers, and older students all can lead. Anyone who wants to go further can work toward becoming an Authorized GOGI Credible Facilitator by working with GOGI headquarters and leading 15 documented GOGI Circle Group meetings. Going even further, anyone can certify as a GOGI Peer Mentor, and, ultimately, earn the rare Certified GOGI Community Coach.
4. Teach the Tools to Kids & Teens
GOGI offers free Kids Rule handouts and a GOGI Life Tools coloring book, so even young children can learn tools like BELLY BREATHING and the FIVE SECOND LIGHTSWITCH.
5. Use GOGI Alongside What You Already Do
GOGI does not replace your curriculum, counseling, or ministry. It supports them by making positive
decision-making simpler. The GOGI Life Tools give people a simple, shared language for the moments
that matter: a test that feels impossible, an argument in the hallway, a hard day at home. BELLY
BREATHING and the FIVE SECOND LIGHTSWITCH work in the moment, even when no teacher,
counselor, or pastor is in the room.
For churches and faith communities:
6. Support people inside
Many churches and community groups already serve people in prisons and jails. GOGI gives your prison ministry or outreach team something real to share. Print free GOGI materials and mail them, following each facility’s mail rules. Sponsor a specialized course through the GOGI Shop. Or share the Prison & Jail page with the chaplain or program staff at a facility you serve, since GOGI programming is free for facilities.
7. Add Certificate Courses (Optional)
Want more structure? Specialized GOGI courses are available as printed course workbooks through the GOGI Shop. Groups ordering 25 or more get volume pricing. Every purchase supports free programming for people inside.
8. Let GOGI Know You’re Running Meetings
GOGI can provide guest speakers and real-time training at no cost. Tell us about your school, church, or group so we can send updates on new tools and free resources. We love hearing where GOGI is taking root. Just reach out to info@gettingoutbygoingin.org.
Bring Real Stories into the Room
The GOGI Life Tools channel on YouTube has hundreds of videos that inspire and educate, and they make a strong start to a class, a youth night, or a small group. Follow Getting Out by Going In on Facebook and LinkedIn. The Prison Positive Podcast shares real stories of change from GOGI students and supporters, from prisons to everyday life.
