What is A.A.?
A.A. Preamble
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
Copyright © The A.A. Grapevine, Inc. Reprinted with permission.
Resources
A very wide variety of free reading material and literature is readily available — online and in many A.A. rooms — to newcomers to better introduce anyone and everyone to the fellowship, program, and services of Alcoholics Anonymous.
A Brief Guide to A.A.
The Twelve Steps Illustrated
The Twelve Traditions Illustrated
Understanding Anonymity
Where Do I Go From Here?*
*For people leaving treatment
Bridging the Gap
For Atheists/
Agnostics
The "God" Word: Agnostic and Atheist Members in A.A.
Many Paths to Spirituality
Sponsorship
What is “sponsorship”?
“Essentially, the process of sponsorship is this: An alcoholic who has made some progress in the recovery program shares that experience on a continuous, individual basis with another alcoholic who is attempting to attain or maintain sobriety through A.A.”
Questions & Answers On Sponsorship
Answers commonly asked questions by those needing a sponsor or wanting to sponsor.
Service Work in A.A.
Service is one of the main cornerstones of sobriety.
If nobody was doing any service work, the Alcoholics Anonymous program would simply cease to exist. Without the service work of those who came before us, none of us would be here now!
Types of Service in Recovery
Anything that directly or indirectly helps others in recovery could be considered service. Examples of this type of work include:
Welcoming newcomers to recovery meetings
Meeting set-up or clean-up
Making coffee or tea at a A.A. meeting
Giving out coins/tokens/chips.
Chairing or moderating at a A.A. meeting
Sponsorship
Intergroup Representative
General Service Representative
Volunteering to work with homeless A.A.s
Visiting A.A.s in prison
Being supportive of those who are struggling in recovery
Taking an official service role within a recovery group, for example treasurer or secretary
Making time to speak to people who are obviously struggling with problems
Those individuals who do not hide their past can prove inspirational for those who are dealing with this type of problem.
The Benefits of Service in Recovery
Service in recovery benefits both the giver and receiver. In a lot of instances it will actually be the giver who ends up benefiting the most. Such benefits include:
Those people who devote some time to helping others are less likely to suffer with depression.
Helping others with problems reminds the individual of where they have come from. This will keep the pain of dysfunction fresh in their minds so that they never forget it. This should keep them committed to the recovery path.
The giver will feel that they are giving back and this will increase their confidence and self-esteem.
Helping others takes the focus off the individual. This is important because a lot of problems in the recovering A.A.’s life will be due to self absorption.
Providing service ensures that groups such as A.A. stay in business. If nobody volunteers their time these groups will disappear.
— From toledoaameetings.com