|
"Alcoholics Anonymous is more than a set of principles; it is a Fellowship of alcoholics in action. Service is at the centre of every A.A. concept and activity. It is as fundamental to A.A. as abstinence is to sobriety. Without this giving of oneself to another, there would be no Fellowship. This desire to serve improves recovery. As newcomers, we see people giving time, energy and love in the service of the Fellowship, and it is suggested that we too should become involved. Those of us who have done this will tell you of the enormous benefits we have received by willingly stepping into service. A great paradox of A.A. is that rewards come when we begin to forget ourselves. Simple service tasks have helped to develop confidence, a belief in one’s own value and opinions, self-respect and self-worth. We have all found that participating in service activities has helped our recovery. Everyone in A.A. has some contribution to make. There are so many ways of practising our Twelfth Step. Some are talented in hospital or prison work, others can write to loners or answer telephones and some have abilities which lie in committee activities or sponsorship. But service is not just for a small number of experienced people. Each one of us has been surprised at the abilities which have emerged with a willingness to grow in service." Reprinted from the pamphlet “Growing into Service”, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc. Service is an essential part of the A.A. programme of recovery. For those not currently active in service we hope that this page will inspire you into action. In the column to the right we have reprinted what the pamphlet "Growing Into Service" has to say. It puts in a nutshell what service is and what benefits it brings. Below are quotes from some of our members on their feelings of doing Service.
Whether you are currently active in service, or thinking of taking up a service position in A.A. you are advised to familiarise yourself with the following:
A.A. Service Handbook These documents are published to ensure that A.A. is effective in carrying the message to the still suffering alcoholic, and to protect those members wishing to be active in service. SEWIG always extends a warm welcome to new members and groups and observers. Intergroup offers a fantastic way to give service and to carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic. What is required to be an Intergroup member? Knowledge & Experience Minimum 2 years sobriety. Ideally serving GSR but not essential. Previous experience in any particular area is not essential as a genuine desire to carry the message is by far the most important criteria. Personal Attributes Open, willing and honest. Training Any member who takes up a commitment will be fully supported by the rest of the SEWIG team and the AA Guidelines. Hours of Work 2 Hours every three months plus whatever you can spare over an above that. Benefits We keep what we have by giving it away. Here is what others have had to say about doing service in A.A. "Being a telephone responder has been as good as going to a meeting, and doing service brings me back to earth." "Why is it that the same people come back time and again to do service? It's because those people have experienced it's benefits." "Service has been an integral part of my recovery. It has worked along side the steps in building my confidence both inside and outside the fellowship, allowing me to enjoy the full life the programme of Alcoholics Anonymous has given me" "I am now approaching my fifth year of sobriety, and I can't see how I would have achieved this without doing service for the fellowship. When I look at a one of the chips now that we give out in our meeting to members celebrating an anniversary, I can see why they have Service imprinted on them, alongside Recovery and Unity, as it is one of the cornerstones of my recovery and, as such, I would recommend it to anyone. I can only keep what I have by giving it away." "Doing service is just a small way of trying to give back a little of what the fellowship has given me. My confidence has grown and I truly feel a part of the fellowship." "I have found service has not only helped me maintain my sobriety but is also a reminder of step 12 'to help the still suffering alcoholic'. It's like being at the heart of AA." |
If this page, and what you hear elsewhere, does inspire you into action then you can learn more by going to the