[barb dwyer]

Originally Posted by Emimily

So I need some help here... I want to start a new women's meeting in my town. There aren't a lot of women's meetings here, and no women's Big Book studies that I know of. I think it would be a great meeting to start, especially since there's been some really negative statements about women made at a few meetings lately. My question is, how do I go about this? Do I need to get approval from Intergroup, or GSO? Does anyone know? I posted this in the women's room as well.

Hi Em -

There *is* a brochure on organizing a meeting .. it's at the aa. org site. I remember seeing it in the GSR ordering packet material. I'll see if I can dig it up when I get home if you like- you can probably get it faster yourself here, though.

The GSR of almost any group can get it for you, also. GSO has all the info to help you get the setup ... I'm thinking you're meaning the secretary, treasurer... this is more than a 'prayer' meeting style meeting you're talking about.

Although - a 'prayer meeting' 'lets run it up the pole' kind of format at first to establish interest is a smart way to go before notifying District and getting schedules put into the printed free material ....

Also, any advice on how to deal with the idiot men who keep making cracks about women? Last night, a friend of ours picked up her year chip at my home group. From across the room, a well-respected man (who is also a home group member) yelled "Thanks [boyfriend's name]" I was incensed. Really. I was absolutely livid. To belittle women like that in front of a whole meeting sends a really negative message to newcomers, men and women. I would never disrespect my brothers in AA that way, not just because I don't think it's funny or cool, but because I have more respect for an AA meeting than to disrespect someone trying to get sober.

In fact ... yes.


Stand up ... and say exactly what you just said.

Right then.
Right there.

So, I want to get a group of sober warrior women together, and rock out without any negative male vibe. Any advice, tips, anything would be appreciated. Thank you!

Good luck to you! I LOVE to see women's groups form!

*prayers*

**sidenote : I know a lot of really decent, funny, smart, sober men who are good people with great programs. I don't want anyone to think that I don't appreciate my AA brothers, because I absolutely do. Some of them are my best friends and have helped me through really tough times. It's just the doofuses that I'd like to steer clear from... I know they deserve every opportunity to seize sobriety - Lord knows I wouldn't want to see most of those yahoos drunk.

this part reminds me of theteeny tiny print on car commercials