Starting A New Women's Meeting

[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.

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.

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!

**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.

[CarolD]

I kinda think we got info from Central Office
to start our new womans meeting.

We took turns hosting meetings in our homes
to safe operating expenses.
As we were all from the same home group
we gave the basket money to them

We met at noon so working women could come.
We did ask everyone to bring their own coffee/cold drinks.
The hostess furnished cookies and such.

We decided to make it an open discussion
as some women were too shy to share on
our specific female issues with men present.

Hope that gives you some ideas...
good to know you are interested ...

[Tommyh]

Emilily
here is my suggestion
first,you do not need anyone permission or blessing to start your meeting.

Find a good group of women who wants the same.Small or med or large group..your choice.

Select a format that the group founders like.
Get a meeting place and time and make a flyer and go by Metrolina Intergroup Association on S.Blvd. and leave some flyers there.Have the meeting announced in the newsletter 20/20 that is put out by the intergroup.You would need to email Mary Ellen for that.

Give the meeting a chance before you contact GSO in NY and make it a official group.I would give it a month or two before making it a official group.

I live about 40-50 miles east of you and that is what some of the ladies here did about 15 yrs ago and their meeting is still going today.I can pass on a contact number or two if you are interested in chatting over the phone to them.

good luck in your quest!
Tommy

[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

[Tazman53]

I am with Barb on how to deal with the men who talk out of their arse instead of their mouth, call them on it!!!

We are men and as a result we tend to many times speak before we think!

Calling us on our BS actions is not only good for you, but good for us.

My first wife would get so mad at me she would not talk to me for days at a time, sometimes I deserved that, sometimes I enjoyed that!!!!

What was frustrating for me was I was never able to correct what I was doing wrong because she would never tell me what made her mad.

[Emimily]

I hadn't checked this in a while, thanks for all the great tips. Barb... you're right up my alley, sister. And BBall, thanks for the input. I was on hold for a while the other day, trying to get in touch with the intergroup rep, but I had to hang up. I guess I'll get my grassroots gals a-stirrin and see what we can come up with.

Keeping each other accountable for inappropriate behavior has kept me coming back to the rooms more than once... maybe it's time for me to extend the courtesy to someone else?

[barb dwyer]

It's all about the self respect ...
that's yet another gift of the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous, to me...

Good for you, Emm ... you've come so far.

I'm very very proud of you.

[29a]

hey em, are you gonna be the founder?
j/k

i'm proud of you taking initiative on this one