Chairing an AA Meeting Tomorrow. Need Advice!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: California
Posts: 358
Chairing an AA Meeting Tomorrow. Need Advice!
Hi Everyone. So, with all of 39 days sobriety, I've been tapped to "chair" an AA meeting tomorrow. I think that's what it's called? Share my story for 20-25 minutes.
I know I'm supposed to go How I Was --> What Happened to Change That --> How Things Are Now... But any other advice would be much (and I mean much!) appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
-- Negative Man
I know I'm supposed to go How I Was --> What Happened to Change That --> How Things Are Now... But any other advice would be much (and I mean much!) appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
-- Negative Man
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Langley, BC
Posts: 1,007
words of wisdom I can't offer as I have never been to a meeting....but encouragement I have tons of, and it will all be with you tomorrow night. gotta tell you, that takes courage, and you're gonna be awesome. (i just have a feeling
can't wait to hear how it goes!
can't wait to hear how it goes!
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
You have me confused.....NM
When you chair a meeting....you come prepared to bring
up a topic for discussion.
If you were asked to tell your story...
you will be the speaker and not the chair person.
If you are the chair...I suggest you read the
Daily Reflections for tomorrow and go with that.
....Also a meeting on Gratitude is a good topic.
When I am the speaker...
I say a quick prayer on my way to the podium.
"Help my words help someone"
Open mouth and begin.
You'll be just fine...either way it works out.
Good for you!
When you chair a meeting....you come prepared to bring
up a topic for discussion.
If you were asked to tell your story...
you will be the speaker and not the chair person.
If you are the chair...I suggest you read the
Daily Reflections for tomorrow and go with that.
....Also a meeting on Gratitude is a good topic.When I am the speaker...
I say a quick prayer on my way to the podium.
"Help my words help someone"
Open mouth and begin.
You'll be just fine...either way it works out.
Good for you!
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Upstate, N.Y.
Posts: 4,639
Wow, good for you negative man. I was over 30 days the first time I chaired at my home group. At my group all i had to do was read off the paper and ask if there's a topic anyone wants to suggest; unless someone got a white chip then it's automatically 1st step.
But I'm confused too like Carol. So what she said without repeating it again.
You'll do fine either way. Let us know what happened.
Barb
But I'm confused too like Carol. So what she said without repeating it again.
You'll do fine either way. Let us know what happened.
Barb
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: California
Posts: 358
Sorry everyone! Yes, I meant I'm the speaker, not the chair. I've got to share my story for 25 minutes. I'll still take any suggestions... Thanks for those that have already come in. A prayer will definitely be helpful! -- NM
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Upstate, N.Y.
Posts: 4,639
No advice for you. A round here people don't speak until their at least 1 year sober. But what you said on your 1st post sounds good. What happened... What it was like... and what it's like now.
Good luck. I know you'll do well.
Barb
Good luck. I know you'll do well.
Barb
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Langley, BC
Posts: 1,007
was it tonight you were speaking?? I'm assuming I got my days mixed up since you were posting on here....time differences mess me up 
if you did - how'd you get along? and if you didn't yet - than good luck (again) I don't think I could ever do that - so I have HUGE respect for you being able to......
let us know!
if you did - how'd you get along? and if you didn't yet - than good luck (again) I don't think I could ever do that - so I have HUGE respect for you being able to......
let us know!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: California
Posts: 358
It went really well. I started with, "I've got 40 days, and this is usually when I relapse." That sort of opened things up for me. And it reminded me that my higher power was looking out for me, giving me this opportunity to do things differently this time.
I really enjoyed speaking. but more importantly, I really enjoyed everyone's shares afterwards. They all spoke to me, though they were speaking about themselves. I felt very honored to have been there.
Thanks for everyone's advice. If you run into this situation yourself, just speak from the heart. Just speak the truth.
Rock on!
-- NM
I really enjoyed speaking. but more importantly, I really enjoyed everyone's shares afterwards. They all spoke to me, though they were speaking about themselves. I felt very honored to have been there.
Thanks for everyone's advice. If you run into this situation yourself, just speak from the heart. Just speak the truth.
Rock on!
-- NM
Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Posts: 2
Congratulations! I am today 39 days sober and I was asked to chair my home group for the month of August! Where I am in my sobriety and at our meetings we call those who speak lead meetings and the person speaking the lead who is introduced by the chair. Usually six months of solid sobriety and a true action of working the steps is required to be a lead. Good for you and I read the post date so you are well into your years of sobriety. Keep up the good work. It works if you work it!!!
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
