AACoffee

Went to another new meeting last night and overheard some people dissing another meeting. One of their complaints was that there were "lots of newcomers" there. I think this is the sixth time I've heard this said before/after meetings. Is it bad to have a lot of newcomers in a meeting because they/we haven't worked all the steps yet or something? What's the big deal?

gincognito

stoopid noobs :rotfxko

quitforme79

If I would've heard that at a meeting I would've never walked thru those doors again, that's so not right. Everyone started as a newbie, shame on them! I am so glad I found the beginner's meetings, don't hear any of that chatter lol

ph3314

I am surprised by those comments. A lot of the people I have met in AA love seeing a lot of newcomers. I've also heard people say the beginner's meetings help them to remember what it was like.

One thing I did hear is that people come and go out of the program so often that there are some people that will not pay any attention to newcomers. The vast majority of people I have met love to see newcomers, it gives them the opportunity to welcome someone new and possibly help them along the way.

2granddaughters

Did you ask your sponsor about this?
Why didn't you ask the people making the statements? I have no idea who was at your meeting or what went on.

Keep coming back and it'll all make sense down the line.

All the best.

Bob R

yeahgr8

Just ignore them, you know they don't make up the whole room so go and stick close to the ones who have worked the steps and had their spiritual awakening then you can do the same:-)

Anna

I don't go to meetings, but I love it when we get lots of Newcomers here. It's always so good to see someone arrive here, knowing they need support and appreciating what we have to offer.

miamifella

I think it can be heartbreaking to see people come in and go out. I think that is why people in 12-step programs keep their distance from the newcomers until they have been around for a few weeks. It can be too painful to care about EVERYONE who comes through the door, when most of them will be gone soon.

FlyerFan

Well, sometimes if there is a large wave of newcomers all at one time, it can be a little bit overwhelming for people. But we should try to embrace them, instead of hiding from them.

bbthumper

I think a meeting with a lot of newcomers is great, as long as the meeting is not run by the newcomers.

tomsteve

no....they are sick, just like people that call em stoopid noobs.

it is very good for ya to be asking about this.

i have been sober a lil while and like goin to newcomer meetings and it is important for us who have worked the steps and practice the principles to go to them and help the newcomers understand the program and help them learn and lead by example( i dont think calling a newcomer stoopid is teaching them anything other than the fact that some are sicker than others).

however, it is also important to go to step study, big book study,open speaker, and topic meetings.
i got a lil wrapped up early on stickin with newcomers. found out i cant use a newcomers thinkin to fix my thinkin, so i had to get around people with good, solid recvoery and i could only find that by getting to various meetings.

tomsteve

seek and ye shall find. good on ya!! been awesome reading yer posts, too, flyerfan.

awuh1

Are you quite sure they were "dissing" anything that had to do with newcomers as well? I have heard this type of comment also and it has always been made very positively. It meant that there was lots of opportunity to be helpful and therefore have a good meeting. BY FAR the attitude about newcomers is very welcoming! Sorry if you’re in an area where AA is so different from everywhere I have ever attended.

Anna

The Newcomers Forum is a safe and welcoming place for newcomers. Respect is essential. Debates over Recovery Methods are not allowed on the Newcomer's Forum. Posts that violate this rule will be removed without notice.

gincognito

It's a joke, ya know how on forums people call each other that and it's generally frowned upon?

IndaMiricale

I have been a member for over a year. And go to meetings daily still.

And every Sunday I still go to the same beginner meeting . Its a lead meeting and usually a first lead. I love it. I love the newcomer and much as anyone else. Specially when you see that look in their eye when "it" starts .

Keep going please, dont let them give you anything to worry about. You see we still are all human, and some people are good at giving adivice and not working those steps and the four absolutes in their lives.

Were sick people. Some stay sick.