CAYUGA FREETHINKERS MEETING
CHAIRPERSON’S GUIDE (this is read and followed at every meeting)
7:00 PM or 8:00 PM
Hello everyone and welcome to the Cayuga Freethinkers Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. My name is _____ (introduce yourself as you like). This is an open discussion meeting. We welcome all who may suffer from alcoholism, regardless of their world-view. As a group, we endorse no particular program or method of recovery; we simply invite all to share their personal experience about whatever has helped them in solving our common problem. The meeting is an equal and open forum for all, including spiritual and religious believers, agnostics, atheists and others. Therefore we have made our format as ritual-free as possible, so as not to favor or exclude anyone. We use principles from the AA Preamble and the AA Traditions as our guide.
This is the AA Preamble:
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
Does anyone have an alcoholism related topic for discussion tonight?
(The chairperson identifies a topic that is suggested. If no one has a topic, the chairperson selects one of their own, or uses the the list of topics on the back of the sheet.)
If you like, please feel free to share about anything related to your recovery.
(Half-way through the meeting the chairperson passes the 7th Tradition basket)
Closing: We are out of time. Thanks to everyone for sharing and listening. Are there any announcements?
Please respect the anonymity of those you meet here, and please come again!