[bluidkiti]

Your Group
Please be aware that everything in this workbook comes from our experience, strength, and hope. Every process and suggestion in this workbook is optional.


Our Steps by the Big Book group sessions are not official AA meetings because we limit enrollment to a specific number of participants.

• Your group can be of any size or composition. An even number of participants, perhaps from 2 to 16, allows members of the group to work in pairs as “buddies.” A group may be simply one sponsor and one sponsee.
• Agree on a purpose, plan and session format of the Steps by the Big Book group, and that in general the group will stick to the schedule.
• Agree that each member attends every session if possible, commits to read the text and respond to the session questions, and in fact DOES each Step as it is encountered. (Fifth Steps are not shared at the sessions.)
• Agree that each member of the group contacts one or more members (buddies) and/or a sponsor regularly between sessions.
• Agree that group members can expect to spend at least as much time on reading, writing and contact with buddies between sessions as in group time.
• Agree on a date by which participants may leave or new members may join the group after it begins.
• Agree that group members will not drink or use during the course.

Group Norms
While there are no rules in AA, there are written Traditions and unwritten norms (i.e. identifying oneself as an alcoholic in meetings). In order to ensure that your group runs smoothly, we suggest considering these questions:

• Will start and end times for the sessions be honored?
• Will one group member chair the entire process, or will group members take turns chairing the sessions?
• Will absolute confidentiality about the group be practiced?
• Will readings be read at the sessions, or should the readings be completed in advance?
• Is each group member expected to speak and share personal writings at group sessions? (It is suggested that members do their Fifth Step outside of the sessions with a sponsor or buddy.)

• Will group members consider not speaking a second time until all have had a chance to share first?
• Will someone serve as a friendly timekeeper?

To Be Continued