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GUIDELINES
LAKESIDE GROUP OF
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Revised 7/2/2021
PREFACE
The purpose of this document is to ensure the AA Traditions remain the top priority for the Lakeside Group of Alcoholics Anonymous. While of interest to all members of the Group, these Guidelines are particularly arranged to facilitate use by the Trusted Servants of the Group. This is a living document that is approved and amended by group vote. It is not intended to unduly restrict the discretion of the Group’s Trusted Servants in meeting unique or unusual situations. By the same token, however, these procedures do reflect the Group Conscience and are based upon proven Traditions and Principles. Therefore, permanent policy changes should be made only with the approval of Group Membership.
Table of Contents
MEETING FORMAT
TRUSTED SERVANT GUIDELINES
GROUP CONSCIENCE MEETING
ELECTIONS
GROUP POLICY, TRADITIONS AND BASIC PRINCIPLES
AMENDMENTS - CHANGE CONTROL AND RESCINDMENT
Meeting Format
1. Welcome to today’s meeting of the Lakeside group of Alcoholics Anonymous, my name is ________________, and I am an alcoholic.
2. Let us open the meeting with a moment of silence for the alcoholic who still suffers, followed by the Serenity Prayer:
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
3. [A.A. Preamble]
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people (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.
4. I have asked _______________ to read “How it Works” from Chapter 5 of the A.A. Big Book.
5. I have asked _______________ to read the Twelve Traditions.
6. This is a/an 12x12 study, Birthday, Topic, Open Discussion, Big Book study, Traditions study, Men’s, Women’s, open/closed meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. We are glad you are all here – especially visitors and newcomers. In keeping with our singleness of purpose and our Third Tradition which states that “The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking,” we ask that all who participate confine their discussion to their problems with alcohol.
7. Are there any visitors or newcomers who would like to be recognized, please introduce yourself?
8. If you are not sure that you are alcoholic or not, one of us would be happy to visit with you at the end of the meeting to help you understand.
9. If you are available to sponsor or are willing to speak with a newcomer after the meeting, please raise your hand so new members may reach out.
10. We ask that all who share, to please limit their discussion to 3-5 minutes to allow more members the opportunity to share.
11. Does anyone have a topic they would like to discuss today? (The chairperson is to be ready with a topic.)
Towards the end of the meeting the meeting
In observance of the 7th tradition, which states “Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.”
Close the meeting
1. I have asked ______________ to offer chips to celebrate various lengths of sobriety under a year. (After chips are presented the chair will announce that “We celebrate annual birthdays on the last Friday of the month at 12:00 pm”).
2. The Group Conscience meets the first Thursday of the month at 7.45pm. Does anyone have any A.A. related announcements?
3. I have asked ______________ to read the “A.A. Promises”.
4. Please Read
“I am responsible…when anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help; I want the hand of A.A. always to be there; And for that, I am responsible.”
5. Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Seventh Tradition Procedure
Count the money received and record the information on the envelope. The envelope is to be placed in the safe.
Please do this after the meeting has concluded so as not to be disruptive.
EXAMPLE
DATE _________________
MEETING DAY _________________
7th TRADITION _________________
Chairperson _________________
Number in attendance _________________