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Some members of my AFG are starting a Step Group. None of us has ever participated in one before. I need some pointers on starting and running a 12 Step Group. Are there guidelines available? Discussion questions? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Good for you I have participated in several step groups we have a meeting here that has been going for 10 yrs we use the 12x12 steps and traditions book we read a paragraph and give our comments ..this is a discussion group .. I have also done groups in homes separate from reg meetings using the big book of AA as our guide as this is an outside issue * big book * we dont discuss what were doing at group level . Home group consists of 6-8 people who must commit to every meeting , if you miss 2 your out - this kind of intamacy requires trust alot of it .. when it comes to step 5 we go to our sponsors we allow two weeks to do that and then restart the group at step 6. this kind of meeting usually takes about 2/-1/2 months one meeting a week . Group concience will dictate how to proceed by doing what you feel comfortable with . good luck and buckle up hehe
Aloha Msgagdet!! Step groups for me are always valuable because that is what our program is called after all and spiritual based 12step and 12tradition program. The steps are our new way of living; mind, body, spirit and emotions and I am glad I found the program when I did because "my" program didn't work at all and made me soooo sick and crazy. My Wednesday Night Turning Point Al-Anon Family Group just went thru the 12 step series using the How Al-Anon works Big Book and we did it like Abbyal mentioned...Read a paragraph then another until the book was done and then share our ESH on it. I love step and tradition meetings cause that really is how it works and program works when you work it. Keep coming back ((((hugs))))
I too love Step Meetings. I attend two such meetings and believe my recovery is a direct result of these groups.
We have a definite format which is read at the beginning of the meeting. We do a step a week If everyone has shared and there is still time we do the corresponding tradition. We do a Round Robin format, ( no raised hands- just move around the room in a circle) We do three readings from alanon conference approved literature on the step / tradition and then the meetings begin. Each member then can share or pass if he/ she wishes.
There is no cross talk, and we are asked to stay on topic unless there is a burning topic. We cover all the steps in the meeting foramt and each can choose to chare what they are comfortable with. The deep 4 anff 5 step is shared only with someone we trust but the mechanics of how to go about it is a good topic for thise steps. Also the readings usually enables us to share opening on the step.
It always amazes me that this hour and half meeting is so powerful and each member (30) usually gets enough time to share.
There are two step groups in my area and I find these meetings extremely helpful. Both do a step or tradition every week. The smaller group goes around red robin style and encourages cross talk. The other group is usually very large and only allows shares from those who have done that particular step; also, there are volunteers to help with a particular step on a one to one after the meeting.
I too participate in step studies. On Monday at Noon my homegroup will cover a step a week followed by a tradition a week. That meeting has been that way for over 20 years now. Many members of our group do have step study meetings in their home for those that choose to participate. I have done so and we use a myriad of sources to contribute to the discussion, not limited to Alanon conference approved literature.
For me having intimate home group step studies is a wonderful way to get to know each member outside the group. It is also another way to gain a deeper understanding of the steps for me through literature then putting what I have learned into practice on a daily basis.
I have participated in several step groups we have a meeting here that has been going for 10 yrs we use the 12x12 steps and traditions book we read a paragraph and give our comments ..this is a discussion group .. I have also done groups in homes separate from reg meetings using the big book of AA as our guide as this is an outside issue * big book * we dont discuss what were doing at group level . Home group consists of 6-8 people who must commit to every meeting , if you miss 2 your out - this kind of intamacy requires trust alot of it .. when it comes to step 5 we go to our sponsors we allow two weeks to do that and then restart the group at step 6. this kind of meeting usually takes about 2/-1/2 months one meeting a week . Group concience will dictate how to proceed by doing what you feel comfortable with . good luck and buckle up hehe