UP SERVICE WORKSHOP Cont...

6. Support your fellow group members, coffee makers, chairperson, GSR’s, DCM, etc. When was the last time you thanked the people who do more than just show up? This isn’t about ego building or a pat on the back, this is about supporting the people who do the work. Doesn’t the memory of a member saying " I love you, or thanking you people for being here for me stick in you brain? When I was voted in to the position of DCM, I was a little overwhelmed. One of the first things another member said to me was " how did you get screwed into that?" I was dumbfounded. Is this what we think of service? Being a DCM or GSR used to be an honored position, not one that you got screwed into! Support is about caring.

7. Rotation is vital for growth in our program. Are the same people doing the same jobs for years? This in not a good situation, everyone needs to take a turn making coffee, chairing , doing all the little jobs and the big ones. GSR’s should rotate with the district committee rotations, which are in a couple of weeks.

8. Watch what I do...are we as AA members setting an example that the newcomer should follow, are we setting an example that everyone can follow. Are we striving to work the steps and rejoin society as a whole? Or are we just doing enough to get along and stay sober. Someone told me once that if going to one meeting a week produced some joy in my life, what would two do for my life. I need to be as or more enthusiastic about AA as all the other parts of my life. Am I working as hard at staying sober and getting well than I did to stay drunk and sick! Or am I just bleeding all over newcomers and old timers. Am I a bleeding Deacon or an Elder Statesman, that is the question.

9. Sponsorship is so important.  This is another way of making sure the hand of AA is always there, and for that I am responsible. Sponsoring people into AA and into service is how it should work. But...read #8 above first.

10. The Grapevine.  One of the ideas that really stuck in my head was about carrying the message into hospitals, so simple to buy a subscription to the Grapevine and have it laying around the ER room. Our meeting in print, in a ER waiting room. That will start a conversation or something. That is a great idea.

What it really comes down to folks is this: Are we being responsible? Are we really doing all we can do to reach the alcoholic who still suffers? How about taking a look at ourselves and answer this honestly? I know that I am not doing all I can! Are you?

Thank you for allowing me to be your district 17 DCM for the past two years, it has been the best 2 years of my AA life.

In Love and Service,

Steve S., DCM District 17, Area 74         FINANCE REPORT