Meetings & Home Group Resources
Resources for AA members, home groups, meetings, and those supporting newcomers and attendees in the Greater New Orleans region.
AAWS Resources — The A.A. Group
The A.A. Group — aa.org
About the A.A. Home Group
Traditionally, most A.A. members through the years have found it important to belong to one group that they call their "home group." This is the group where they accept service responsibilities and try to sustain friendships. And although all A.A. members are usually welcome at all groups and feel at home at any of these meetings, the concept of the home group has still remained the strongest bond between the A.A. member and the Fellowship.
With membership comes the right to vote on issues that might affect the group and might also affect A.A. as a whole — a process that forms the very cornerstone of A.A.'s service structure. As with all group-conscience matters, each A.A. member has one vote; and this, ideally, is voiced through the home group.
Over the years, the very essence of A.A. strength has remained with our home group, which, for many members, becomes our extended family. Once isolated by our drinking, we find in the home group a solid, continuing support system, friends and, very often, a sponsor. We also learn firsthand, through the group's workings, how to place "principles before personalities" in the interest of carrying the A.A. message.
What Do A.A. Group Members Do?
"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."
In short, when newcomers walk into our meeting rooms, we want A.A. to be there for them as it was for us — something we can do continuously only if we function as a group. But for a group to keep going, all kinds of service must be done. It is through the combined efforts and ongoing commitment of group members that:
A meeting place is provided and maintained
Programs are arranged for the meetings
Seventh Tradition contributions are collected, and properly allocated and spent
A.A. Conference-approved literature is on hand
A.A. Grapevine and La Viña literature and lists of local group meetings are available
Refreshments are available
Assistance in finding A.A. meetings is given to alcoholics in the area
Calls for help are answered
Group problems are aired and resolved
Continuing contact is sustained with the rest of A.A. — locally, through the intergroup (central office), district and area's general service structure; and nationally and internationally, through the General Service Office in New York