The 12th Step ‘Carrying the Message’ is at the heart of all AA activities and is as fundamental to the fellowshop as abstinence is to sobriety.
Alcoholics Anonymous is more than a set of principles; it is a fellowship of people in action. We must carry AAs message to the suffering alcoholic to help others and ourselves.
Everyone in AA has a contribution to make and there are many ways of practicing the 12th Step such as making the tea in your home group, answering the telephone, or hosting meetings in prisons.
As newcomers we see people giving time, energy and love in service and it is suggested that we too should become involved.
Those of us who have done this will tell of the enormous benefits we have received by willingly stepping into service.
Simple service tasks help us to develop confidence, a belief in our own value and opinions, self-respect and self-worth. We have all found that participating in service activities has helped our recovery.
A great paradox of AA is that rewards come when we begin to forget ourselves.
Any action that helps AA to function as a whole is service. Where better to begin than in your own home group?