Chairperson’s Script
Requirements for the Chairperson:
90 days sober and haven’t chaired any of the 5:30 meetings in last month.
Start and end the meeting on time.
Introduce the topic briefly, three or four minutes, then refrain from sharing again during the remainder of the meeting.
Mute your audio while others are sharing.
Arrange for a substitute if unable to attend.
Try to call on people who raise their hand as well as people who do not. If a beginners’ meeting, call on some beginners.
At the end of the term, go over the suggestions with the next chairperson.
Politely stop people who ramble on for five minutes or more.
Chairperson's Script (updated 12/08/23)
Welcome to the Guilford Joy of Living Happy Hour Group of Alcoholics Anonymous. I am _______________, an alcoholic and your chairperson for today. Your audio has been muted for you at this time to avoid background noise.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people 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.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles above personalities. Therefore, who you see here, what you hear here, let it stay here. Recordings of our meeting of any kind, such as video, still images or audio is expressly forbidden.
Let us have a moment of silence to remember why we are all here, followed by the Serenity Prayer.
I have asked another alcoholic to read How it Works.
This is an open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. We are glad you are all here. In keeping with our singleness of purpose and our third tradition, we ask all who participate to confine their discussions to their alcoholism. If you wish to share, raise your Zoom hand and then unmute yourself when the Chairperson calls on you. You'll find "Raise Hand" on the Zoom screen under "Participants" or "Reactions" or "More" depending on the kind of device you have. If you dial in, hit *9 to raise your Zoom hand.
If you have any concerns about the meeting please refrain from disrupting the meeting but Chat the hosts instead.
There are no dues or fees for AA membership, but we do have expenses. If you wish to contribute, there are ways to donate in the chat column. Also in the chat column is a link to this group's website which has information about this group as well as tips and tools for staying sober in AA. This group gives free Big Books to newcomers and anniversary coins to celebrants. If you would like a Big Book or an anniversary coin, chat your address to Pam D or the hosts. If you would like to chat privately with friends after the meeting, notify the host and they will set it up for you. If anyone needs help finding a sponsor, please talk to us after the meeting for more information. The private chat feature of Zoom has been disabled for security reasons. You may, however, chat the host, or a co-host if you have questions related to your recovery.
Are there any visitors here today? Anyone returning? Any anniversaries? Is anyone counting days that would like to identify themselves? Are there any AA Announcements?
We are here 7 days a week at 5:30pm and have a rotating format. Sunday is a speaker meeting; Monday, As Bill Sees It; Tuesday is a beginners meeting; Wednesday is Big Book; Thursday is Daily Reflections; Friday is Step; and Saturday is Living Sober.
(Chairperson now leads the reading and/or discussion)
(CHAIRPERSON'S REMARKS IMMEDIATELY AFTER OPENING READING AND/OR OPENING COMMENTS): During the discussion, we ask that you keep track of the time you speak. If we each speak about 3 minutes, many will have the chance to participate. Please be respectful of each other, refrain from giving advice or criticism, or using profane language
NOTES TO THE CHAIRPERSON: At 6:15, inquire if anyone has a burning desire and would like to share. End discussion by 6:26 to allow time to read the promises and say a closing prayer of your choice.
