Chair and co-chair run the meeting, sometimes for a month, several months, or just about any other duration. Some meetings have people chair certain days of the week, whereas meetings that meet less often may have someone in charge of the meeting for blocks of time of various lengths. The chair or co-chair is typically responsible for finding speakers, volunteers for the meeting readings and handing out chips.
The key to service is finding a position that you find rewarding and will maintain consistently. When you show up on time, every week, day or month, you are helping yourself and others. Though serving helps others, it helps you most of all; it helps you stay sober in various ways.Benefits of Service
While we were out drinking and using, all our time and energy went towards our addiction. We were completely focused on self; our entire world revolved around alcohol and drugs.
Now, in recovery, a new pastime must be found. Service positions within 12-step groups, as well as volunteering and charity work help you and others. Getting out and pitching in to help builds relationships and a new social network of people you can rely on.
By helping others, you may find new passions and discover things about yourself you didn’t know before. You challenge yourself to do better and be better, every time you show up and help out.
Continuing to sign up for opportunities to serve gives you an invaluable chance to remove yourself from who you used to be. You can prove to others, but most importantly to yourself, that you are not your addiction.
New morals and values develop as the improved version of yourself surfaces. You develop a new sense of self-worth and freedom.
The Importance of Service in Recovery
When we first arrive in the rooms of a 12-step fellowship, most of us simply take. Others make the coffee, chair the meetings, and show us the ropes.
As a more established member, it’s now your turn to help the newcomer. Service allows you to give back to the sober community that helped you. You can help others stay sober, while also helping yourself. You may wind up helping someone who otherwise would not have gotten the help he or she needs.
Many people hesitate to get a service commitment due to scheduling and time restrictions, but the vast majority of people have the time, if it were made a priority. Take the leap and sign up for one. You’ll discover the endless benefits of having a service commitment.
By being a strong sober community member, you also show others that recovery is possible and that the 12-steps work. You prove that it’s possible to change your life for the better.
Someone was there for you; be there for someone else.
