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Twelfth Step Volunteers’ Orientation Guidelines
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Twelfth Step Volunteers’ Orientation Guidelines

Each Alcoholics Anonymous group ought to be a spiritual entity having but one primary purpose, to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers... TRADITION FIVE.

Do you want to volunteer to answer phone calls?  Please fill out the following gender-specific form.

Men -  Men's 12th Step Volunteer Form

Women - Women's 12th Step Volunteer Form

In Person 12th Step Call Out List Instructions

This list will be made available to our 12th Step Call volunteers, other in-person volunteers, and bookstore volunteers.  The volunteer that answers the call to 509-624-1442 will determine if there is an opportunity to 12th step a newcomer in person.  If so they will call an in-person volunteer to work with the caller in person.  

It is suggested that two volunteers go together for the 12th step.  

Please spread the word about this service opportunity!

To get on the in-person 12th list click on the following links.

Men's in-person signup form

Women's in-person signup form

When volunteering for the Twelfth Step List, you make yourself available to take incoming calls from people who suffer from alcoholism.  These people are calling to get help. The automated call routing service will ring your phone at the same time as other volunteers.  The incoming caller number will be 509-960-5566 or 509-624-1442. Whoever answers the call first will get the call.  If you can not take the call, let it ring and someone else will get the call.  When you answer the call, you will be prompted to press 1 to accept the call. 

This call routing system offers a cost-effective solution while allowing multiple volunteers to be available during a 4-hour shift.  

Types of calls will vary.  A call could be from people who are actively practicing, earnestly trying not to drink, or it could be a distressed person in recovery. Volunteers are not obligated to have lengthy conversations with a person under the influence of alcohol. It may be wise to get his or her number and call them back the following day. Inviting them to a meeting is an excellent way to help. Picking up a person in need of our help is a decision for each volunteer to make. Proper discretion is of utmost importance, and it is recommended to bring another person along.

Some members believe that the spirit of anonymity guides them to hold off giving their last name or phone number to the 12-step drunk until they have met the person and ascertained the harm or good he or she can do in their lives.

Of primary importance is to remember that when people call, they need help with their alcoholism. Please confine yourself to sharing your experience, strength, and hope.  Remember, we are the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, and we do not affiliate with other programs, treatment centers, or organizations.  While many of us have problems other than alcohol, this is not the place to discuss them.  Remember, the person on the other end of the phone may be confused and need a simple solution.

Have a current meeting schedule handy.

Spokane Area Intergroup Association

Area 92 Meetings

Meeting Guide

There will be callers who are seeking information about AA.  Be prepared to answer questions about the fellowship. Please refer to the following AA pamphlets:

 

Frequently Asked Questions About A.A.  P-2 - Frequently Asked Questions About AA 

This is A.A.  P-1 - This is AA - An introduction to the AA Recovery Program 

A Newcomer Asks  P-24 - A Newcomer Asks...

Information on Alcoholics Anonymous  F-2 - Information on Alcoholics Anonymous

Is There an Alcoholic in Your Life?  P-30 - Is There an Alcoholic in Your Life?

Is A.A. for You?  P-3 - Is AA for You? Twelve questions only you can answer 

Situational procedures

Use your discretion in these situations.

protecting a caller’s anonymity

When calling a suffering alcoholic back, make sure not to accidentally break their anonymity with whoever might be answering the phone. If you have to leave a message, a generic “just tell them I called” will suffice.

giving directions/information

If you need to learn how to get to a meeting, ensure the caller understands that you don't know even though you're trying to tell him where you think it is.  Or where it might be.  If you don't know something, just say you don't know.

despairing third-party callers

We generally only help the alcoholic who makes the call themselves.  Al-Anon referrals are available for friends and relatives of the suffering.

taking abuse

You may hang up on any caller rather than suffer verbal abuse from any caller.

habitual or repeating callers

Habitual callers can be annoying, or they might be a highlight of your day.  Remember that patience and tolerance are our code!

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

DETOX (S.T.A.R.S. - SPOKANE TREATMENT AND RECOVERY SERVICES)

509-477-4650

ALANON

509-456-2125

COCAINE ANONYMOUS

800-723-1923

EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS

509-466-1505

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS

509-251-6997

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

509-325-5045

NICOTINE ANONYMOUS

877-879-6422

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

509-328-9972

SEX ANONYMOUS

866-291-0914

ALANO CLUB - 1700 W7TH AVE

509-624-2400

12 STEP CALL LIST COORDINATOR Mckenzie Wiseman

971-930-7205