Service and Participation

Back to AA Membership and Sponsorship

Membership in practice

Participation can widen from meetings into group service without becoming a membership test or status ladder

A.A.W.S. places service in actions that help A.A. function and carry its message. The path returns responsibility to the group rather than ranking members.

  1. Attend and connectParticipation can begin in the meeting and home group.
  2. Help the group functionPractical work supports the meeting and newcomer.
  3. Take part in group conscienceResponsibility returns to the group.
  4. Connect with wider A.A.The group participates through its service links.

Service does not replace the membership requirement

The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Official A.A.W.S. source: How do I join A.A.?

This page therefore presents participation as an available field of action, not as something a person must complete to qualify as a member.

A.A.W.S. defines service by what helps A.A. function

helps A.A. to function as a whole

Official A.A.W.S. source: Participating in A.A.

That definition includes ordinary group work as well as service beyond the group. The diagram is circular because the work serves and reports back rather than creating rank.

Most participation begins with the group

everything starts with the group

Official A.A.W.S. source: Participating in A.A.

The Home Group guide explains how a continuing group differs from a scheduled meeting.

The group’s conscience remains central

participation and conscience of the individual groups

Official A.A.W.S. source: Participating in A.A.

The detailed roles belong in Getting Started: Group Conscience, Business Meeting, Service Position, and Trusted Servant.

Group participation connects to wider A.A. service

part of a larger whole

Official A.A.W.S. source: Participating in A.A.

This final block shows the connection without attempting to reproduce the complete service structure on a membership page.