R.A.'s Group Quick Start Sheet

Congratulations! Starting a Recoveries Anonymous Group is a wonderful experience. This Quick Start Sheet will help you to easily get started. It is a summary of what we discuss, in more detail in R.A.’s Start A Group Kit:

Who Can Start An R.A. Group:

    Anyone, with any problem, or behavior, can start an R.A. Group. A family member or a friend can also start an R.A. Group. You do not have to be an “expert” or have years of perfect recovery. All you will need to begin is R.A.’s Start A Group Kit, and some prospective members.
    R.A.’s Start A Group Kit is available, for free, from R.A.’s web site. It has all the information, suggestions, formats, and signs that you will need to start an R.A. Group and conduct R.A. Meetings. It also has R.A.’s “How To Begin Finding New Members” Guide. This Guide contains many helpful, and effective suggestions for finding, and contacting, prospective members.
    One of an R.A. Group’s main functions is to hold meetings. R.A.’s Start A Group Kit has several suggested meeting formats. Some established R.A. Groups hold several meetings throughout the week. Some R.A. Groups hold just one meeting a week.

How To Start An R.A. Meeting:

1. How can I find a place to meet?
   An R.A. Group may have its start as an informal gathering in someone’s living room or at a quiet table in a restaurant. However, these places usually have too many distractions. We suggest that you ask for a meeting room at various public buildings. For example: houses of worship, schools, libraries, hospitals, rehabs, and addiction treatment centers. The meeting room should be easy to find. It should have safe, well-lit parking (this is especially important for night meetings). It should also have access for people with disabilities. It should feel comfortable. It should be large enough for up to 20 people to sit in a circle or around a table. It should be available long-term, and it should be open on holidays.

2. How much will a meeting room cost?
    Many places will offer a room, at little or no cost. However, once the group has become established it should begin paying rent, or making small contributions, for the use of the room. Some places also require liability insurance. Unfortunately, we cannot help you with any of your expenses.

3. How long does an R.A. meeting last?
    It is traditional for most R.A. Meetings to continue until everyone who wants to share, has had a chance to do so. Experience shows that most meetings last for about two hours. However, we suggest that you request the room for at least three hours. This will allow the meeting to run longer than the usual time. It will also give people a chance to stay after the meeting ends, so they can talk and get to know each other.

4. What else is needed?
    You will need to print out and/or photocopy pages from R.A.’s Start A Group Kit. You will need two report folders to hold the pages for R.A.’s We Care Book, and R.A.’s Financial Record Book. You will also need plastic page protectors for each of the meeting’s: sheets, signs, and suggested formats. You will also need a folder with pockets to hold them all. In addition, you may want to get refreshments and supplies such as coffee, sweetener, paper cups, napkins, spoons, etc. As the group grows, you may also want a coffee pot and other items. Keep all your receipts so that the meeting can reimburse you for your startup expenses.

5. How is Recoveries Anonymous supported?
    There are no dues or fees for membership in R.A. We are “self-supporting through our own contributions.” Therefore, we suggest that you have two collections at each meeting. The first is for the expenses of your meeting, such as rent, and literature. The second is sent to RAUS each month. We suggest that each member place a $2.00 contribution in each collection. Direct contributions to RAUS can also be made by visiting R.A.'s web site and clicking on the 'Contribute to R.A.' button. An automatically-recurring or a one-time contribution can be made. These contributions will insure that each meeting, and our entire Fellowship, will be able to continue carrying R.A.'s message of hope, sanity, and recovery to those who still suffer.

6. How is Recoveries Anonymous different?
    R.A. focuses on following the “clear-cut directions” in the Big Book to work all Twelve Steps. This focus on the original “common solution” allows us to be open to everyone, no matter what his or her problems or behaviors may be. This also allows us to welcome family and friends, as well as those who are simply looking for spiritual growth.
    R.A. meetings are devoted to discussing the Twelve Steps, the Big Book, and the entire program of recovery. We do this to help each other understand and follow the “clear-cut directions” for working the Twelve Steps. We also do this to more effectively carry our program’s message of hope, sanity, and recovery to those who still suffer.

7. How is an R.A. meeting conducted?
    R.A.’s Start A Group Kit has several suggested meeting formats. They make it easy to lead an R.A. Meeting. Simply pick the one that is appropriate for your meeting. Then, consistently use this format each week. The purpose of an R.A. Meeting is to help those who attend, increase their understanding of the Twelve Steps, and our program. We usually do not talk about our personal problems at our meetings. These conversations are usually held in private, with our sponsor or a friend. More information, about conducting R.A. Meetings, is available in R.A.’s Start A Group Kit.

8. Why does R.A. work when other things have not?
    In R.A., we will help people to work all Twelve Steps by following the original “clear-cut directions” that are in the Big Book. Most of those who have yet to be successful have not yet “thoroughly followed [the pioneers’] directions.” This is often true even if they have been in the program for years.
    Our experience is that the same people who have yet to be successful, often do recover—or are greatly helped—when they finally do use the pioneers’ original “clear-cut directions” to fully work all Twelve Steps.

9. How do we keep new members coming back?
    Everyone likes being recognized and appreciated. Therefore, please make sure that each newcomer feels welcome to the group. Say hello to them as they enter the room. Let them know that you and the group benefit from their presence. After the meeting, help them to find a sponsor, if they want one. Let them know that you and the group want their help. If there is an opening, ask them to volunteer to fill a service position. During the week, please give them a call to let them know that they are no longer alone, and to answer any questions they may have. Help them get involved as soon as they can. Invite them to go along on Twelfth-Step calls. If a newcomer needs transportation, and it is possible for you to help them, you can offer them a ride.

10. How do we register our group?
    Mail in a copy of R.A.’s Group Registration Form, as soon as you decide to start an R.A. Group. This form is in R.A.’s Start A Group Kit. It is also available on our web site, in the “Fellowship Services” section. You can even send in this form before you have found a room to meet in. As soon as we receive your Group Registration Form, we will set up a web page announcing that a new group is forming in your area. Once you have found a location for your meeting, send in another copy of the Group Registration Form. We will then update your web page with the latest information. Registering your group and meeting will help people find you, and let us contact you.

11. What is R.A. Universal Services?
    R.A. Universal Services provides the vital services that keep Recoveries Anonymous functioning and growing. RAUS responds to requests for information about our Fellowship, from all over the world. RAUS helps groups, and members, with program related problems. It deals with the general public. R.A. Universal Services is also responsible for the creation and publication of R.A.’s web site, and R.A.’s Suggested Literature. RAUS helps us to effectively carry our spiritual message of hope, sanity, and recovery to those who still suffer.

12. What else do I need to know?
    First, look in R.A.’s Start A Group Guide for the answers to any questions you may have. In addition, you are always welcome to contact us through our web site, for information, and help. There are no foolish questions! We will be happy to share our experience with you. Our web site’s address is: www.R-A.org

In closing:

    Be patient. It can take time, and persistence to get a new group up and running, but it is worth it. We suggest that you make a personal commitment to spend at least three months starting a new R.A. Group.

     •      We wish we could tell you why one group will immediately blossom, while another
         will take months to get off the ground. However, we don't know why this happens.
            The only clue we have comes from Bill Wilson, a co-founder of A.A. He thought
         that the reason some people seem to be more effective in working with others, is the
         people they find to work with. Therefore, the more people you approach about R.A.,
         the greater your chances of quickly starting your group, and your meeting.
     •      Read R.A.'s ''How To Begin Finding New Members'' Guide. Follow the suggestions
         in it. Let as many people as possible know about your new R.A. Group. Place
         announcements in the local newspapers. Get permission, and then post notices on
         library, community center, church, and supermarket bulletin boards. Tell your friends
         and family what you are doing, and invite them to join the group.
     •      Contact local counselors, therapists, nutritionists, treatment facilities, and members
         of the clergy. Tell them about R.A., and that you are starting a new R.A. Group. Give
         them copies of the information sheets that are in R.A.'s Start A Group Kit.

    As the pioneers wrote in the Multilith Big Book: ''We know what you are thinking. You are saying to yourself: 'I'm jittery and alone. I couldn't do that.' But you can. You forget that you have just now tapped a source of power so much greater than yourself. To duplicate, with such backing, what we have accomplished is only a matter of willingness, patience and labor.''

RAUS
P.O. Box 1212
East Northport, NY 11731                                 https://www.r-a.org