I am from a small town that is over run with prescription drug addicts. The closest N/A meeting is about 15 miles outside of town. I feel that the Lord has put it upon my heart to start some meetings in the town. I already have a couple of places that would donate their buildings for the meetings but I'm not for sure where to start or what the first step on starting meetings should be? Can someone give me some advice on how I can accomplish this? I would really appriciate it.
Welcome! All it takes to start a meeting is two addicts seeking recovery. A group of us started the first meeting in my town many years ago. First thing you need to do is determine how many people you have in your town who would come to the meeting and support it. It won't work unless you have committed home group members to come to the meetings, open the doors, set up, etc. Next you time to find a meeting time that works out well and a meeting place. You also need to decide on a format (open or closed, discussion, literature study, step study, speaker, etc.). You also need some materials for the meeting, such as readings, informational pamphlets, books, and key tags. You can order this from NA World Services or you can get it from your local NA Area Service Committee (ASC). You can also go to a meeting of the ASC and tell them you are starting a meeting and that you'd like to be in their meeting directory. They may not list you in the directory until you meeting has been meeting for a while. They also may provide you with a starter kit (i.e. pamphlets, etc.). You also may want to publilcize your meeting in newspapers or other venues. You will also need to establish a time for regular business meetings for home group members and elect trusted servants (group service representative, treasurer, and secetary). At some point, you may need to get a checking account for the meeting. It seems like there is a lot to do, but it can be done if have people who are committed to making this work, Good luck!
Hello and welcome. Starting a meeting need not be a big deal. A good place to start is by contacting your area service committee. If you don't know how to locate them, go to NA.org and enter go to "area helplines" and enter your zip code. You will get the number for your area. They can help you with a "startup" pack. It depends on the area of course, but they could provide you with some suggested formats, IP's, the meeting readings, a few white books, keytags, and even in some cases some start up rent and coffee money. Then it's just passing the word and being there to open the doors. It's a wonderful thing you are considering, good luck and let us know how you are doing.
yES wELCOME TO mip! We also have an outreach program that attends our area meetings that are desinged to help struggling meetings/offer suggestions /startup etc..Good luck./good service,you can make it happen..............
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
yes..once you get started..the part that may become tough..is that folks don't show...don't be discourage..you show up..open the doors..stay and you get to stay clean..some days..weeks may go by and no one show..but it shows your commitment to your recovery and service..they will come..and when they do the doors of NA will be open..Thank you for your service
