Whether you’re walking into your first meeting or your fiftieth, it helps to know how things work. We are not allied or overseen by any other 12 step fellowship. We encourage new members to respect our programs design. We try keep things simple, spiritual, and grounded in respect. What follows are some of the shared customs and boundaries that help keep our spaces safe, focused, and useful for everyone—especially those just beginning their recovery journey.

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How We Introduce Ourselves

When it’s our turn to share, we usually introduce ourselves by first name, the nature of our addiction, and our recovery date.

 

For example: “Hi, I’m Jordan, I’m an addict, and my recovery date is March 3rd, 2021."

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You can identify however feels honest to you—some say addict, others are more specific: compulsive overeater, alcoholic, drug addict, gambler, sex addict. It’s your call. No one’s here to label you. If you’re new and not sure what to say, “pass” is always acceptable.

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What We Don’t Do Cross-Talk: Cross-talk means interrupting, commenting directly on someone else’s share, giving advice, or turning the conversation into a dialogue. Recovery meetings aren’t group therapy. We speak from our own experience not opinions, and we listen without fixing or debating. If feedback is invited—as in a speaker discussion meeting or workshop—it will be made clear in the format. Otherwise, we keep our focus on sharing honestly and listening respectfully.

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Confidentiality is a Spiritual Responsibility: What’s said here stays here. Always. We don’t repeat, gossip, or share someone else’s story—even with good intentions. We protect each other’s anonymity because healing requires safety. This is not just a rule—it’s a spiritual principle. Discretion is love in action.

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No Predatory Behavior! : Recovery spaces must be safe. That means no stalking, grooming, hitting on newcomers, or using meetings as a dating pool. Flirting, coercion, and manipulative behavior—especially from those with time toward those without—will not be tolerated. Any member who makes others feel unsafe, threatened, or objectified can and will be asked to leave the meeting. If you feel unsafe or unsure about someone’s behavior, speak to a trusted servant or meeting host immediately. Your experience matters.

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Disruptive Behavior: Meetings are sacred space. If someone is aggressive, threatening, intoxicated, or repeatedly disruptive, group conscience allows trusted servants to ask that person to step outside or leave entirely. Recovery is for everyone, but meetings must remain functional and safe.

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Suggested Donation and the Seventh Tradition: As a private, self-governing fellowship—not a public charity—we fund everything ourselves. That includes rent, chips, refreshments, literature, insurance, and access to this meeting space. We don’t accept outside contributions. This means your support matters. The suggested donation is $5 or more. This helps cover the actual costs of keeping the doors open and the message available. That said, if you’re in your first six months of recovery, you are not expected to contribute. You are our guest. Your presence and willingness to be here are more valuable than your wallet.

 

But let’s be clear: after that period, giving becomes part of belonging. We can’t function without the financial support of our members. Whether it’s at the group, district, or area level—our fellowship runs on participation, not promotion. This tradition isn’t just about money. It’s about ownership. We give because we’re part of this. We give because it was freely given to us. So if you can give, please do. If you can’t today, don’t worry—just keep coming. But know that when the time comes, we invite you to step into responsibility, not because you owe us—but because you’re one of us.

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New Member Suggestions: We make these suggestions because they’ve worked for us—not because we’re trying to control you. Recovery is voluntary. But if you’re serious about giving it a shot, we suggest:

• 90 meetings in 90 days – Build a routine and a foundation.

• Find a mentor (we use the term instead of sponsor) – Someone who’s worked the 12 Steps, Traditions, and Concepts and is willing to guide you.

• Join a group – Home group membership helps you stay accountable and feel connected.

• Get involved – Make coffee, set up chairs, help clean up. Being useful helps you stay.

None of this is mandatory. But for many of us, these simple actions were the beginning of a life we never thought was possible.