“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Mahatma Gandhi
One thing than that allowed our community to stand the test of time and survive where others have not, is Service, one of the Three Legacies of AA. It guides us, protects us from getting on the wrong track but most importantly, we maintain the environment welcoming to newcomers. It has been that way for 80 years and as long as AA organizations continue on the path, guided by the experience of our those who came before us, AA can continue to help people get sober one day at a time.
Often we are told by sponsors to get involved in Service Work all the way from making coffee to being a General Service Representative for our groups. Why, might you ask. AA is run by volunteers and it takes work, time and effort. Service is absolutely critical in keeping AA sustainable. Those of us who are sober in AA have a responsibility, a commitment and a duty to pass this gift on, and in order to do so, it takes service.
There are any number of ways you can get involved, why not start with making coffee, shaking the hand of a newcomer, and just being willing to help out. So often, in doing so, we find ourselves as we lose our selves in service of other alcoholics in AA, and there is an empty chair for the new person who may want what we have. Please be the hand of AA that reaches out and makes that possible.
To find out more, click below.
The AA Service Manual combined with Twelve Concepts for World Service