Want to Create an SSAA Meeting?

Preparing for the Meeting

• Meetings may autonomously create their own script, formats, etc.

• Utilize the SSAA website to access meeting materials, including literature and guidelines.

• Familiarize yourself with the 12 steps, traditions, promises, and SSAA's guidelines that will be followed during the meeting.

• Determine the meeting format and tone of the meeting, ensuring it is welcoming and inclusive to people from all walks of life, regardless of income, race, religion, etc. 

  • Examples of formats may include those listed on our website or new formats may be created for vested members interested, such as: BIPOC, specific languages or cultures, women/men's only,​ for agnostics (or other religious preference), supportive groups for survivors of all kinds, literature study, etc.

Assigning Meeting Roles

• Recruit volunteers to fill the following roles:

• See SSAA's volunteering page to learn more (click here).​

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For virtual meetings:

• Meeting Facilitator: responsible for leading the meeting and ensuring it stays on track.

• Other Optional Service Roles: Time-keepers, Tech-Hosts, Readers, etc.​

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For in-person meetings:​​​

• Key-holder and/or host is assigned for each meeting

  • Member contact information and phone lists may be helpful​.

• Ensure that all volunteers understand their roles and responsibilities.

  • Ex: A coffee or Snack Bar Volunteer may provide refreshments for attendees.

  • Collection Basket Volunteer: passes the basket for donations during the meeting.

  • Secretary: handles donations, takes minutes, and keeps track of meeting records.

Conducting the Meeting Begin the meeting by introducing yourself and welcoming attendees.

• Assign service roles, either in advance or the day of the meeting.

• Utilize SSAA's core script or design a unique script for the meeting.

• Read from SSAA literature and follow the meeting format outlined on the website or one that is elected by group consensus.

• Encourage open sharing and discussion, while maintaining a safe and respectful environment.

• Reserve time for any important meeting announcements.

• Conduct business meetings to uphold best practices and principles.

Maintaining Meeting Autonomy Establish guidelines and traditions for the meeting, while adhering to the overall SSAA principles. Encourage feedback and suggestions from attendees to improve the meeting. Rotate meeting roles and responsibilities to ensure diversity and inclusivity.

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Additional Tips and Reminders

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For Virtual Meetings:

• When starting out, it is helpful to have a regular host consistently attend as the group grows. Once members begin attending, meetings begin to run in a rotating fashion.

• Assign roles to ensure meetings remain secure and autonomous

• See SSAA's Volunteering website to learn more.

• Reach out to our regular, trusted SSAA members for help and training.

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For in-person meetings:

• Ensure that all meeting materials and literature are easily accessible to attendees.

• Create a welcoming atmosphere by setting up chairs, tables, and refreshments before the meeting.

• Be respectful of attendees' anonymity and confidentiality.

• Follow up with attendees after the meeting to gather feedback and suggestions.

 

​By following these steps, you can establish a successful and supportive SSAA meeting that provides a safe and welcoming environment for individuals from all walks of life. Remember to stay true to the principles of SSAA and maintain the autonomy of your meeting while adhering to the overall guidelines and traditions.