You may not believe it right now, but our Group's structure starts with you: the Newcomer. 

Everything we do is to attract alcoholics who desire to stop drinking and surround each newcomer with the support they need to stay stopped. 

Central to the way we wish to achieve our Primary Purpose "to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety" is the philosophy of 'Trusted Service' and 'Trusted Servants'. 

We wish for everyone to feel that they have something to offer Newcomers and as soon as possible Grow into Service with us! 

The AA 12 Traditions set out a clear framework for us to achieve our Primary Purpose on an ongoing basis. To understand these better - we will be setting up an 'Active Service Crew' meeting as a spin-off/fringe meeting to study the 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts in more depth. 

Growing into service 

Whether you are a newcomer or have several years of sobriety: We ask that you attend at least 6 meetings with us and accept our invitation to adopt us as your Home Group, before deciding if you're being called to do active service with us. 

So, while you are deciding if you want to lay down roots with us - Just relax and observe how people do things here. Let us serve you before you give service back us.  

If this is not your Home Group and you are visiting us - kick back, relax and let us enjoy serving you.

Trusted Service Teams

At AA West Essex your starting point for Growing into Service is to join a Trusted Service Team. Each team is led by an elected Trusted Servant. 

Joining a Trusted Service Team is easy - just ask the Trusted Servant responsible for leading the team you are interested in joining. That trusted servant will give you all the coaching and encouragement you need to lay down roots with us and grow into service!

Trusted Service Assembly 

When you have been with us for a while, and gained the trust of the Home Group members, you will have an opportunity to be elected as a 'Group Officer'. We suggest that you start to attend our Trusted Service Crew meetings to help you get ready and raring for active service. 

Once elected you will be trusted to deliver Primary Purpose activities within a clearly defined role description. You will then join, and be directly responsible to, the Trusted Service Assembly. The Trusted Service Assembly will be led by the Group Chair who is advised by the Group Steering Committee. 

Group Steering Committee

When you have had some experience in one or two Trusted Servant roles, or you bring with you some considerable experience, strength and hope to us - you will have the opportunity to be elected to the Group Steering Committee. The Group Steering Committee has four clearly defined functions, to: 

1. Ensure that the 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts of AA are being adhered to by the Group as a whole. 
2. Assess if suggestions for Meetings of Group Conscience are well crafted and to devise the agendas for all Group meetings. 
3. Identify and discuss appropriate candidates for Trusted Service to present to Group Business Meetings for election to serve the Group. [these happen every Friday before the end of our main Group Meeting]. 
4. Run the day-to-day operations of the Group as a whole. 

The Group Steering Committee shall also meet in emergency to discuss confidential matters. Confidentiality shall be maintained to ensure the Common Welfare of the Home Group. As soon as practicable the Steering Committee will convene a Meeting of Group Conscience to report back on what happened, check everyone is OK, and what actions they took.

All of the above structures are directly responsible to Meetings of Group Conscience and as such the AA West Essex Home Group.  

See notice boards for available service positions and role holders. 

BE ACTIVE IN SERVICE!