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We suggest that meetings be conducted by members who are abstinent from nicotine, if possible. New members stand a better chance of receiving help by being in a group whose experience is drawn from people who have stopped using, and are living free from nicotine. Our members find that getting involved in the program is very helpful in stopping the use of nicotine in any form.
When you start a meeting, please fill out the enclosed meeting directory form and forward it to us. As soon as we receive it, the information about your meeting will be included in the Worldwide Meeting Directory, along with the first name and phone number of the contact person. The meeting location will also be published in the next issue of Seven Minutes, our quarterly newsletter. This will help local people and visitors to find your meeting. The information you provide will also let us communicate with you.
Our website displays a copy of each of our current pamphlets. If you need more, require other items such as our books, or would like to subscribe to Seven Minutes mentioned above, use our literature order form. A subscription to Seven Minutes includes an updated Worldwide Meeting Directory with the January issue.
Nicotine Anonymous World Services exists to serve the needs of groups around the world. Group or individual member contributions are gratefully accepted and are largely used to print and distribute our literature.
We welcome your letters with suggestions, ideas or announcements. If you have more requests or questions, please call or write at any time. Our staff will do its best to give you all the support you need.
It is customary for the leader to read an "opening" to start the meeting and a "closing" to end the meeting. This adds structure to the meeting, and Below you'll find three samples of what existing meetings have decided to read to open and close their meetings. We supply these to you as samples to assist you in preparing your own openings and closings.Comments on Meeting Formats:
We did not comment on all items.
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Group name
Most groups take the town the group meets in as the name and some groups add their own identifier. Some other ideas are: Clean Start, First Step, New Life, Phoenix, and Clean Air. We encourage you to come up with your own.
The Preamble
is copyrighted by the AA Grapevine, Inc. We requested, and received, permission from them to adapt and reprint it for our use. Permission was granted with the understanding we would reprint it exactly as it is shown and we have done so. We ask you to do the same, in the spirit of unity in
Tradition One.
The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
are copyright by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Again, we ask you to do the same as we requested with the Preamble, reprint them exactly as we have.
Meeting Lists
Groups should provide Meeting Lists if there are other meetings in the area. They are useful to group members and the newcomer who may wish to attend other meetings for support during the week or when traveling away from home. You can find out if there are other meetings in your area from our web site or by ordering a Worldwide Meeting Directory. If you find an Intergroup in your area, contact them for support.
Literature
is provided as the group decides. Most groups have several of each of the pamphlets and a copy of each of the books available on the table. New groups may have to charge for everything at first. When the treasury supports it, groups will offer the pamphlets for free and sell the books at cost. Some groups sell the books at half price to make it easier for members to have their own copy. The group decides how this will be handled. Some groups allow members to bring in articles on nicotine and recovery. If this is the groups choice, we suggest that this material be kept separate or clearly labeled so as to not confuse members about what is Nicotine AnonymousÆ World Service conference approved literature and what is non-program. Some groups use colored folders to differentiate the two.
Service
Examples of service are: attending meetings regularly, setting up the meeting room, ordering literature, preparing newcomer packets, posting meeting flyers, and becoming a sponsor; also, serving as Chairperson, Treasurer, Intergroup Representative, or greeter (welcoming newcomers).
The day Sunday in Format Three is arbitrary and was used for clarity only. Use your meeting day at these points.
Anniversaries
Each group decides how to recognize individual member anniversaries. Most groups give out a token or chip for recognition. We have no opinion on any recognition award, nor are we affiliated with any outlet that offers these products.
Announcements
Are generally made by the Secretary (see Guidelines for Secretary for examples), but any member can be recognized to make a Nicotine Anonymous related announcement.
Topic-discussion format
Many groups use this format when speakers are not available. If members can't name a topic, some suggestions are: acceptance, gratitude, and freedom. Also, pamphlets can provide a topic, such as each of the five tools. Try to stay positive. Instead of self-pity, talk about gratitude; instead of fear, talk about faith; instead of anger, try humility and so on.
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click on the following links to find out more information about your kit.
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