Sample Meeting 2

Meeting Format for a Main Speaker Meeting

Let’s open the meeting with a moment of silence to do with as you wish, followed by the Serenity Prayer (pause. . . . .)

(Aloud together) God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Welcome to the [group name] of Nicotine Anonymous, my name is ______________ , I am powerless over nicotine, and I will be your chairperson for this meeting.

Nicotine Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women helping each other to live our lives free of nicotine. We share our experience, strength, and hope with each other so that we may be free from this powerful addiction. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using nicotine. There are no dues or fees for Nicotine Anonymous membership; we are self supporting through our own contributions. Nicotine Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization or institution, does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Our primary purpose is to offer support to those who are trying to gain freedom from nicotine.

(Our Preamble—Reprinted for adaptation with permission of the A.A. Grapevine)

Are there any newcomers? (Welcome with chip and/or packet) Welcome! We suggest that newcomers come to several meetings before deciding whether this program can help you. According to Tradition Three, “the only requirement for Nicotine Anonymous membership is a desire to stop using nicotine.” You are welcome here even if you have not already stopped using nicotine in any form.

Nicotine Anonymous is based on universal spiritual principles that have helped members first gain and then maintain freedom from nicotine. The program of Nicotine Anonymous consists of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions as well as the five tools: meetings, literature, sponsorship, phone/email list, and service.

- We have found that the Twelve Steps of recovery, adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous, can be a powerful tool to lift nicotine addiction from our lives. (pass around and read the Twelve Steps of Nicotine Anonymous)

- As the Twelve Steps describe a personal path to recovery, the Twelve Traditions provide form and unity to our Fellowship. I will now read Tradition # _______________.

- If you don’t have a sponsor, we recommend that you ask someone as soon as possible. Please see the pamphlet To the Newcomer and Sponsorship. On the table, we have phone/email lists of members willing to be contacted between meetings for support.

- We also have current meeting lists for our region. The pamphlets are free for the taking. The books are priced at our cost. See the chairperson after the meeting.

- According to the Seventh Tradition there are no dues or fees, but we are self-supporting through our own contributions. The money we collect goes for rent, literature, and when the group votes, to help our regional Intergroup and Nicotine Anonymous World Services serve all nicotine addicts who seek recovery. (pass the collection basket)

- Are there any Nicotine Anonymous announcements? (call on the secretary to report, and the treasurer to report once a month)

We meet here every (day) at (time). The format of this meeting is that we have a speaker to open the meeting, followed by members’ sharing. If a speaker is not available we read a part of Nicotine Anonymous: The Book and then take turns sharing after each paragraph (or section). When we share, we introduce ourselves by first name only. We ask that you refrain from cross talk, criticism, or unsolicited advice toward other members. Also keep in mind that this meeting is scheduled for one hour.

(Speaker shares, or reading begins)

Closing the meeting:

Will someone please be of service by reading Our Promises? (ask someone to read them)

In closing we remember the Twelfth Tradition because it is essential that anonymity and confidentiality are respected. We can unburden our hearts and minds more freely if we can trust that who we see and what we hear stays within this room.

For those of you who are newcomers, no matter how long you have been addicted to nicotine, or how many other times you have tried to quit, you will find among us those who have similar stories. Do not be discouraged.

The opinions expressed here were strictly those of the person who gave them. Take what you want and leave the rest.

Remember, when we want to talk to someone, we have our phone/e-mail list. Please stay after the meeting for fellowship or to ask questions.

In honor of both our willingness to be here and our group’s hope to be free of nicotine, let us join hands, because together we can do what we could not do alone, and close with the Serenity Prayer. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

See more sample meeting formats, and materials to start a meeting.