What was the affect or tone of sharing – sad, happy, grateful, etc.?
Part One: You will visit an online U.S based meeting of a 12-Step or other support group from among the groups listed below. It must be a volunteer-directed, non-commercial, non-professional support group such as: •Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) •Adult Children of Alcoholics aka ACOA or ACA •Al Anon •Narcotics Anonymous (NA) •Nar-Anon •Marijuana Anonymous (MA) •Cocaine Anonymous (CA) •Nicotine Anonymous (NicA) •It may be a religious or other organization that is specifically devoted to substance addiction but in that case, it must have my prior approval. •Choose carefully. You will need a meeting with at least 5 attendees other than yourself. One way to find a meeting is to go to the respective program’s website and find a meeting list. You may also find an infoline or hotline, so you can call before. •We do not spy. You must ask and receive permission from the group leader or facilitator to attend as an observer. Call ahead to speak with the facilitator and be truthful. Some facilitators are very helpful to guests or observers and will speak with you before or after the meeting to answer questions. Some facilitators are not as open. •It may not be a “closed” meeting. •Anniversary, Step and Traditions meetings are good choices. •Listen to a “qualification” (opening speaker if there is one) and members sharing (must). •Obtain 1 or 2 pamphlets from among their free online literature •Listen to announcements and upcoming events •Observe how the meeting opens and closes Part Two: Prepare a report of approximately 1,200 words (double spaced on a Microsoft Word document) on your experience and observations. Describe your entire experience from your initial investigation of 12-Step groups, why you chose the particular program and group, phone contact, group experience to reflection on your experience. I want to know what you felt as well as what you thought as you were going through the experience. Answer the following questions in your report: •What is the purpose of the program? •What type of group did you observe – AA, NA, NicA, etc.? •What is the name and nickname if any of the group? •What was the number of participants including you and the facilitator? •What procedures were followed from beginning to end? •If it’s a Step meeting, what Step(s) was/were discussed? •If it’s a Traditions meeting, what Tradition(s) was/were discussed? •What was the general topic of sharing? •What was the affect or tone of sharing – sad, happy, grateful, etc.? •Attach a scan or link two of the program’s pamphlets in your report Conclude your report with a reflection on your experience: •How did you feel as you made your initial call? •How did you feel as the speaking and sharing were occurring? •Would you recommend this program to someone in need? Why or why not? •Would you recommend this particular group to someone in need? Why or why not? (Please include in text citation of your Peer reviewed sources)
