How to start a new FA group

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admin
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Joined: Sun Feb 23, 2003 5:55 pm
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How to start a new FA group

Post by admin »

The following is an extract from the leaflet 'How to Start a Group' obtainable free from the FA office, and summarises the first steps to starting a new meeting.


Who can start a Group?

It takes just one concerned person to spearhead a group. All that's needed is a regular place to meet, a Families Anonymous Meeting Format, some FA literature, and a few potential members.

How do I find a suitable location?

Suggested meeting places are community centres, church halls or other public buildings. Owners of buildings approached should understand the nature and purpose of our programme. A little searching will usually lead to a community-spirited person who will offer a room at little or no cost. If there is no set fee, the group will offer to make a small contribution towards the use of the room, in accordance with Tradition 7.

What about supplies?

To start a Group you will need to buy a FA Starter Pack containing all the basic documents you will need. This can be obtained by making an order to the FA office. You can be re-imbursed from the donations received in the group each week. You will probably want light refreshments, a notebook, and a sign or two to guide newcomers to the meeting. All supplies (milk, coffee, tea, etc) should be paid for by Group funds.

What is a meeting like?

Details of how to conduct a meeting, how to let newcomers know you are there, how to build up attendance, all are covered by leaflets obtainable from the Office.

Support is available for new groups from more experienced FA members, so you don't have to struggle on your own!
sandy
Posts: 264
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2007 9:17 pm
Location: south of England

Re: How to start a new FA group

Post by sandy »

Good to know that people want to start new groups. Just in case you haven't much experience of the 12 step programme, suggest that you go to quite a few FA meetings beforehand. Hopefully you'll have more experienced FA members to help, too.

It takes some time to 'get' the programme and often many months before it takes off. Newcomers don't always return. If there isn't a group near you try an Al Anon meeting - it's all 12 step and if your loved one uses alcohol to excess then you'll get a lot of benefit from Al Anon. They have been going longer than FA and have around 800 groups in the UK.

Good luck (and speaking from experience!!)

Sandy
Luke Dennison
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2021 7:23 am

Re: How to start a new FA group

Post by Luke Dennison »

I'm struggling with trying to get in meetings not great at this.my wife in rehabe
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