An AA workshop is a meeting where a group of people engage in an in-depth, intensive discussion on a particular subject in Alcoholics Anonymous. Workshops are usually Step, Tradition, and /or Service based. They are
opportunities to learn and discuss subjects on a deeper level than usually takes place at a regular meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Workshops give the attendees an opportunity to listen, study, and engage in discussion about topics that may not be as familiar in the fellowship. Not all members have experience with certain subjects in AA. I did not have any experience with archives or Traditions. I had only read the Twelve Traditions off the window shade. I was not aware of the true meaning and principle behind each one. It was at my first ever workshop I attended that I first heard about the Traditions in depth. There were no members around in the district that I lived in that had any real experience with the Twelve Traditions or any in- depth service work. I lived in a dark district that had had no representation at the Area level for many years. We started asking people from the Area Committee to come and put on workshops in the district. They were happy and eager to come and join us. Not only did we all learn together, but we also had the opportunity to spend some time together and get to know the trusted servants in our Area who had an immense love for Alcoholics Anonymous. We had fun.
In late May, members of the Area Committee traveled to District 7 in Somerset and held a wonderful workshop. The workshop had a Local Welcome to Service (different than the Welcome to Service that is done on Saturday morning at the Area Meeting.) This presentation focuses on how an individual member can get involved locally. The workshop then had three different presentations on select Traditions. This was a great workshop that had over 100 members in attendance and lasted from 10AM-3PM.
In late June, Area 26 Delegate Jennifer J. and myself had an expedition to District 3 in Bowling Green. We talked about our service histories, and I did the presentation on Local Welcome to Service. There were over 50 people in attendance, and, in classic District 3 fashion, they had a dunking booth. I believe they dunked me about 15-20 times. Never forget that we are not a glum lot.
Workshops are excellent opportunities to rally a district or home group. The Area budgets money each year specifically for workshops. The Area Committee wants to come and visit your local district. In my experience, these types of events are crucial for the unity and continued growth of a local AA community.
Corey Durham
Area 26 Panel 72 Alternate Delegate