Whats your take on the subject?
For me its just giving back what was so freely given to me.

Just replied to this at another group but a topic I think is worth hearing about and hope we all join in.

As well as giving back and that is sooooo true...
It is one of those short versions of the Serenity Prayer. For me it means, suiting up and showing up, going up to a newcomer not waiting for them to reach out as they have by walking into the rooms. And as we know nothing assures us more safety in recovery than being of service, getting out of ourselves.

I always try to go up to as many newcomers as I can. I have my sponsoree's put 5 pennies in their pant pockets and every time they go up to a newcomer move a penny to the other pocket. When they get home they can see how many people they welcomed. Just a little thing but at first it makes them feel good and gets them also out of themselves.

All the newcomers sit in the back of the rooms, they stand out pretty much At the beginning of the meetings we ask for newcomers, it never fails that at the end if we again ask if there were any newcomers that did not get to introduce themselves there is always one that didn't that does if we make them feel they are welcome by going up to them, offering them some or cake. It takes such little time, and if no one did it for us and waited for me to say hello who knows where I would be.

Remember how afraid you were, sick not knowing anyone and what kept you coming back. Sadly I do see more and more people shine newcomers on feeling they need to prove first they want what we have. Even to the point I have seen lists of names or sponsors and people do not even try to work with anyone until they seek them out. I sure would not want to choose a sponsor off a list. And i have also seen newcomers cry, ask for help and the meeting end and everyone walk out the door. Especially with those who have slipped and have a hard time getting time.

For that I am responsible, for by the Grace of God go I.

When I first came to AA I read this in the rooms early on and thought OH that is basic. As I have grown in AA I have come to realise just how big that statement is.

I have to act on so many different levels for that statement to stay true it amazes me.

Some of the things I have to do as TM says 'suit up and show up".
For me it means:
being involved in fellowship ie part of a group conscience,
being active in my district/area/country/AA worldwide,
acting in a way that does not split the unity of the fellowship,
acting in a way that, to the best of my ability does not go outside the traditions,
haveing an understanding of the 12 concepts and warranties,
it means working with the newcommer,
not just talking the talk but more importantly walking the walk,

These are just some of the things that come quickly to mind and I am sure is much more but the point is that we are all responsible to make sure that AA is around for the next newcommer and to leave the work to others is not acceptable. In early days my sponsor asked me where would AA be if everyone contributed as much as you are now and I thought about that and it gave me a scary picture.

Where would AA be if everyonge contributed as much as you???

G8

we are responsible to extend the hand of AA. But as anewcomer I thought that meant trying to save them BEFORE they reached out. Didn't work

Your right we cannot save anyone but if they keep coming back I will always be there with a hello, and let them know if they want i am here.
Seen to many people get fed up and ignore people and if that were the case I probably would not have came back.

I wounder what Dr Bob or Bill W would say to the alcoholic in a hospital
that didn't ask for help. Did they carry the massage, There is a way out if you want it.
BB page 90
If he does not want to stop drinking don't waste time
trying to persuade him. You may spoil a later opportunity.

If there is any indication that he want to stop, have a good talk with Him.