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DOING AA DURING QUARANTINE: THE 5 BIG BENEFITS OF AA VIRTUAL MEETINGS

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AA Phone Meetings

The coronavirus crisis has hit everyone hard, but for those struggling with alcoholism, this pandemic has brought on unique challenges.  Social distancing means that the lifeblood of the Alcoholics Anonymous program has been fundamentally changed. 

As daily life has changed recently, we’ve all been forced to think about the role of human interactions in our lives. For many recovering alcoholics, the fellowship they find at in-person meetings plays a crucial in their continued sobriety.  

So, what can be done?  Below are 5 benefits of continuing your recovery via AA phone and/or virtual online meetings.

1. AA Phone Meetings Offer Fellowship

We all know there are 12 steps to follow, but for many people, the relationships they create and maintain at AA are the real benefit. Even if you can’t be physically together to give each other a hug or handshake, it’s crucial to maintain your important relationships digitally.

No, it’s not quite as good. But, it is infinitely better than nothing!  

The lack of interaction is often what brings on the desire to relapse. So, don’t underestimate the value of talking to your peers. Just talking to your AA group, even on the phone, can do wonders for your mental health and stamina to fight temptation. 

2. Opens Up New Relationships

The switch to online or phone-based meetings offers a unique chance to meet new people you might never have encountered before. 

Perhaps you’re very content with your current relationships–that’s great! But if you want to branch out, this is the time.

Online resources, such as through AA online intergroup, other 12-step online groups, or on our District 22 website for online meeting resources are great places to start.

3. Can Join More Targeted Groups 

Joining an online AA meeting doesn’t just let you meet more people, it can also facilitate joining a more targeted group meeting.  For example, within the AA Online Intergroup there are specific groups for women, men, young people, LGBT people, and many others. 

If your normal, in-person group doesn’t offer this kind of focused attention, going online is a wonderful chance to try it out.  

4. Can Attend More Meetings

Recovery looks a little different for each person, and for some, a daily (or even more!) meeting is what they need.  Luckily, in many areas, this is typically possible. But for those in rural areas or those that are less mobile, getting to multiple in-person meetings is difficult.

The huge rise in demand for remote AA meetings during this pandemic has created the silver lining of virtually unlimited meetings to join at any time of day. 

Take advantage of this and log on as often as you need to.

5. Allows More Anonymity

Finally, if nerves or embarrassment normally prevent you from participating, a phone call to a remote AA group allows great anonymity.  You can be as forthcoming about your personal life or identity as you’re comfortable with. 

Also, with the phone option, as compared with Zoom or other video-conferencing options, there is no visual element.  Your fellow group members will only hear your voice. 

Keep it Up

While circumstances have changed for attending AA meetings, there are actually some benefits to trying out AA phone meetings.  Keep it up, and stay focused on that next coin.

It’s not exactly the same as the in-person experience, but the increased options for remote meetings offer a great way to keep your recovery going strong.

Originally Posted by Token Shop on 5/24/2020

Stage 4 Guidelines June 26

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Stage 4 Poster

Elgin Alano Club is following
Phase 4 guidelines as of
Saturday, June 26th, 2020

Dear members and fellows,

We are following the Stage-4 guidelines set forth by the state of Illinois to re-open the club to In-Person meetings on May 30th, 2020 under the following rules:

  • Face Masks are required for entry to the club.
    • If you are not feeling well, please stay home and take care of yourself.
    • Face coverings and social distancing are the norm while inside the club.  You may take off your mask during the meeting if you are practicing safe distancing and remaining in your seat for the entire meeting. 
  • Meeting rooms are limited to 50% capacity, social distancing at 6 feet apart; chairs will be placed on marked spots to insure proper distancing where possible.
    • Meetings with attendance larger then 20-persons will require the meeting chair to split the participants into smaller groups in break-out sessions in our three meeting spaces.
    • Sanitation: The meeting chairperson is responsible to wipe down the chairs, door handles, bathroom faucet handles and toilet flush lever before/after the meeting with the cleaning products supplied by the club. Please initial the cleaning-sheet for tracking.
  • The Coffee Pot and Vending is permitted for use inside the club – please use disposable cups & clean the surfaces appropriately before/after each meeting. 
  • Shareable 12-Step Books will NOT be supplied, you must bring your own or use a smartphone app until further notice.
  • The 7th tradition will be collected in a stationary basket (no passing), hugs and holding hands should be avoided until it can be safely done again.

If possible, we encourage the meeting chairpersons to log on to the zoom account via their smartphone so that those who are not ready to attend in-person meetings at the club, or may be restricted by our attendance limitations, can get in on the meeting. 

The ZOOM account will remain active until no longer necessary –
       Meeting ID: 945 901 0315
       Password: 4-digits (Twelve & Twelve)

For updates visit our website & social media channels.
       Website: www.ElginAlanoClub.org 
       Facebook: @ElginAlanoClub
       Twitter: @ElginAlanoClub 

Re-Opening Guidelines 5/30

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EAC ReOpening 20200530
Elgin Alano Club 
Re-Opens with Limitations on Saturday, May 30th, 2020

Dear members and fellows,

We are following the Stage-3 guidelines set forth by the state of Illinois to re-open the club to In-Person meetings on May 30th, 2020 under the following rules:

Face Masks are required for entry to the club.
** If you are not feeling well, please stay home and take care of yourself.

Meeting rooms are limited to 10 people per room, 6 feet apart; chairs will be placed on marked spots to insure proper distancing.
** Meetings with attendance larger then 10-persons will require the meeting chair to split the participants into smaller groups in break-out sessions in our three meeting spaces.
**The meeting chairperson is responsible to wipe down the chairs, door handles, bathroom faucet handles and toilet flush lever before/after the meeting with the cleaning products supplied by the club.

Shareable 12-Step Books will not be supplied, you must bring your own or use a smartphone app until further notice.

The 7th tradition will be collected in a stationary basket (no passing), hugs and holding hands should be avoided until it can be safely done again.

There will be no Coffee, Vending or Food /Potlucks inside the club until we are past “Illinois Stage-3”- please bring your own beverage to a meeting.

If possible, we encourage the meeting chairpersons to log on to the zoom account via their smartphone so that those who are not ready to attend in-person meetings at the club, or may be restricted by our attendance limitations, can get in on the meeting. 

The ZOOM account will remain active until no longer necessary –
       Meeting ID: 945 901 0315
       Password: 4-digits (Twelve & Twelve)

For updates visit our website & social media channels.
       Website: www.ElginAlanoClub.org 
       Facebook: @ElginAlanoClub
       Twitter: @ElginAlanoClub
 ~~ Preview of our “Stage-3 ready” meeting spaces below ~~