Alternate Format – 2
Shared to post and use by the “Circle of Many Paths” AA Group, Manchester, NH

Welcome to the circle of the _____Group. (Chairperson introduces himself or herself.)

There is a place in our circle for all who are seeking sobriety. All are equal in the circle – in our alcoholism and in our sobriety. There is no beginning and no end – only the opportunity for continuous sobriety. It is believed that through the circle of life we are connected to all things. The circle connects us to each other and the fire connects us all to the Creator.              

The burning of sage is called smudging. It is traditionally used to prepare and purify a person, place, or thing for a time of openness and truth in the presence of our Creator. Prior to the meeting, the room has been smudged and each of you has had the opportunity to be smudged as you have joined our circle..                

For the Native American the holy silence is the voice of The Creator.

Silence is the absolute balance of body, mind, and spirit. The fruits of silence are self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity, and reverence..

Silence is the cornerstone of character.

Note* The Center of the circle belongs to the Creator; please observe the stretching of your legs and feet as to not disrupt the center.                

We welcome all visitors to our circle. Is there anyone here for their very first A.A. meeting? Welcome. This is not a typical A.A. meeting. If you have any questions please stay after the meeting and we will answer any that you might have.                  

Open the meeting

We will now observe a period of silence for the sick and suffering alcoholics                 

Preamble: Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with others so they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help others recover from alcoholism. 

I have asked a friend to read the “Twelve Steps around the Medicine Wheel”.

Now the “The Red Road” will be read. 

Now, The Power of the Circle

This is an open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. Please keep your comments brief so that everyone will have a chance to share because our time is limited. Sharing will proceed around the circle in a clockwise manner we will use a talking stick. Only the person holding the stick may speak until he/she is done.. IN my Tradition-Native active listening means that we do not look at the person speaking, but rather keep or heads down as the stick is passed from one to another. If you identify with what is being said, you may grunt, hum etc. when the speaker is finished they will pass the stick saying A-HO, which we repeat (sort of like an amen )                

Introduce the topic, sometimes we tell/or read a story, or mediation from an Elder (naigso-aa or white bison) and corresponding passage from the Big Book. The talking stick is then passed from East gate clockwise.                  

In accordance with the Seventh Tradition, the basket will be passed for expenses and support of this meeting and Alcoholics Anonymous unity.  

Briefly, are there any announcements?                  

At 8:30 P.M., if it is apparent that the meeting will run late announce, "It's about 8:30 The meeting will continue until the complete circle has shared. If you have to leave, we understand - thanks for coming and keep coming back."

We hold hands so that spirit may move freely among us. The “Indian Prayer” O Great Spirit- will be read.

We close with a tobacco prayer. Pass the bowl around clockwise, each person take a pinch. Then in turn from east gate, walks to face the east- stating prayer (silent or aloud), putting their tobacco into the fire, to be burned later in sacred fire (fire dept. regs) returns to their seat having complete the circle in clockwise manner.                  

The leader for the evening meeting breaks the circle in a clockwise direction, greeting each one in turn with handshake or hug. Others, in like manner, follow. Then we eat/Fellowship