Serving All Alcoholics

A.A.’s Third Tradition states that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking, and the Fifth Tradition states that each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers. For many, these traditions are observed through meetings, and by A.A. members working with others who desire to stop drinking. But what about those who are not able to get to meetings for some reason? How does A.A. ensure its message is accessible to all who need it?

Making the A.A. Message Accessible

While there are no special alcoholics, there are alcoholics who experience access barriers to receiving the A.A. message. For some, a six-inch step can be an insurmountable obstacle. A locked access door, blocked ramp, or parking problem can make it impossible to get to a meeting. Some members are ill, homebound, or living in retirement or convalescent homes; others have hearing or vision loss, learning, reading, or information-processing challenges; and still others are elderly, use wheelchairs or canes, or have other mobility concerns. Literature may be hard to understand. Childcare issues may make it impossible to attend regular meetings. Remote geography or cultural differences may hinder contact with other members. Reprinted from Serving All Alcoholics — Making the A.A. Message Accessible with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.

If we can do a better job of reaching out to alcoholics who face access barriers in receiving the A.A. message, we help them to carry the message to other alcoholics they may already know or will come into contact with, providing a powerful example that it’s possible to achieve sobriety despite perceived barriers.

After all, our primary purpose is to carry the message and, as the A.A. Responsibility Declaration indicates, when anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that, each one of us is responsible.

Southern Delaware Intergroup Accessibility Committee

The Southern Delaware Intergroup has an Accessibility Committee that serves as a resource for people needing access to meetings in the Sussex County area. Our mission is to provide aid and resources for overcoming obstacles that limit access to Alcoholics Anonymous in our area. Accessibility means ensuring equal access to everyone.

The Southern Delaware Intergroup Accessibility Committee is working with groups to identify needs and provide support to meet them. The Committee will also communicate special access provided by groups via this website. For more information, or if you have difficulty accessing meetings, please contact accessibility@sussexaa.org.

How A.A. Members Can Be of Service

The Southern Delaware Intergroup Accessibility Committee needs new members to serve. Some of us have been on the committee since the beginning. Whether you have experience with meeting accessibility needs or are simply interested in helping, we can use your support! For more information please contact accessibility@sussexaa.org.