Reprinted with permission of the Grapevine. Originally printed in 1955
How ‘bout a little HISTORY? In 1935 Bill W. was desperately trying to stay sober. He thought that if he could talk to another alcoholic it might help. This thought turned into a fateful meeting with Dr. Bob; they in turn carried the message to the man who became AA number three (picture above) and the rest is history. We now have a huge worldwide fellowship where “each day, somewhere in the world, recovery begins when one alcoholic talks with another alcoholic, sharing experience, strength and hope”(Forward To the Third Edition, pg. xxii). Our fellowship is now over three million strong and with your help, we can add one more.You can save a life!
What exactly IS the 12th STEP LIST anyway?The 12-Step List is a collection of information about men and women who are willing to respond to the person who has called AA for help—day or night. These are men and women who believe it is very important to give back what was so freely given to them. By doing so, they are fulfilling the 12th step of their own program while ensuring that the hand of AA really is there for the suffering alcoholic.
“I Am Responsible. When Anyone, Anywhere Reaches Out For Help, I Want The Hand Of A.A. Always To Be There. And For That, I Am Responsible”
How does it WORK? NCMCO Volunteers or our Answering Service refer to this list whenever there is a need to assign a 12-Step call. You would receive the name and phone number of the person who needs help in your area. Men are assigned to men and women to women. You would call back and start the ball rolling from there.
What are the requirements to do this work? Willingness to help a human being suffering from our disease is the most essential ingredient. It’s also suggested that you have at least one year of sobriety and reread Chapter Seven “Working With Others” for helpful instructions. When called, you should be able to quickly respond. If you cannot make this kind of commitment, please reconsider being on the list. The very life of an alcoholic could depend on you.
How do I sign up? After conferring with your sponsor, call our North Carolina Mountain Central Office Monday through Friday from 10AM to 1PM at 828-254-8539 or download and print the sign-up. Give your name, phone number (cell numbers are okay too) and where you reside since all 12-Step calls are assigned by the city. Be sure to indicate when you are available and then do your very best to say yes when you are called. You might want to review the 12-Step Guidelines that are included on this page.
AA’s interested in being on the 12th Step Call list are asked to download the following documents, fill out the volunteer form and mail it to NCMCO, 70 Woodfin Pl. Suite 206, Asheville NC 28801: 12 Step Volunteer Form
The 12th Step Guidelines (very important!) are found here: