Men's AA Group
History
There were no Men's Meeting in Canberra and after identifying the need for one, The Sixth Chapter Men's Group was formed on the 3rd of May 2008 by a couple of members interested in establishing a Men's meeting with a focus on enjoying sobriety as well as being active in the AA community. The first meeting was held on the 2nd of June 2008 with 12 people attending. The Sixth Chapter has had a healthy childhood and continues to grow.
We have Campouts quarterly, an idea stolen from "The Deal", where we get together and attempt to share our spirituality amongst ourselves with a view to developing strong bonds and friendships (and catch a wave, cold or a fish or two). The Sixth Chapter like to live by the quote from page 132 of the book Alcoholics Anonymous which states: “We absolutely insist on enjoying ourselves”
The Sixth Chapter is indebted to "The DEAL" Men's Group in Melbourne and the Dog On The Roof Group in California for assisting with the set-up and ideas for our group. We mirror their philosophies somewhat and have benefited from leveraging their successful formula. (Why try to re-invent the wheel!)
Primary Purpose
The primary purpose of the Sixth Chapter is to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to the male alcoholic who still suffers from the disease of alcoholism.
Guiding Principles
As a group we are guided by the three legacies of the AA Fellowship, these being:
* 1st Legacy – Recovery - 12 Steps;
* 2nd Legacy – Unity - 12 Traditions; and
* 3rd Legacy – Service - 12 Concepts of World Service & Warranties.
More about our 3 Legacies can be found in AA Conference approved literature (see links on the main page).
We guide our members to respect the opposite sex and their recoveries by encouraging them to provide space and not interfere with their spiritual growth. Another principle vitally important to members is to enjoy life in sobriety and to display this to other members who may be wondering if there is life after drinking.
Membership
To become a member of the Sixth Chapter all you need to be is male and to posses a desire to stop drinking (Tradition 3) and to tell an existing Group member that you would like to become a member – that simple!
Alcoholism is a lonely disease
| Question: | In a picture often seen around AA, Bill W. and Dr. Bob are seated next to a guy on a bed. Who is the man on the bed? |
| Answer: | Bill D., who is often called "AA Number Three." |
The 12 Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous can be a 'bridge to normal living'