Telephone Answering Service (TAS)

Telephone Answering Service (TAS)

Welcome from the Telephone Answering Service Committee!

Our Mission

The Telephone Answering Service is dedicated to offering support to alcoholics in need. Our goal is to ensure that anyone reaching out for help through our helpline receives guidance and assistance from AA.

What we do

To fulfill this mission, we provide telephone support:

• Weekdays: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Weekends & Holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

How You Can Help

If you’re an AA member with at least one year of continuous sobriety, you’re invited to take part in this meaningful Twelfth Step service.

Interested in Telephone Answering?

Requirements:

• At least 1 year of sobriety.
• Have the necessary documents:
  • Telephone Answering Service (TAS) Kit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YUJ9doUoCIA0G4RL9vlfDbnXoDP7_iHl/view?usp=drive_link
  • Phone forwarding directions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12ydVplenffsz-sWTt3dZAB7FLlSXzX33/view?usp=drive_link
  • Updated meeting schedules: https://aamanitoba.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/wpgmtgs.pdf, https://aamanitoba.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ruralmtgs.pdf
  • 12th Step list: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GMsrjXVieYd4YIYtR1N9-AZcRzzFB8RH/view?usp=drive_link

Additional resources:

• AA Guidelines for AA Answering Services https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ogOfwSBVFiMJehm0fKx5QICIrbt-APZx/view?usp=drive_link
• Telephone Answering Services schedule https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cZoGR8mDSbnPE3emqfnk3jIfZYY65x33/view?usp=drive_link
• Meeting Guide App https://meetingguide.org/

Preparation:

• Mentally prepare and review the documents before answering calls.
• Keep contact numbers of trusted AA members for support (12th step list will be provided)

Important Guidelines:

• Respect anonymity: Use only your first name and never share another member’s number without permission
• Maintain boundaries: Do not give out your phone number. If needed, dial *67 before calling.
• Stay neutral: You are offering support, not controlling the outcome.

How to Help Callers

✅Highlight the importance of meetings.

✅Encourage attending different groups.

✅Clarify the difference between open and closed meetings.

✅Describe what to expect at a meeting.

✅Be patient—understanding AA’s Steps and Traditions takes time.

✅Avoid comparing your journey to theirs.

✅Promote change, one day at a time.

✅Stay calm—your tone influences the call.

What to Avoid

❌Saying: “I’m new myself” or “I struggled today.”

❌Giving ultimatums like “If you don’t pick up your chip, you’ll drink.”

❌Mixing alcoholism with other dependencies (drugs, overeating, etc)

❌Speaking negatively about members or meetings.

❌Talking too much about yourself.

❌Labeling people as “winners” or “losers” in AA.

❌Discouraging someone by saying it’s too late to call after drinking.

❌Suggesting that drinking again will prove if they’re alcoholic.

Are you available to listen and ready for this meaningful Step 12 service experience?