Telephone Answering Service

Requirements:

At least 1 year of sobriety.
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Have the necessary documents:

• Telephone Answering Service (TAS) Kit, which is emailed to new volunteers and can be requested from the TAS Chairperson
• 12th Step list emailed to new volunteers or request from the TAS Chairperson
• Updated Winnipeg and Rural meeting schedules. Visit the Meetings page for the online meeting listings and PDF schedules which can be dowloaded and printed.
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Additional resources:

• AA Guidelines for AA Answering Services
• Meeting Guide App
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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)
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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. You can dial *67 before returning a call to hide your telephone number.
• Stay neutral: You are offering support, not controlling the outcome.
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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
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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
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Are you available to listen and ready for this meaningful Step 12 service experience?