The format for our regular Thursday meetings was to go through the Twelve Steps in order covering one step per month. The first and third Thurdays were dedicated totally to the step. On the first Thursday, one or two members of the group shares their understanding of the how & why of the step. The emphasis is on working and reworking the steps, not just studying them. On the third Thursday, the discussion is focused on each member's personal experience with actually working the step. We shared the feelings involved, The other Thursdays are used for either step discussion or for discussion on any topic (relevant to sobriety) that the group chooses.

Rather than appoint a meeting secretary for an extended period of time, MSAG encourages all members to take an active part in our meeting. It has been our experience that everybody has a valuable contribution to bring to the table. In order to encourage participation, we pass the responsibility for running the meeting and presenting a step from member to member each month.

The device that we chose to use in sharing the responsibility for our meeting is a notebook used in the manner and the spirit of the Native American "talking stick". The talking stick has been used for centuries by many American Indian tribes as a means of just and impartial hearing. The talking stick was commonly used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak. When matters of great concern came before the council, the leading elder would hold the talking stick and begin the discussion. When he finished what he had to say he would hold out the talking stick, and whoever wished to speak after him would take it. In this manner the stick was passed from one individual to another until all who wished to speak had done so. The holder of the talking stick is given absolute authority to speak his truth without fear of being interrupted or challenged.

Step Presenters Schedule