Is everyone equally welcomed?  Clean or dirty?  Smelling of booze or not?

Is the Group frightened by the newly sober?

Will the new person be bombarded with misinformation?  "There are two things that kill alcoholics - liquor and misinformation in AA" [Wino Joe L.]

Is the message "sit around and wait for the miracle?" Or is it TAKE ACTION and help others to TAKE ACTION?

Is the PROBLEM made abundantly clear?  Does the Group ensure that the new member is informed in detail about the EXACT NATURE of alcoholism?

Does the Group have an adequate cross-section of alcoholics with which the newcomer can identify?  Are there deliberate attempts to make identification with the new prospect?

Do cliques in the Group tend to create a social maze for the new person to crawl through?

Is the SOLUTION for the PROBLEM made abundantly clear?  Do the members show by example the necessity and value for intense and frequent Step Work?

Is the promise of a Spiritual Experience ever-present in the Group?

Do we pray together?  Do we help the new member with his fear of prayer?

Is there a genuine warm feeling of love and support?

Is open, deep and honest sharing promoted as a healing tool?

Do we have an adequate supply of willing sponsors who have a working knowledge of the Big Book?  Does the Group actively promote sponsorship?

For the person coming back to sobriety for the 2nd, 3rd or xth time, will the atmosphere be fresh and full of promise?  Is there an attempt made to determine exactly what was done and not done in previous attempts?

Is the Group full of "frothy emotional appeal" or does its "message have depth and weight"?  Is it RELIEF based or RECOVERY based?

Does the Group welcome family and friends into its activities?

Is the Group creating traditions distinct and recognizable as its own?

Does the Group hold its members accountable?

Is there a "critical mass" of willingness and recovery?

Does the Group know how to cry?  To laugh?