Lessons Learned from AA Intergroup NYC Meetings
I remember the first night I walked into an Intergroup meeting. I had been going to AA for a while, but I had never really thought about how it all worked behind the scenes. That night, I searched for AA intergroup NYC meetings tonight and decided to check it out. I had no idea what to expect. Would it be like a regular AA meeting? Would I have to share? Was I even supposed to be there?
The room was filled with people who clearly cared about keeping AA running smoothly. Some had decades of sobriety, while others had only been sober for a year or two. Everyone had a role, whether it was answering phones, organizing literature, or making sure meetings had the support they needed. By the end of the night, I realized something, this was a part of AA that kept everything going. It wasn’t just about showing up to meetings. It was about making sure the next person could find one when they needed it most.
Read more: The Unexpected Lessons I Learned at AA Meetings Seattle
Service in AA is Bigger Than You Think
When I first got sober, people told me service was important. I thought that just meant setting up chairs or making coffee at my home group. But Intergroup showed me that service happens at a much bigger level. It’s the people at Intergroup who make sure the AA hotline is answered 24/7, who update the meeting lists so no one shows up to an empty room, and who connect newcomers with help. Thanks to their efforts, anyone looking for AA intergroup NYC meetings tonight can find the support they need.
One night, I answered phones for an hour. A guy called and said, “I need help. I’m looking for AA meetings near me.” He sounded lost. I gave him the address of a meeting and told him what to expect when he got there. That moment stuck with me. Someone had done the same for me once, and now it was my turn to pass it on.
AA is About Unity, Not Just Sobriety
One of the things I love about AA is that it brings together people who wouldn’t normally cross paths. Intergroup takes that to another level. At my first meeting, I saw people from all kinds of groups, big ones, small ones, speaker meetings, step meetings. Some meetings had different ways of doing things, but everyone came together for the same reason.
At one point, there was a disagreement about something small, like how to list meetings on the website. Instead of arguing, they reminded each other why they were there. They put aside their egos and focused on helping the next alcoholic. That moment made me realize something about my own sobriety. If I can let go of my own pride and listen to others, I can stay sober and keep growing.
The Bigger Picture of Sobriety
Before getting involved with Intergroup, I thought my recovery was just about my meetings, my sponsor, and my step work. But AA is bigger than that. It’s a network, and every part of it helps someone stay sober. Whether it’s the hotline, literature, , by tracking your progress with a sobriety calculator, or just knowing there’s a safe place to go, it all works together.
At one point, there was a disagreement about something small, like how to list meetings on the website. Instead of arguing, they reminded each other why they were there. They put aside their egos and focused on helping the next alcoholic. That moment made me realize something about my own sobriety. If I can let go of my own pride and listen to others, I can stay sober and keep growing. It reminded me of the importance of community, like the AA intergroup NYC meetings tonight, where people come together with a shared purpose.
Carrying the Message to the Next Person
Intergroup made me think about the 12 steps of AA in a different way. Step 12 says we carry the message to others, but that doesn’t always mean sponsoring someone. Sometimes, it’s as simple as making sure a meeting has chairs, helping with a phone list, or answering a call from someone who needs help, such as searching for “therapists near me” for those in need of additional help..
One of the old-timers at Intergroup said something that stuck with me: “When I was drinking, I took from the world. Now, I get to give back.” That hit me hard. For years, my addiction made me selfish. Getting involved in Intergroup helped me start giving back in ways I never expected.
Why You Should Check Out an AA Intergroup Meeting
If you’ve been going to meetings for a while and feel like something is missing, try visiting an Intergroup meeting. AA Intergroup NYC meetings tonight will give you a new perspective on AA and show you ways to be of service beyond your home group. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people who are serious about staying sober and helping others.
You don’t have to commit to anything right away. Just show up, listen, and see what it’s all about. If you’re interested, find out when your local Intergroup meets. Use our directory to locate one in your area, and see how you can be a part of keeping AA strong for the next person who needs it.