Distilled Spirits

The Big Book, in talking about the first meetings, points out on p. 160 that the "prime object was to provide a time and place where newcomers might bring their problems." It's just as true today. Instead of telling your newcomers to just listen, ask them to offer a problem as a topic for discussion. I guarantee you'll have a lively meeting as members share their solutions. And the troubled newcomer will leave with a feeling of belonging--he'll know he's not the only one to have that problem. He'll also take home some real solutions that have worked for others and just might work for him.