From 1968 to the 2022 (soon to be released) AA Membership Survey in the USA we check our demographics for outreach to healthcare professionals and the general public. We also use the survey to take inventory of how we are doing: who is getting the help they need; who's being left behind. Looking at them collectively we can measure trends.

The Great Britain 2020 Membership Survey reveals two new talking points: How are AA members doing with the proliferation of Zoom (and other online) AA meetings? What do AA's really believe? Members answer if they believe in a higher power and how religious or secular they are.

This event is part of a series from the Growing in Understanding group.

Free ZOOM event; help yourself to a program in several different time-zones ICSAA 2022 Program Oct 29 & 30 @ https://www.omagod.org/announcements

this is "some of" the history of atheists and agnostics in AA. Secular AA has "widened AA's gateway" according to founders and "isn't REAL AA" according to fundamentalists. In this meeting we will take a historical look at gatherings: secular AA meetings, conferences and literature in AA.

updated and revised history of secular AA: meetings and other gathering, the impact of Zoom, barriers and bridges, Secular AA: is it a different program or a different language?

The Spirituality Series is sponsored by Mary & Joseph Retreat Center Herb K & Joe C will discuss their respective approaches: Traditional VS Non-Traditional and dialogue about their understanding and experience then open the workshop to participant questions. Herb K will unpack his understanding and experience with the Big Book from the “spiritual” perspective – helping participants clarify the practical meanings of: FAITH; CHOICE; DECISION. Joe C will share his approach from the “secular” viewpoint – addressing the % of people coming from or drawn toward atheism or agnosticism, modeling how to have an effective personal experience.

From Joe C.: “Step Two and Three are a process for a freethinker like me--not an event. My unaided will was insufficient to sustain sobriety. What resources would suffice; where would I go or what/whom would I turn to for the care that I needed? None of these are original ideas, but I heard them at AA meetings and applied them to my life: a) the power of example, b) a Group of Drunks, c) a higher purpose. As ideas and practical tools, these three touchstones have all been instrumental throughout my AA recovery. I see in these principles the same practices and hope of Steps Two and Three that others find who ‘call it God-consciousness’."

Herb K’s journey ~ 7 years in Claretian seminary, a graduate education in psychology, 40 years in human resources consulting, certification as a Spiritual Director, active participation in 12 Step Fellowship since 1984 and the publication of 3 books on spiritual awakening. www.herbk.com

Joe C’s search for a secular daily reflection book for people in recovery came up empty, leading to his writing “Beyond Belief: Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life” (2013). Joe is a broadcaster & author, clean and sober since Disco music. His writing, research and reporting efforts have been directed towards music, finance, travel, mental health and addiction/recovery. Joe hosts a syndicated show on IndieCan Radio, devoted to the emerging music scene and Rebellion Dogs Radio, a contemporary look at 12-step life. Contact Joe at https://rebelliondogspublishing.com/

Cost: $25 - Zoom information and links will be emailed to you a few days before each event. info: https://maryjoseph.org/event/steps-2-3-we-agnostics-a-choice-a-decision/ register: https://giving.ncsservices.org/App/Form/ca432038-394c-4a06-992f-f6485beca71e