The How It Works Group is a fellowship of members who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

There are no dues or fees to pay; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.

The tremendous fact for us is that we have discovered a common solution to alcoholism. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news contained in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the sole purpose of our group is to carry this message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

If you are as seriously afflicted by alcoholism as we are, we believe there is no middle-of-the-road solution.We were in a position where life was becoming impossible, and once we passed into the region from which there is noreturn through human aid, we had but two alternatives. One was to go on to the bitter end, blotting out the consciousnessof our intolerable situation as best we could; and the other, to accept spiritual help. This we did because we honestly wanted to, and were willing to make the effort.

The How It Works Group began in December 1990, in Vancouver, B.C., because of a Group Conscience meeting. Using the same format, the Palm Springs group was started on October 10, 1991. At the initial meeting of each of these HIW groups, a vote was taken to determine how many meetings would be held each day, the meeting times, the meeting format, the rotating committee members, and voluntary service positions. Those internal processes, principles, and practices of the HIW group have evolved over time and have been voted upon at formal Group Conscience meetings of the past………More

A Business Meeting is held up to once a month, at the discretion of each group, in the group clubroom or regular meeting place. The objective is to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to become an equal member of the larger group……More

In order to make the HIW Group approach to sobriety available in the most effective manner possible, it issuggested, especially for the newcomer, that meetings are held twice a day. Early morning meetings are scheduledMonday through Friday and meeting times are determined through each group's own Business Meeting. Evening meetings are scheduled at 5:30 p.m. and this time slot is suggested due to the success of this meeting time in each of our existing groups……More

In its discussion of the Fifth Step, the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book presents a blunt and forceful analysis of the typical alcoholic's tendency to "present a stage character" to his fellows (pg. 73). This tendency is often accompanied by a reluctance to tell "someone else all their life story"- that is, a reluctance to admit to "another human being the exact nature of our wrongs" and a tendency to postpone getting on with the Fifth Step immediately after completion of our Fourth Step: moral inventory……More

At each daily meeting, HIW Groups offer 24-hour chips to newcomers. The group also offers 30-, 60-, and 90-day chips in recognition of those initial periods of continuous sobriety. This is a commonplace practice among A.A. groups. The How It WorksGroup, however, designates a separate night, usually the last Friday or Saturday of the month, to give special recognition to those achieving extended periods of sobriety……More

……AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS/DISRUPTIONS ARE INAPPROPRIATE AT MEETINGS

The How It Works Group wants common sense, common decency, and respect for others to guide the conduct of its meetings. We neither lay down laws nor set any rules, recognizing that we are all here for the purpose of seeking an answer to our common problem……More

Each day someone, preferably a newcomer, is invited to "take the meeting." This temporary chairperson hands out the designated readings to others who will participate in the meeting formalities. The chairperson begins the meeting by calling the group to order with a moment of silence and initiating the Third Step prayer. The HIW preamble is read by the members who were selected prior to the start of the meeting. The day's leader then reads the group announcements. It is suggested that the leader makes no side comments and adds nothing more to the announcements other than what is on the format sheet……More

……WE PASS THE BASKET WE ARE SELF-SUPPORTING THROUGH OUR OWN CONTRIBUTIONS

Put simply, meetings would not be possible without contributions from attendees. These donations contribute to covering essential expenses, such as renting meeting spaces, purchasing literature, and maintaining necessary resources. By pooling their resources and contributing financially, members……More

……RATHER THAN INDIVIDUAL SPONSORSHIP

The Big Book promises that when a newcomer becomes an active supporter of the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, he taps into a source of power much greater than himself (page 163). The newcomer's recovery is all but guaranteed if he becomes a responsible member of the group. Initially, of course, the group provides a substitute for his addiction……More

One day, a visiting member from Canada asked the group, "If you are so proud of your supposed connection to the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 steps as the solution to alcoholism, why don't you just read from the Big Book?" That simple question proved revolutionary. It led the group to move away from other literature and ultimately to the How It Works Daily Readings book. On October 26, 1995, the Group Conscience approved using the "Big Big Book."……More

Many of the founding members of the How It Works Group had attended one or more 18-week group study meetings of The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (the "Big Book"), sponsored in Palm Springs by a group ofvisiting

A.A. members from Canada. The first of those Big Book study meetings was held in January 1988……More

ONE YEAR SOBRIETY RECOMMENDED. SIX-MONTH POSITION.

As chairperson of Business Meetings, the chairperson ensures that meetings are run smoothly and in a fair and orderly manner, and that proposals are appropriate for a business meeting and not in conflict with the How It Works Group program. The chairperson does not have a vote, nor is the chairperson to attempt to sway or influence the group by making facial expressions, gestures, or comments. In addition, it is the responsibility of the chairperson to ensure that the duties of rotating committee members are being properly carried out and to suggest changes when assignments are not being fulfilled.

*You may delegate your responsibilities to another as long as they meet the above recommendations. However, you are personally responsible for your position.

** When positions rotate, it is YOUR responsibility to sit down with the newly elected person and go over the responsibilities and expectations of the assignment. You should make yourself available for as long as necessary to ensure that the new person understands and fulfills the duties of the position.

ONE YEAR SOBRIETY RECOMMENDED. TWO-YEAR MINIMUM POSITION.

Responsible for collection of daily contributions envelopes, logging into book, making deposits (less any expenses for petty cash type reimbursements), paying utility and other regular expenses, reimbursing expenses in exchange for receipts from house supply person, house maintenance person, literature representative, cake night representative, and other persons authorized to make expenditures on behalf of the group. The treasurer posts a monthly report of all income and expenses. It is the responsibility of the treasurer to pick a person, with at least one year sobriety, to serve as a back-up and to serve as a second signature on both the regular and prudent-reserve checking accounts.

*You may delegate your responsibilities to another as long as they meet the above recommendations. However, you are personally responsible for your position.

** When positions rotate, it is YOUR responsibility to sit down with the newly elected person and go over the responsibilities and expectations of the assignment. You should make yourself available for as long as necessary to ensure that the new person understands and fulfills the duties of the position.

SIX MONTHS’ SOBRIETY RECOMMENDED. SIX-MONTH POSITION.

Responsible for keeping items on the Bulletin Board (e.g., business committee meeting minutes, Business Meeting minutes, cake night and special events information) up-to-date. Responsible for taking minutes at Business Meetings and posting a report. Posts list of current rotating committee members and their duties. Posts rotating committee sign-up sheets on the Bulletin Board at least one month in advance of election. Keeps Birthday Box current and posts birthdays on an index card for all to view in advance of each month's cake night. Supplies all step sheets and phone lists and insures that both are kept current.

*You may delegate your responsibilities to another as long as they meet the above recommendations. However, you are personally responsible for your position.

** When positions rotate, it is YOUR responsibility to sit down with the newly elected person and go over the responsibilities and expectations of the assignment. You should make yourself available for as long as necessary to ensure that the new person understands and fulfills the duties of the position.

SIX MONTHS’ SOBRIETY RECOMMENDED. SIX-MONTH POSITION.

Responsible for organizing cake night each month (arranges for speaker; sets up and cleans up room; purchases cupcakes, cakes and refreshments). Responsible for ordering medallions. Keeps track of date cards in birthday box in conjunction with Secretary.

*You may delegate your responsibilities to another as long as they meet the above recommendations. However, you are personally responsible for your position.

** When positions rotate, it is YOUR responsibility to sit down with the newly elected person and go over the responsibilities and expectations of the assignment. You should make yourself available for as long as necessary to ensure that the new person understands and fulfills the duties of the position.

SIX MONTHS’ SOBRIETY RECOMMENDED. SIX-MONTH POSITION.

Responsible for opening clubroom and setting up meeting (i.e., making coffee, putting out cream, keeping sugarsupply baskets stocked, inviting newcomer to serve as daily chairperson, and general clean-up (includingvacuuming, cleaning tables, cleaning bathroom, hauling out trash, etc.). Responsible for setting up tapes and books for "Big Book Study" meetings. Responsible for locking clubroom after meetings.

*You may delegate your responsibilities to another as long as they meet the above recommendations. However, you are personally responsible for your position.

** When positions rotate, it is YOUR responsibility to sit down with the newly elected person and go over the responsibilities and expectations of the assignment. You should make yourself available for as long as necessary to ensure that the new person understands and fulfills the duties of the position.

SIX MONTHS’ SOBRIETY RECOMMENDED. SIX-MONTH POSITION.

Responsible for keeping the inventory and purchasingclubroom supplies (coffee, cream, sugar, cleaning supplies, towels,toilet tissue, soap, etc.) Oversees general and major once-a-month clean up as needed.

*You may delegate your responsibilities to another as long as they meet the above recommendations. However, you are personally responsible for your position.

** When positions rotate, it is YOUR responsibility to sit down with the newly elected person and go over the responsibilities and expectations of the assignment. You should make yourself available for as long as necessary to ensure that the new person understands and fulfills the duties of the position.

SIX MONTHS’ SOBRIETY RECOMMENDED. SIX-MONTH POSITION.

Responsible for general repairs as needed. Authorized to make expenditures for small repairs (i.e., under $100 per month) but must obtain estimates for larger repair jobs and present such planned expenditures for discussion and consideration at the Business Meeting. Schedules and oversees major repairs (e.g., heater, air conditioner, etc.) upon approval.

*You may delegate your responsibilities to another as long as they meet the above recommendations. However, you are personally responsible for your position.

** When positions rotate, it is YOUR responsibility to sit down with the newly elected person and go over the responsibilities and expectations of the assignment. You should make yourself available for as long as necessary to ensure that the new person understands and fulfills the duties of the position.

SIX MONTHS’ SOBRIETY RECOMMENDED. SIX-MONTH POSITION.

Responsible for purchasing and providing literature (as approved at the Business Meeting) to clubroom, and all chips.

*You may delegate your responsibilities to another as long as they meet the above recommendations. However, you are personally responsible for your position.

** When positions rotate, it is YOUR responsibility to sit down with the newly elected person and go over the responsibilities and expectations of the assignment. You should make yourself available for as long as necessary to ensure that the new person understands and fulfills the duties of the position.

AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO ROTATING COMMITTEE SERVICE POSITIONS

The How It Works Group is aided by members of the rotating committee. Trusted servants are the Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Cake Night Rep, Meeting Rep, as well as the Supply Person, the House Maintenance Person, and the Literature Rep. These service positions are elected twice annually as part of the regularly scheduled Business Meeting. If a position is vacated, supplemental elections may be held, but then election should always be conducted as part of a Business Meeting.

As more fully explained in the committee member and duty list, it is recommended that the rotating committee members have a minimum of six months of continuous sobriety. The exceptions are the Chairperson and Treasurer who are to have one year of sobriety. Each rotating committee member or committee representative serves a six-month term with the exception of the Treasurer who serves for a minimum of two years.

Collectively, committee members are responsible to make sure the group's day-to-day operations are done in accordance with the group practices and expectations. Each committee member or representative is personally responsible for his or her position. If an individual committee member is unable to fulfill his or herresponsibilities, they will need to follow up to ensure that another member of the group can fulfill the necessary tasks.Training the new person in the group to follow through with the committee tasks would be most beneficial to keep the group healthy.

When new members are elected, it is the outgoing person's responsibility to explain the exact nature, (i.e. the responsibilities and expectations) of the assignment. The former member or representative should be able for as long as necessary to help the new person understand what is expected and to ensure that he or she fulfills the duties of the position.

1.    Each member is encouraged to support the HIW Group program of recovery and its guidelines.

2.    HIW Groups are open to everyone – all are welcome.

3.    The format calls for meetings to be held twice a day every day of the year, if possible.

4.    At each daily meeting, "24-hour chips" are offered to newcomers in their first day of sobriety. The group alsooffers 30-, 60- and 90-day chips. The first six months and annual lengths of sobriety are celebrated at a separate designated meeting, usually the last Friday or Saturday of the month at 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. The HIW Group calls this special celebration Cake Night.

5.    Daily Readings from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (the first 164 pages, Dr. Bob's Nightmare and the Spiritual Experience) and from the HIW Group Daily Readings are the only literature shared in HIW Groupmeetings.

6.    Meeting sharing is round-robin style starting with the meeting's leader, continuing member by member going around the circle. Each member, in turn, has only one opportunity to speak. No cross talking is allowed. Membersshare on the day's reading or pass to the next member in the circle. All meetings start and end promptly on time. All meetings are opened with the Third Step prayer (page 63 of the Big Book) and closed with the Seventh Step prayer(page 76 of the Big Book).

7.    Group sponsorship rather than individual sponsorship.

8.    Each group ends the meeting with Playing Dead followed by the morning or evening meditation found on pages86-88 of the Big Book. Meetings are then closed with the Seventh Step Prayer (please refer to sample meeting format available in sample forms on the website.

9.     The Fifth Step is completed with a priest, minister or rabbi.

10.  Children, animals, cell phones and other distractions/disruptions are inappropriate and not permitted.

11.  All HIW Groups are fully self-supported by voluntary contributions. Each group always maintains a prudent reserve covering at least two to three months of expenses.

12.  A 19-week series of Sunday morning Big Book Study Meetings begins in January and ends in May. The 19-weekBig Book study audio and materials are found on the HIW Group App.