Welcome to our guide on the NA Meeting Format Template! Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned member of Narcotics Anonymous, having a structured format for your meetings can be incredibly helpful. In this article, we will explore the essential components of an NA meeting, discuss the importance of a meeting format, and provide you with a template that you can use for your own meetings. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Importance of a Meeting Format
- Opening
- Serenity Prayer
- Introduction
- Readings
- Sharing
- Closing
- Fellowship
- Meeting Format Template
- Conclusion
Importance of a Meeting Format
Having a meeting format is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a sense of structure and organization to the meeting, ensuring that all essential elements are covered. This helps create a safe and supportive environment for participants to share their experiences, strength, and hope.
A meeting format also helps establish consistency across different NA meetings. Regardless of where you attend a meeting, you can expect a familiar structure that allows you to fully engage and participate. This consistency is particularly important for newcomers who may feel more comfortable in a structured environment.
Additionally, a meeting format helps manage time effectively. By allocating specific time slots for different activities, meetings can run smoothly and efficiently. This ensures that everyone has an opportunity to share without the meeting becoming too lengthy or disorganized.
Opening
The opening of an NA meeting typically involves a welcome message, followed by a moment of silence. The purpose of this is to create a respectful and inclusive atmosphere for all participants. It is also common for the chairperson to introduce themselves and briefly explain the purpose of the meeting.
Serenity Prayer
After the opening, many NA meetings begin with the Serenity Prayer. This prayer is recited collectively as a way to center oneself and set the tone for the meeting. The Serenity Prayer goes:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
Introduction
Following the Serenity Prayer, the chairperson may provide a brief introduction to Narcotics Anonymous for any newcomers in attendance. This introduction may include information about the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, and the overall purpose of NA.
Readings
Readings are an essential part of NA meetings. They serve as reminders of the principles of NA and provide inspiration for personal growth and recovery. Common readings include the NA Preamble, the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, and the Just for Today meditation.
Sharing
The sharing portion of an NA meeting is where participants have the opportunity to share their experience, strength, and hope. This is a safe space for individuals to discuss their struggles, successes, and challenges in recovery. Sharing is typically done in a round-robin format, where participants take turns speaking.
Closing
The closing of an NA meeting often involves a group recitation of the Serenity Prayer to bring the meeting to a close. The chairperson may also take a moment to thank everyone for attending and remind them of any upcoming events or announcements.
Fellowship
After the meeting concludes, many participants engage in fellowship activities. This may involve informal conversations, making connections with other members, or seeking support from sponsors. The fellowship aspect of NA meetings is crucial for building a sense of community and providing ongoing support outside of the meetings.
Meeting Format Template
If you’re looking to create a meeting format for your own NA meetings, here is a template that you can use:
1. Opening and Welcome
2. Serenity Prayer
3. Introduction to Narcotics Anonymous
4. Readings
5. Sharing
6. Closing and Group Recitation of the Serenity Prayer
7. Fellowship and Informal Conversations
Conclusion
Having a structured meeting format is essential for NA meetings. It provides a sense of organization, consistency, and time management. By following a format, participants can fully engage in the meeting and feel supported in their recovery journey. We hope this guide and template have been helpful to you. Remember, each meeting may have slight variations in format, so feel free to adapt it to suit the needs of your group. Keep coming back!
