Online Individual Volunteer Form

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AREA 11 ANSWERING SERVICE - WE NEED YOUR HELP!

          The Area 11 Answering Service is an initial point of contact for people who may be struggling with alcohol or wanting information about Alcoholics Anonymous.  For Answering Service volunteers, it’s the same as giving your phone number to a newcomer except that you will probably not have met the person reaching out for help.  All you need to do to be effective is share your experience, strength, and hope.

How it works:

           A person looking for help calls one of the district call centers or the Area toll-free number.  The call center (aka operator) takes the caller’s information (gender, location, phone number and why they’re calling).  If it’s a 12th-step call, the operator will go through the list of A.A. volunteers and see who’s available to return the call (if it’s just a call about a meeting location, the operator provides that info).  The operators do their best to match men with men and women with women from the same town.  Your phone number is NEVER given out to anyone.  It’s up to you to return the call.

          Some people call because they’re looking for a ride to a meeting.  You’re under no obligation to bring someone to a meeting unless you feel comfortable doing so.  It’s suggested you bring someone with you.  This helps ensure the safety of all involved.

How to sign up as a volunteer:

            It’s simple.  Please fill in the information requested below.  We ask that you use your first name and last initial.  Please indicate the days and times you’re available to return calls (please make sure you really are available these days and times). Once you have signed up, create a contact for A.A. Answering Service with 800-374-5098 as the number. This will identify when the answering service is calling so that you can help someone in need and don’t think it’s a SPAM call. There are times the answering service will put the caller on hold while they look for someone to talk to them. At those times, you may find yourself talking to the caller immediately. You can then give this sheet to your group’s GSR to hand to the District Answering Service Chair.  You may also email your info to answeringservice@ct­‐aa.org. If you have any questions please email this address or ask your GSR.