Our Purpose
Twelve Step work is at the heart of carrying hope to alcoholics and their families.
Volunteers engaged in this work know the life-changing impact of showing up for the still-suffering alcoholic—one call, one connection, one person at a time.
The mandate of the 12th Step Committee is to ensure that whenever an alcoholic reaches out, someone is there to help.
“If anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA to always be there… and for that, I am responsible.”
— Responsibility Declaration
We have several ways you can serve on our committee.
How the 24/7/365 Helpline Works
What is a Phone Greeter?
Phone Greeters are the first point of contact for anyone reaching out through the GTA AA Helpline (416-487-5591). A phone greeter is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, someone who, like you, probably dialed the AA Helpline looking for information and support.
They provide:
- empathy and hope
- meeting information
- AA resources
- real connection
Greeters receive full training and can serve remotely or in the office.
Comprehensive training and support from the 12th Step Committee equip greeters with the necessary tools to assist effectively.
Phone shifts are typically four hours long. Volunteers are encouraged to commit to at least one shift per month, with options for weekly service or more for those eager to give back with more free time. For added flexibility, there is also a Spares list for those who wish to step in when additional help is needed.
We also have opportunities for Overnight Phone Greeter Shift work. Either 9pm-1am, or 1am – 9am, or sometime 9am-9pm, this shift can be where some of the most meaningful 12 Step work can take place.
Requirement: 1 year of sobriety
If you would like to volunteer as a phone greeter: Please submit a Phone Greeter volunteer form
Monthly Phone Greeter and 12 Stepper Training
First Sunday of each Month
4pm-6pm
Meet Us in the Zoom Training Room
Meeting ID: 928 3714 2178
Passcode: 507155
Daily Shadow Shifts
Training is available any day from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
Volunteers log into a Zoom room and observe live calls with an experienced greeter.
What is a 12 Stepper?
A 12 Stepper responds when a caller needs deeper help beyond general information.
They offer:
- one-on-one conversations
- support in understanding AA
- meeting newcomers face-to-face
- attending a newcomers first meeting with them
- hospital or home visits when needed
- “Bridging the Gap” support for those leaving treatment or corrections
Sobriety Requirements for Service
Sobriety Requirements for Service
- 1 year Sobriety for Phone Greeters and Help Chat Agents
- 2 years of sobriety for 12 steppers
- No sobriety requirement for committee work
I am Responsible
Who is responsible? – I am responsible when anyone anywhere reaches out for help I want the hand of AA always to be there and for that I am responsible.
When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there, and for that, I am Responsible
The committee has a variety of ways you can be involved. Please click on the links below to submit your application form.
The 12 Step Sub committee meets on the second Wednesday of the month. Here are the Zoom details. (Zoom makes this commitment accessible to all members of Alcoholics Anonymous who wish to do 12th step work!)
Meeting ID: 980 8546 4617
All are Welcome – Come Join Us
Our Twelfth Step – carrying the message – is the basic service that the AA Fellowship gives; this is our principle aim and the main principle of service. AA is more than a set of principles or slogans on a wall; it is a society of alcoholics in action. We carry the message, else we ourselves can wither and those who haven’t been given the truth may die.
Bill W.
Special Material
Greeter Coordinators
Greeter Coordinators ensure our Helpline operates 24/7 by managing the master schedule, maintaining current volunteer lists, and overseeing the phone dashboard to direct calls to the appropriate greeter. If a greeter is unavailable for a scheduled shift, Coordinators promptly contact volunteers from the spares list to find a replacement. Their collaboration and meticulous scheduling are vital to providing a seamless Helpline experience.
How to become a 12 Stepper
12 Step Committee
It takes a village to offer 24/7/365 Helpline service. This includes:
The 12 Step Committee Chair is selected by the GTA Intergroup Operating Committee to serve at their pleasure for a minimum of 1 year, maximum of 2 years.
- Approx 4 hours of service per month
Vice Chair – shadow the committee chair to take over at the end of their service committment
- Approx 2 hours of service per month
Secretary
- Approx 2 hours of service per month
Greeter Coordinators
- each position may require 2 hours of service per month
- Scheduling
- On Boarding and Training
- Overnight Greeter Coordinator
12 Stepper Coordinator
- approx 2 hours of service per month
Curious? Please contact 12step.chair@aatoronto.org