Thursday First Step Format

Thursday Agenda—Giving Away First Step

Original 10/2/2025 Group Conscience

1. Opening: Good evening: My name is ___________ and I am a recovering sexaholic (pause). Welcome to this meeting of Sexaholics Anonymous. This is a closed meeting, only those desiring their own personal sexual sobriety should attend. This is a no smoking no vaping facility. If you need to smoke/vape, please use the designated areas outside.
2. Moment of Silence & Serenity Prayer: Will you please join me in a moment of silence, followed by the Serenity Prayer

   God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Thy Will not mine be done (SA 95).

3. First Meeting Newcomers: Is there anyone here today attending their first SA meeting? If so, will you please let us know your first name, not to embarrass you, but so that we can get to know you better.

   If there are newcomers, pass around a copy of the pamphlet "Sexaholics Anonymous" for members to write their names and phone numbers for the newcomer. Please skip this if you are of the opposite sex.

4. First Time at This Meeting: Is there anyone attending this SA meeting for the first time? Will you please introduce yourself?
5. Introductions: Let's take a minute to introduce ourselves by first name and state our length of sexual sobriety. I'll begin, and we will go around the room. My name is ________, I'm a sexaholic and I have been sexually sober for _____.
6. Chairperson Announcement: Tonight, we will be using a somewhat different meeting format. As part of this meeting ________ will be giving away their first step. Following the giving away of their first step, there will be a chance for listener comment, followed by our normal closing activities.

   Because of this, for our opening reading, instead of reading the steps and other introductory readings, we will be reading the First Step from the White Book, starting on page 83. Each person may read a few paragraphs, passing to the next person. Since this is our opening reading, we will go through this reading without discussion. Let's begin.

7. Reading from White Book: Step 1, pages 83-88.
8. Chairperson Introduction to First Step:

   The first step inventory is our sexual and lust inventory. In this inventory, we face ourselves as we really are. The words 'I am a sexaholic and I am powerless over lust' come out of this insight. Bringing what we are into the light keeps us from hiding what we have been, and becomes the act of putting it all behind us and sending it away…. thus, we are 'giving away our first step'. The purpose is to see, confess, and send away.

   It is suggested that members giving away their First Step be allowed to do so without interruption, yet under the guidance of their sponsor and/or the meeting leader. The person is thus free to "tell their story", however they may, even if it comes out haltingly. Listening members may indicate by quietly raising their hand if the subject matter becomes too explicit or quietly leave the room.

   As mentioned earlier, listeners will have a chance to offer comment following the giving of the first step, if time allows. In commenting, members should share from their own experience, talking in the "I", not the "we" or "you". Rather than displaying our knowledge, we lead with our weakness and give of ourselves, sharing our experience, strength, and hope.

9. Chairperson: Introduce the person giving away their first step.
10. Comments: At the conclusion of the giving away of the first step, if time allows, open the meeting for comment. REMINDER:

    ***While we are an anonymous fellowship, anonymity does not imply legal confidentiality. In particular, sharing first-hand information about abuse of vulnerable populations in which the appropriate authorities have not been notified may result in a report to the authorities. Talk with the chairperson or your sponsor before divulging very personal details &/or criminal activities.

11. At 7:55 - Seventh Tradition: It's time for our Seventh Tradition. We have no dues or fees, but we do have expenses, such as literature and rent, and are self-supporting through our own contributions. As we pass the basket will someone, please read the Twelve Traditions of Sexaholics Anonymous, found on page 209?
12. Announcements: Does anyone have any SA related announcements for the group?
13. Anniversaries: Is anyone celebrating an SA sobriety anniversary today or this past week?
14. Sponsorship: This group values both sponsoring and being sponsored. A sponsor is one who is at least a bit farther in his, or her understanding and practice of the Twelve Steps of SA. A sponsor is a guide, a mentor, a coach, someone who helps us understand ourselves and our sobriety. We encourage everyone to have a current sponsor.
15. Anonymity Reminder: Anything you have heard at the meeting is strictly the opinion of the individual participants: the principles of SA are found in our Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. This is an anonymous program. Please keep the name, address, phone number and personal story of anyone to meet or learn about in SA to yourself. And what we say here, let it stay here.
16. Closing Reading – Chairman's Choice:
    1. Will someone please read A vision for You, found on page 210?

    OR

    2. Will someone please read the 9th Step promises from pages 83-84 in the Big Book. (Hand out copy to the reader.)
17. Third Step Prayer: Please remember that we are guests in this facility and must leave it in the same condition we found it. Help me close the meeting with the Third Step Prayer.

    CHAIRPERSON CONSIDER LAYING OUT 3RD STEP PRAYER SHEETS TO INCLUDE EVERYONE PRESENT

    God, I offer myself to thee, to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that a victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy love, and Thy way of live. May I do thy will always!

    Keep Coming Back, it works if you work it!