Ebby Thacher, often overshadowed in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), played a crucial role in forming the fellowship by bringing the principles of the Oxford Group to his old friend, Bill Wilson. Ebby’s story is one of early influence, personal struggle, and a complex relationship with sobriety that offers a profound lesson on the challenges of addiction and recovery. Early Life and Connection with Bill W. Born Edwin Throckmorton Thacher on April 29, 1896, in Albany, New York, Ebby … [Read more...]
Self-Pity: A Barrier to Lasting Sobriety
Self-pity is one of the most insidious obstacles to lasting sobriety. Both Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson, the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), frequently discussed the detrimental effects of self-pity on alcoholics. In the pages of the Big Book, "Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers," and various articles in the Grapevine, they highlighted how self-pity can sabotage recovery efforts. Understanding how self-pity manifests, recognizing its symptoms, and learning how to banish it are crucial … [Read more...]
News from AA World Services
AAWS Highlights Business of the Board from the March 2024 AAWS, Inc., Board of Directors meeting. Click the image (or here) to download the PDF and learn about what your World Services Board has been doing. … [Read more...]
Willingness: The Keystone of Lasting Recovery
When we talk about recovery from alcoholism, the conversation often turns to various strategies, support systems, and therapies. However, at the heart of all these discussions lies a single, pivotal concept: willingness. Without it, the journey to sobriety can feel like an insurmountable mountain. With it, that mountain becomes a series of manageable steps. The First Step: Acknowledging the Problem The first step in any recovery process is the willingness to admit a problem. This might seem … [Read more...]
Cullman Group invites the district to celebrate July 4th with Potluck dinner and 2 meetings
Click the image for Event Details The Cullman Group invites everyone to celebrate July 4th with a 7 p.m. meeting, a potluck dinner with barbecue, and then the 9 p.m. candlelight meeting. Bring a dish to share. … [Read more...]
The Sex Inventory: Unveiling a Path to Healthier Relationships in Recovery
The journey through the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous is deeply personal and often challenging. The Fourth Step is particularly daunting among the many steps, requiring individuals to take a "searching and fearless moral inventory" of themselves. Within this step lies the sex inventory, a critical yet often uncomfortable examination of one's sexual conduct and relationships. Talking about sex is difficult for many, and discussing it with a sponsor can be even more challenging. … [Read more...]
Print the New Email Registration Flyer
The Email Registration Flyer has been prepared for your group so they can quickly sign up for the District 2 email list. This list is set up to ensure that everyone in our district is informed about upcoming events and AA news. It's simple to do. If you're at your computer, download the flyer here. Or click the image to download the flyer. … [Read more...]
Effective Sponsorship: The Backbone of Recovery
The concept of sponsorship in Alcoholics Anonymous has evolved into one of the most vital components of the recovery process. A sponsor is not just a guide through the Twelve Steps but a mentor, confidant, and friend who shares their experience, strength, and hope to help others achieve lasting sobriety. Understanding the historical evolution of sponsorship and the tangible benefits of effective sponsorship helps to understand its crucial role in recovery. The Origins of Sponsorship in AA The … [Read more...]
The Legacy of Joe and Charlie: An Enduring Guide to the Big Book Study
Few workshops are as vibrant and enduring as the Joe and Charlie Big Book Study. This renowned study has become a cornerstone for many AA members, offering a profound exploration of the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous), the foundational text of AA. The story of Joe and Charlie is not just about two men; it's about a movement that continues to inspire and educate those seeking recovery. The Genesis of Joe and Charlie The tale of Joe and Charlie begins in the early 1970s, when Joe … [Read more...]
Memorial Service for Tony Legg
June 22, 2024. 12-4 PM 2580 Vaughn Bridge Road, Hartselle, AL … [Read more...]
Best of Jim W.
Jim Williams from Ft. Worth, TX was one of the most popular and funny speakers in the 80s and 90s. ** These recordings are pulled from Youtube and may contain advertising. If advertising is present, it does not mean that AA District 2 endorses any product or outside institution as prescribed in our 6th Tradition. … [Read more...]
Attraction, Not Promotion: The Heartbeat of AA Groups
The principle of "attraction, not promotion" has been a foundational tenet guiding Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) since its inception. This principle emphasizes AA's inherent value and effectiveness, drawing individuals seeking help through the power of personal testimony and -genuine connection. This principle has played a critical role in AA's success and provides concrete examples of its application within AA groups. The Historical Roots of "Attraction, Not Promotion" The principle of attraction … [Read more...]
Founders’ Day 2024
District 2 Will Celebrate the 89th Founders' Day with a Picnic at Sportsman Lake Park in Cullman on June 8th, 2024 District 2, like most other AA Districts in the country, has celebrated AA Founders' Day for many years. However, among the hot dogs and hamburgers, we often forget what Founders Day is. This year, join us at Sportsman Lake Park in Cullman as we honor those who have left us. Saturday, June 8th, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Al-Anon Speaker at 11 AM Hamburgers and Hot Dogs at Noon … [Read more...]
Area Assembly Venue Selection Results
You may know that the quarterly Area Assembly held at the Clarion Conference Center in Auburn has been under review for quite some time. Due to the loss of their franchise, the state of the hotel, and the end of the contract period in July, the search for a new location for the Area Assemblies has been underway for a while. District 2 received a note from the Area 1 chair with a PowerPoint presentation about the new assembly options. Clarion is still one of these, even though the facility's … [Read more...]
Understanding the 100 Forms of Fear
Understanding the 100 Forms of Fear in Alcoholics Anonymous One of the central tenets of AA is the acknowledgment and management of fear. In the Big Book, fear is addressed extensively, emphasizing its profound impact on the lives of those struggling with addiction. It’s a powerful emotion that can paralyze us, leading to behaviors that perpetuate their struggles with addiction with extreme consequences in all aspects of life. The Big Book describes fear as an underlying factor in the issues … [Read more...]