How to start a meeting

Addiction thrives in isolation; group interaction can promote recovery.  Secular Organizations for Sobriety is an anonymous support group for those seeking sobriety via a secular path.  

There is no charge or cost to participants in SOS groups; each group is self-supporting through voluntary contributions of members.  In order to avoid outside influences, 

All membership is anonymous, no one will ask for a member’s last name, address or any other identification.  Names of members/participants are never provided to outsiders.

SOS offers a variety of recovery tools, including both printed and video materials to assist new groups with beginning  the process and insuring that meetings are in alignment with SOS principles.

Secular Organizations for Sobriety meetings exist all over the world!  However, you may discover that the place you call "home" does not yet have an SOS meeting.  Never fear, you can start one yourself, with ease! Simply print out the meeting format instructions, and you're ready to go.  Oh, and of course you'll need the literature.  To purchase literature, contact the SOS clearinghouse.

Some Pointers on Starting a New Meeting

  • Utilize Meetup.com to start a sobriety support group. It does cost money (about $15 per month). Facebook Groups is a free option.

  • For in-person meetings, find a place that will donate space. The local Ethical Society, Unitarian churches, schools, colleges, libraries and addiction treatment centers are some ideas.

  • Create a flyer that is eye and mind catching. Make sure it includes time, place and contact information as well as the S.O.S. website address: sossobriety.org Place fliers in grocery store entrances/exits.

  • Many therapists would be interested in secular sobriety meetings for their clients. Invite them to meetings.

  • Create a way for attendees to make donations to defer cost. Setting up a PayPal account and/or a bank account will lay the foundation for financing the cost of the meeting and allow others to take on roles like treasurer.

  • Start a lending library by purchasing sobriety books with any extra meeting proceeds.

  • Send us an e-mail to info@sossobriety.org and let us know your meeting where and when. We’ll post it to our web site.

  • Use the SOS website to connect with other S.O.S. meetings to collaborate and grow your new meeting.

  • Do everything you can to be consistent with holding the meeting.

  • Make sure your meeting does not end early. You never know; some one may come late.

  • Know that you are not alone...if others can do this....so can you. We are here to help.