Most say they can if they keep their minds open to suggestions from the experience of others. This guide both summarizes such experience and points out Conference-approved literature in which generally accepted A.A. thinking on many important topics is given in greater detail. For instance, the booklet Living Sober – specifically designed for newcomers – provides possible answers to questions often asked at beginners meetings.

When a leader is “wiling to go to any length” to help newcomers, preparation for a meeting can be an exciting and rewarding venture, not a chore.

As one leader wrote, “After all, I am responsible.” Experience of more than sixty years throughout the fellowship does indeed suggest strongly that anyone who sets out to lead a newcomers meeting should take this privilege as a serious responsibility – and work at it.