Recovery In The Lifestyle - Sample Meeting Format

Sample Meeting Format

Some have asked what a "typical meeting" is like. "Recovery in the Lifestyle" uses a format that will be easily recognized by anyone in recovery. Our meetings run from an hour to an hour and a half.

For the most part we hold discussion meetings. Ahead of time, the secretary of the meeting will pick someone to lead, a member who is chosen to share their story (including what they are currently going through in their life). On some occasions, we'll hold a meeting which focuses on a topic, such as one of the steps or traditions.

We're an "open" group, meaning that our meetings can be attended not only by those who are in recovery but also by their friends and supporters, too (or by anyone interested in possible membership). For example, it's not uncommon that a D/s couple attend, where one or the other is in recovery, and the other is there to lend support.

When we go around the room to identify ourselves, most will indicate both their primary recovery program and their lifestyle affiliation, as in, "Hi, I'm George, an alcoholic / addict and a dominant" or "Hi, I'm Mary .. a compulsive gambler and a submissive" or "Hi, I'm Nina .. an overeater and a switch" or "Hi, I'm Ralph, a slave, here to support my Mistress" etc.

"Recovery in the Lifestyle" is a fellowship of "BDSM" lifestyle people and guests who are "in recovery" or would like to be. It is based on the 12 Steps of Recovery and recognizes that anonymity is most important for us all.

Below you'll find a "typical format" for one of our meetings:

"Recovery in the Lifestyle" - Sample Meeting Format

Secretary: Welcome to this meeting of lifestyle people who are seeking recovery and our friends who support us. "Recovery in the Lifestyle" meets here the 3rd Sunday of the month @ 4:45 PM. Our group has been formed to bring people in the lifestyle together to share in their recovery. We ask everyone to turn cell phone's to vibrate or silent mode.
Ahead of time, the secretary asks for volunteers for readings.

Open with the Serenity Prayer followed by our Preamble. Other readings may be included:
a) Serenity Prayer
b) Preamble (always read): Recovery in the Lifestyle is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problems and help others recover in the lifestyle. The only requirement for membership is a desire to be in recovery. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. Recovery in the Lifestyle is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay in recovery and help others in the lifestyle to achieve it.
c) 12 Steps (frequently read) click here
d) 12 Traditions (on occasion) click here

Next we go around the room so attendees who care to can introduce themselves, indicating both their primary recovery program and their lifestyle affiliation.

The secretary then introduces the leader (speaker), who identifies as he or she begins, and shares for about 15 - 20 minutes. After the leader opens the floor for sharing, and calls on people. NOTE: Usually people raise their hands and are recognized, but members can also be called on.

Late in the meeting we hold the 7th tradition: The secretary says, "We are self supporting though our own contributions so at this time we will pass the basket." NOTE: Often the sharing will continue as the basket is passed.

At the end of meeting time, the leader asks the secretary if there are any announcements. NOTE: In addition to the secretary we allow members to make related recovery or lifestyle announcements, too.

To close our members stand, hold hands and say the Serenity Prayer (or the Our Father).

We are always interested in encouraging people who wish to carry the RiL message by bringing meetings to conferences or events - or starting new meetings in their area. If you would like more information about starting your own meeting, please download our literature and contact us (listed below) for more information, suggestions and support.

"Recovery in the Lifestyle";

Recovery in the Lifestyle is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problems and help others recover in the lifestyle. The only requirement for membership is a desire to be in recovery. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. Recovery in the Lifestyle is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay in recovery and help others in the lifestyle to achieve it.

Recovery in the Lifestyle : Sample Meeting Format