Gamblers Anonymous exists because thousands of recovering gamblers have given countless hours of service. Setting up rooms, leading meetings, and cleaning up after, are usually the first service roles that we perform. But as we grow in recovery, more service opportunities present themselves. Each is a way to strengthen our GA community, and a way to practice Step 12.

Below are descriptions of several exciting service opportunities available. Send questions and interest to mn.ga.webweaver@gmail.com. Thank you (in advance) for your service!

Volunteer for the GA Hotline

For a gambler in crisis, the GA hotline is a lifesaver. Our friendly, understanding voices give gamblers hope. Hotline volunteers can choose the days and times that they’ll be available to take calls. When the phone rings, volunteers share their GA experience with those that are suffering, and help them find meetings to attend.

If you have one year of clean time, please consider volunteering for this essential service. Send an email with your name, email address, and phone number to mn.ga.webweaver@gmail.com, and the hotline coordinator will contact you.

Represent Your Home Group at Intergroup

Each month meeting representatives and committee chairs gather to discuss events and needs in the fellowship. Topics include pinnings, social activities, items of interest at international Trustee meetings, public relations efforts, and hotline and website activity.

Each GA group can nominate a representative to attend the monthly meeting and vote on motions and initiatives. Being an intergroup representative is an excellent way to stay connected to the fellowship, and an effective way to both share and receive information. If your home group doesn’t have an intergroup representative, step up for this important role! Send an email to mn.ga.webweaver@gmail.com, include the name of your home group, and an intergroup member will get back to you with more details.

Share Experience, Strength, and Hope at a Speaker Meeting

Our stories of recovery are powerful and essential. Stories show newcomers that a beautiful new life is possible. And, stories are a way of showing family and friends of compulsive gamblers that change is possible when working a program of recovery, one day at a time.

The metro area has not one, but TWO regularly-scheduled speaker meetings. On the first Saturday of each month there’s a speaker meeting at St. Alban’s in Edina. And, the Prior Lake / Shakopee GA group hosts the South of the River speaker meeting on the third Saturday of every other month.

Volunteer to tell your story at one of these speaker meetings! Showing others what GA has done for you will be a boost to your recovery, and all those listening, too.

Take part in Social Committee events

Our area provides numerous social events throughout the year to promote fellowship opportunities for our members and their families. Opportunities are available to gather ideas, help with planning and getting information out to members, volunteering at the event and of course, coming out and participating! Contact mn.ga.webweaver@gmail.com if you would like to get involved with this committee.

Support the Conference Call Meeting

Here in the metro area we are fortunate to have meetings every day of the week. But in rural areas and other states, a meeting can be hundreds of miles away. Compulsive gamblers who are not able to attend a physical meeting can attend a meeting by phone instead.

The GA Telephone Conference Call Meeting is held every Wednesday evening from 8:00 - 9:30 pm. Dozens of compulsive gamblers participate in this important recovery tool. Volunteers are needed to help administer the calls so that the meeting goes smoothly.

To volunteer to moderate the phone meeting, send an email to mn.ga.webweaver@gmail.com.  You will be fully trained on managing the program, and supported by other administrators, too.

Carry the GA Message

We are called to carry the GA message to the compulsive gambler that still suffers. GA members have been invited to speak at treatment centers, college campuses, and conferences. GA groups have been offered space to hand out literature and speak to attendees at recovery festivals, walks, and conferences. And, we have an ongoing effort to speak in prisons, to share our experience, strength, and hope, with those that are incarcerated.

Sometimes speakers are alone, but oftentimes they’re part of a team that works together to coordinate activities. Send an email to mn.ga.webweaver@gmail.com to express interest and learn more!

Become a Lifeliner

Gamblers Anonymous is self-supporting through our own contributions. A Lifeliner is a member who makes a monthly donation directly to the International Service Office. Donations are tax-deductible and help to ensure that GA will always be there for the compulsive gambler who still suffers.

You’ll find a pledge form in every issue of the Lifeliner Bulletin. Find current and previous issues of the bulletin at http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/pdf.

Join the Conference Committee

The biggest event of the year is the GA and Gam-Anon Annual Conference. Dozens of volunteers have dedicated hundreds of hours to planning this conference, down to the smallest detail. Keep an eye out for the call for volunteers around March or April of each year. Your time and talents are needed to make this annual event a source of strength in our recovery journeys.

Questions and expressions of interest are welcome! Talk about these opportunities with your sponsor or Trusted Servants, and send an email to mn.ga.webweaver@gmail.com. Choose an area that you believe will enhance your recovery, get involved, and be of service!

Minnesota GA Hotline 1-855-222-5542 **  www.MinnesotaGA.com