Bridging the Gap

Volunteers

Bridging the Gap is a program that connects newly released alcoholics from treatment or corrections with an AA volunteer to support their transition into a local AA group after discharge. The volunteer will endeavor to contact the participant within 24 hours of release and attend a meeting with them within the first forty-eight, with the goal of helping them become assimilated into their local AA group quickly. Volunteers are welcome to participate in this 12-step service opportunity. Come and join our dynamic team. There is a big need for volunteers. 

Newcomer

Bridging the Gap is a committee of alcoholics helping other alcoholics. We are all A.A. members, and being alcoholic ourselves, we know that the people you will meet in your first days out could make all the difference. We hope that we will hear from you.

To sign up for your temporary contact, please click on the button below or you can call to leave a message OR text us at (480) 266-6477

Note: Request Participant Bookmarks by emailing: bridging_the_gap@vwhi.org

How does Bridging the Gap work with newcomers? 

  1. The temporary contact endeavors to contact the new member as soon as possible on the date of their release.

  2. Explain to the newcomer what meeting formats are available and explain the difference between open and closed meetings. 

  3. Accompany the newcomer to a variety of meetings, including online meetings. Give the newcomer an A.A. meeting schedule or show them how to use the Meeting Guide app. 

  4. Introduce the newcomer to A.A. Conference approved literature (particularly the Big Book). Share copies of AA Grapevine/La Viña and/or introduce the newcomer to the AA Grapevine podcast and app. Explain the importance of joining and participating in a home group. 

  5. Explain sponsorship to the newcomer, referring to the pamphlet “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship,” and perhaps help the newcomer find a sponsor. 

  6. More comprehensive description of our Bridging the Gap Program can be found on in Volunteer Pamphlet.

BTG Committee Meeting Info 
(orientation as Well):

Join us for our monthly team meeting and attend an orientation if you’d like to understand more about what it is we do. Our Volunteer Orientation verifies that we are all on the same page starting out and our Team Meetings help keep us informed on what is happening with BTG and each other. All are welcome.

Join Zoom Meeting:

Meeting ID: 844 9964 5073

Passcode: 070520

BTG monthly meeting information is also located on our calendar.