This video is the property of A-B-E Intergroup, produced solely for the purpose of training Central Office volunteers. It does not represent the program or the organization of Alcoholics Anonymous in any manner except as described above. This video is the property of A-B-E Intergroup, produced solely for the purpose of training Central Office volunteers. It does not represent the program or the organization of Alcoholics Anonymous in any manner except as described above.

It is strongly recommended that all first-time volunteers view this video before starting a shift at the Central Office. The Group Conscience of A-B-E Intergroup limits Central Office telephone volunteers to self-described alcoholics, sober for at least six consecutive months. It is strongly recommended that all first-time volunteers view this video before starting a shift at the Central Office. The Group Conscience of A-B-E Intergroup limits Central Office telephone volunteers to self-described alcoholics, sober for at least six consecutive months.

In keeping with AA’s Tradition of Anonymity, the producers of this video affirm that any persons depicted here are not, to the best of our knowledge, members of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Why Book a Shift At The Central Office? It’s Easy It’s Fun “Face Time” with a sponsee or sponsor Help an alcoholic that is still suffering So…Let’s Get Started!

Home Find a meeting Service Calendar Service Meetings Calendar of Events Learn About AA AA Links Contact Us ABE Intergroup Association Hot Line Click below to book a Hotline Service time slots. All shifts must be reserved via the local AA website. You are on it right now! Click “Service Calendar” on the left navigation bar of the main page.

Click on this link: Call Your Sponsor! The ABE Intergroup Group Conscience has determined that at least six months of continuous sobriety is required to book a shift that you work by yourself.

A Calendar similar to this one will appear. Click on the date you want.

First time user? You will have to set up an account to finalize your shift reservation. An address is required. You can set up from anywhere and from any device!

Pick the date and times you want (shifts are in two-hour increments) and click You can book several consecutive shifts (good for a group commitment). Book It You can sign up from anywhere and from any device!

Follow the prompts to finalize your shift. A message with the office keypad entry code will appear. You will also get an reminder for your shift with the code info included.

Group taking a shift? One person should book the entire commitment. Pass a sheet at your meeting to take sign- ups inside the block of time committed to. Share the passcode with the person taking the first shift.

Office is Located in Suite 208 in Bethlehem’s Westgate Mall GPS Address: 2285 Schoenersville Rd Bethlehem, PA nd floor stairs are next to the card shop

Use four digit passcode from website reservation to access the office. Shifts must be booked at least two hours in advance. Sorry, access will not be granted without prior reservation. For your own protection, do not allow anyone into the office who has not made a reservation.

First shift of the day/Office is vacant: A professional answering service covers the phone lines for us when the office is closed or vacant. It may be necessary to return the connection to the office at the start of your shift.

When the beeping tone in the receiver stops, dial the forwarding number posted on the desk. Tell the answering service that you are from the Central Office and you are taking the phones back. Ask if there are any messages. If yes, log them on the shift sheet.

When the Phone Rings: Please answer each call with “Alcoholics Anonymous, how may we help you?” While we get a wide variety of calls, the majority of them are one of four types…

Meeting Information Help for a Relative or Friend Hospitals & Institutions or Public Information Calls Wants to Stop Drinking Four Main Types of Calls:

Home Find a meeting Service Calendar Service Meetings Calendar of Events Learn About AA AA Links Contact Us ABE Intergroup Association Hot Line Click below to book a Hotline Service time slots. Caller wants meeting info—has Internet access (you’ll have to ask): Find out where they live or if traveling, where they are staying. Refer them to the “find a meeting” link on the navigation bar. The website can do the rest! We do not give rides to meetings.

Caller wants meeting info—no Internet access: Find out where they live or if traveling, where they are staying. Use a print schedule to find a meeting time and place. Directions to most meetings are in the binder on the main desk. We will mail them a print schedule if requested. Envelopes with schedules are in the desk. We do not give rides to meetings.

Help for a relative or friend: Kindly tell the caller that while we understand their concern, we don’t do interventions. The drinker must ask for help directly. Refer them to one of the 12-step programs designed for significant others. There is contact info in the binder on the main desk for these organizations.

Calls for Hospitals & Institutions or Public Information Commitments: A professional, an institution, a hospital or social agency may contact us about an AA meeting at their location. Get their contact info and log it on the daily call sheet. Someone will get back to them. Please don’t provide any contact info over the telephone!

Can’t Stop Drinking/Wants AA’s Help: Remember---many of these callers are very sick. In addition to watching this video, read the info on the desk binder on the best way to deal with these callers. Your main objective is to connect the caller with one of our 12 th Step Volunteers.

Can’t Stop Drinking/Wants AA’s Help: Get the caller’s name and the town where they live. Ask for their phone number, tell them someone from the program will be contacting them shortly. Log the caller’s name and number on the shift sheet.

Connecting with a 12 th Stepper: Using the desk binder, get someone from the list to reach back out to your caller. o Start with same location and sex. o Then move to same sex and any location. o Then use opposite sex and same location. o Finally opposite sex and any location.

Can’t Reach a 12 th Stepper? You may also take the 12 th Step call yourself. Each recovered alcoholic is uniquely qualified to help one that still suffers… including you! If all else fails, ask your sponsor for help!

Twelfth-Stepping by Phone Guidelines: Stick to AA! Sometimes, a sympathetic ear is all that is needed. Always protect the anonymity of others. Never give out a name or phone number. Don’t offer to do anything you are not comfortable doing. If you go to meet a caller, bring someone with you.

The (Very) Rare Emergency Call: We are not equipped to handle medical or police emergencies. In the highly unlikely event of a call like this, urge the caller to hang up and to dial 911 immediately. Say a prayer!

If you are the last shift of the day or are not relieved at the end of your shift, you must return the phones to the Answering Service, otherwise the phone will ring unanswered. Use the number posted on the desk. Tell the service that you are turning the line back over. Very Important:

If you are mailing someone a schedule, please take it to the nearest mailbox when you leave. Callers may ask for a ride to a meeting. We don’t make those type of arrangements. Also, please take any empty food and drink containers, wrappers, etc. with you. Other Reminders:

Thank You for Your Service!

More information on Central Offices/Intergroups is available on the Alcoholics Anonymous website: More information on Central Offices/Intergroups is available on the Alcoholics Anonymous website: