Giving Back
The “Giving Back” – Heart of Virginia District Service Guide is linked here in PDF format. Its purpose is to provide AA members useful information about the rewards inherent in “Giving Back,” or why we do it. Whether greeting the newcomer or out-of-town visitor, sponsoring, making coffee, serving on a committee, or more, the Guide outlines many options for service.
During this unprecedented time (COVID) when we are meeting virtually, support District using the PayPal button below.
Heart of Virginia District Intergroup is responsible for the AA Hotline (434-293-6565), sometimes the first contact a suffering alcoholic has with AA. We prefer that one of our members, rather than the answering service, answer the phones whenever possible.
AA Charlottesville needs Phone Volunteers to Carry the Message!
We have three types of volunteer opportunities so you can tailor your service to your abilities, your availability & your interest. If you are interested / willing to commit to any of the following, please contact us and we’ll get back to you.
Requirement for all three positions: Six months of sobriety and your Sponsor’s recommendation.
Interested? Email us at aacharlottesville@gmail.com with the info below, and we’ll get back in touch with you.
- We need Volunteers to answer the phone in the Central Office, located on Emmet Street in Charlottesville. We normally answer the phone during the week for two-hour time periods, handling live 12 Step calls, community service referrals, and/or directions or times of local meetings. If you want to volunteer, email aacharlottesville@gmail.com with your phone, email address, and times you’re available to answer phones in the office. If a weekly obligation is too much for you, volunteer for rotating Weekend On-Call Phone Coverage. This runs from 4:30 pm Friday afternoon through 9:00 am Monday morning and falls to you once every 2 or 3 months, depending on the number of volunteers in the weekend pool. The Office Manager will coordinate the dates with you, so you can plan your time. Email us with your phone and email address, and let us know you’re willing to Volunteer to Answer Calls on the Weekend, and the time(s) you’re available.
- If you can’t commit to a scheduled time for service, but you like to be included on the 12 Step Call List (one each for men, women, or Spanish-speaking), consider these options. Either the answering service or a phone volunteer will screen incoming calls, and if a 12 Step conversation is requested, they will call you (from the list of all Call List Volunteers) to ask you to call the suffering alcoholic, or to provide a ride if you’re able to do that. You can control the hours you’re available for calls, and whether you want to give rides or not.
Email us with your phone, email address, and your willingness to be included on a 12 Step Call List. Let us also know if there are times you are NOT available for calls, and whether or not you can give rides to meetings.
Intergroup Activities Committee
Needs help planning and arranging picnics, dances, celebrations and other events. We are always happy to see more volunteers!
Archives Committee
Needs help collecting and documenting records, documents, articles, memorabilia, newsletters, and group histories for our local and Virginia Area Archives.
Cooperation with Professional Community – Public Information Committee
Needs help providing information about AA: what it is and isn’t to professionals who are in contact with alcoholics and to the general community. Volunteers are always needed with health fairs, talks and much more.
Correctional Facilities Committee
Needs help working with local corrections institutions to carry the message to incarcerated alcoholics. We have four facilities within our district, including Albermarle County Regional Jail, Dillwyn Correctional Institution, Fluvanna Women’s and Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention Center. In particular we have a strong need for volunteers in the Juvenile facility.
Grapevine / La Viña Committee
Become a Grapevine Representative for your group. You will inform the general A.A. community of the amazing availability and benefits of the Meeting in Media! Sign up here http://www.aagrapevine.org/get-involved When asked for specific regional information. please supply District 9, Area 71
Hospitals and Institutions Committee
Needs help coordinating delivery of information and meetings to area hospitals and treatment centers. Volunteers are needed to help take meetings into 5 East at UVa Hospital and the Wellness Center. Help also is needed in carrying the message to local nursing homes and hospice to those with special needs.
How Can I Help the Alcoholic in Jail or Prison?
Bring AA meetings into local jails and prisons. Read the attached flyer How Can I help the Alcoholic in Jail or Prison for more details. New volunteers must attend an orientation at the prison.
AA Heart of Virginia 