In order for ACA WSO to be of maximum service, your group information must be current, accurate and complete. All information in the form will appear on the website EXCEPT the Primary Private and Secondary Private Contact information. That information is a way for ACA WSO to contact groups and to maintain the integrity of the meeting list.
PLEASE NOTE:
- A Study Group may be listed up to a maximum of 4 Weeks prior to the First Meeting Date.
- The Last Day to Join may be updated by the contact person if the group decides to allow more time for members to join.
- As with regular ACA meetings, the Group Contact is responsible for communicating with interested parties and providing information (Online ID/PW, or location details) on how to attend the meeting.
— Meeting registrations and updates are generally processed within one week. However, if clarifications are needed, it can take longer.
— If you choose one of the Hybrid meeting options, either “Hybrid – In Person and Online” or “Hybrid – In Person and Telephone”, your group will appear in both the in-person and online or telephone study group lists. Additionally both types of Hybrid meetings will appear on the “Online/Phone (Virtual) Meetings” list.
Newcomers Note: This form is not used to register to attend an ACA Study Group. This form is intended for the registration of ACA Study Groups only. If you are looking for a study group, use the “find a study group” page here
Study Group Listing Guidelines
- Listing Window
A study group may be listed up to 4 weeks before its first meeting date. - Last Day to Join
The group’s contact person can update the Last Day to Join as needed—either to allow more time for members to join or to close early if the group is full. After this date, the group will no longer appear in the search listings. - Public Contact Responsibilities
As with regular ACA meetings, the Group’s Public Contact is responsible for communicating with interested individuals and providing necessary access details (such as online meeting IDs, passwords, or location information). - Security for Online Meetings
- Caution: Do not post Zoom links, meeting IDs, or passcodes publicly on your group listing. Sharing this information openly can compromise the safety and privacy of your group.
- To protect members, the Group Contact should provide full access details only after an individual expresses interest and requests to join.
- Recommended Reading
It is strongly recommended to read this guide to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of starting a study group.
For Loving Parent Guidebook Groups, an additional resource can be read here - Processing Time
Meeting registrations and updates are usually processed within one week. If additional clarification is needed, the process may take longer.
Starting a Study Group Guidelines
Starting a study group in ACA can be a powerful way to deepen your recovery journey with others. Below are key guidelines to help you get started:
- Group Size
– The suggested Study Group size is 4 to 12 members.
– Once you reach your group size, continue to maintain a list of interested people as a waitlist – in case space becomes available.
– If the number of interested people far exceeds your expectations, consider using virtual breakout rooms or forming multiple groups to accommodate more participants. However, do what is comfortable for your group organizers. - Duration & Commitment
– ACA workgroups typically work through an entire workbook (e.g., 12 Steps, Loving Parent Guidebook, Laundry Lists Traits, A New Hope). This can take several months to over a year, depending on the group’s pace.
– Most meet weekly for 1–2 hours. Discuss time commitments early on and revisit them as needed. - Format
Workgroups typically include reading, writing, sharing, and listening:
– Reading: Groups may read workbook sections together or individually beforehand, then discuss.
– Writing: Group conscience decides whether writing exercises are done outside of the meeting or during the meeting.
– Sharing: Groups members are encouraged to share in response to what came up for them from the readings and/or activities.
– Listening: A key element of healing. Members listen attentively as others share, breaking old family rules like Don’t talk. Don’t trust. Don’t feel.