At the beginning of every meeting, I suggest that the Chairperson read aloud the Short Form of the Seven Steps, the Short Form of the Ten Guidelines, and then read the following: Expert Giver Groups are fellowships of men and women who share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with each other with honesty, open-mindedness, humility, and a willingness to become less selfish, striving to live by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

There are no dues or fees for membership. Each Expert Giver Group is self-supporting through the contributions of its participants. The groups are not allied with any sect, denomination, religion, political party, organization, or institution. They do not wish to engage in public controversy, and neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Their primary purpose is for all the members to support each other in becoming Expert Givers.

This is a one-hour meeting from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. (the length and time of the meeting may vary).

If you have a cellphone, please silence it.

Are there any newcomers attending their first, second, or third meeting? If so, please introduce yourself by your first name only, so that we may welcome you.

Everything said here in the group meeting and outside from member to member must be held in confidence. At this time, we break briefly for the seventh guideline, which states that “Every Expert Giver Group should be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.” We have no dues or fees required. A basket is passed to cover the expense of rent. (Pass the basket) Are there any announcements for the good of Expert Giver Groups? (Members make announcements)

Please keep your sharing to a time limit in consideration of the size of the meeting, allowing others a chance to share. (A timer, such as on a cellphone, may be used by a volunteer to assist with this.)

The topic for this meeting will be _______________ _____________________________________________.

(The Chairperson will briefly share with the group about the topic and then invite the members to share. Topics may include one of the Seven Steps)

At the closing of every meeting, I suggest that the Chairperson read the following statement:

I would like to say that the opinions expressed here were strictly those of the individuals who gave them. Take what you like and leave the rest.

The things you heard were spoken in confidence and should be treated as confidential. Keep them within the walls of these rooms.

Let there be no gossip or criticism of one another. Please join me in closing… (Stand up, hold hands, and then repeat the following together, line by line:) I will do my best in all circumstances to be kind, patient, tolerant, humble, unconditionally giving, and forgiving with everyone. So be it