The Friends of Bill W. Club
Helping the Helping Hand of A.A.
A History of Service For almost 40 years A.A. has been providing facilities in support of the A.A. program that is the Club's sole purpose. The Friends of Bill W. Club, a non-profit corporation, was founded by A.A. members dedicated to providing a Home for their A.A. group, While not directly affiliated with A.A. The Club holds to the A.A. traditions. It receives no Government funding. Club membership IS NOT required to attend ANY A.A. meeting.
The Club is open to anyone seeking help with a drinking problem 365 days a year. The Friends of Bill W. Club is commonly the "first stop" for many newcomers to A.A. Hundreds of people are today leading sober and productive lives after getting their start in A.A. at places like The Friends of Bill W.Club.
Why a Separate Club? In simple terms, the Club provides to its A.A. Home Group what the Group cannot provide for itself. Most A.A. groups meet in churches, hospitals or similar places. Under long standing traditions, A.A. groups never own buildings or meeting halls. They avoid the problems and controversies that too often arise from property ownership. Clubs like The Friends of Bill W. Club are formed because many A.A. members want to have their "own place" to meet and to enjoy between-meeting fellowship. The clubhouse is no different than any other rented space in which A.A meetings are held. An A.A. group cannot itself provide such facilities, but a separate club can.
Membership in A.A. The only requirement for membership in A.A. is a desire to stop drinking. That is it, nothing more! There are never any dues or fees to belong to A.A., or to attend any A.A. meeting at the Club or elsewhere.
Membership in the Club - Separate, but with a Common Purpose
All members of Friends of Bill W. are members of A.A. and their A.A. home group first, and members of Club second. That is fundamental. A.A. members voluntarily join the Club to give that "something extra" to support the A.A. program. There is much involved in keeping the Club open and operating every day of the year. Accordingly, Club members elect officers and directors to oversee day-to-day operations. And the members pay modest dues to support the Club: $20.00 per month or $230.00 if Paid in full for the year. Membership in the Club is open to all members of A.A. Apart from the payment of dues, there are no other requirements. You can be as active in the Club as you want - the choice is yours. As a member you will be eligible to vote, hold office, serve on committees, and participate Fully in the affairs and activities of the Club. You will also find that fellowship in the Club adds to the A.A. fellowship you are already enjoying.
The Benefits of Club Membership - A Way to Give Something Back
Gratitude is the special gift of the A.A. program. There are many ways to express it-membership in Friends of the Bill W. Club is one. Like service work in A.A, participation has its own reward. With other Club members, you will have the satisfaction of making sure that the next alcoholic who seeks help will have an available, understanding, welcoming place to go to. And you will enjoy doing it! The Friends of Bill W.Club is a non-Profit Organization and all Membership Fees are Fully Tax Deductible.