What are the sobriety requirements to have a panel?

One (1) year of uninterrupted sobriety for correctional institutions and six (6) months of uninterrupted sobriety for hospitals and treatment facilities. The facilities themselves may
also have their own preferred time requirement for the panelists who come to speak.

How often must I attend the H&I committee meeting?
All panel leaders must be a voting member of the Committee or must immediately become voting members. Voting members will be those who have attended six (6) monthly business
meetings during the twelve (12) months prior to the election.

How do I get a panel?
There is a portion of the monthly business meeting where open panels are filled with volunteer AA members.

Can I give my phone number out at the facility to get a sponsee?
Generally, contact information is NOT exchanged at correctional institutions and psych facilities. Most drug rehabs encourage sponsorship and will allow phone numbers to be exchanged. DO NOT exchange phone numbers unless you obtain permission from the facility.

I need to get my panel covered for one month, what can I do?
It is your responsibility to get coverage for your panel. It is suggested that you contact another panel leader from your facility and see about swapping weeks. If there are problems getting your panel covered please let your Area Supervisor know as soon as possible.

How do I get literature for my panel?
Big Books and Twelve & Twelves are ordered by Area Supervisors only who will distribute
them to panel leaders as appropriate. Please speak to your Area Supervisor to request books. Panel Leaders do not need permission to order soft bound pamphlets. Please see the
literature person to order pamphlets for your panel and pick it up the following month.

What should the format of the panel be?
A suggested panel format will be provided to you. Typically, panelists will share their general Experience, Strength, and Hope. Some Panel Leaders have their panelists share their stories as it relates to a specific AA topic.

What do I do if I need to give up my panel?
It is very important that you notify your Area Supervisor if you are no longer able to keep your commitment. Please do not pass the panel commitments on to other people yourself. If you know someone who is interested in becoming a Panel Leader, please have them come to the H&I Committee Meeting and attend the New Panelist Orientation.

How do I contact my Area Supervisor or the inside contact for the facility?
Please make sure to provide your email on the New Panelist Orientation sign-in sheet. A link to the master panel sheet will be provided to you after the committee meeting. This will have all the contact information you will need. If you become a Panel Leader, please save your Area Supervisor’s phone number as well as the phone number for the inside contact of the facility you are going into.