Thursday Format

RADICAL CLARITY GROUP
THURSDAY - STEP & TRADITION STUDY

Meeting Format -- Printable PDF (Revised 03/22/2025)

CHAIRPERSON

Service needed:

1. Reader #1: Step/Tradition/Concept of the Month

2. Reader #2: The Twelve Tools of Debtors Anonymous

3. Reader #3: The Twelve Promises of Debtors Anonymous

4. Spiritual Timekeeper

__________________________________________________________________

TECH HOST - 8:29am ET [MUTE ALL]

Welcome everyone.  My name is ______.  I am a compulsive debtor, and my solvency date is _____.  I am serving as the Technology Host. I just muted the group. I will post two messages in the chat: 1. The link to this format with the prayers and readings in use during the meeting; and 2. My phone number.  Please text me to be readmitted if you are accidentally dropped from the meeting.  I now turn the meeting over to _______, our Chairperson. Thank you.

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TECH HOST: 8:30am ET

1. Lock the room.

2. Paste Chat message to Everyone: 

https://www.radicalclaritygroup.com/meeting-formats/thursday-format 

3. Paste Chat message to Everyone: 

Please note for readmission. 

Tech Host - [Insert name & number.]

__________________________________________________________________

CHAIRPERSON

Good morning and welcome to the Radical Clarity Group - Step and Tradition Study Meeting of Debtors Anonymous. My name is _____. I'm a solvent compulsive debtor. My solvency date is _______. I am your Chairperson for today’s meeting.

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SAFE MEETING PARAMETERS

The Radical Clarity Group (RCG) strives to create a safe environment for everyone in their recovery.  All RCG meetings affirm the DA Safety Guidelines, available via the following link:

DA Safety Guidelines

https://debtorsanonymous.org/download/safety-guidelines/?wpdmdl=2658&refresh=6781fe8b7fc9f1736572555

Please reach out to anyone designated “RCG Security” or email radicalclarityfun@gmail.com to report inappropriate conduct.  All reports will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality. 

All RCG meetings are “Closed Meetings” of Debtors Anonymous – solely for those whose use of unsecured credit causes problems and suffering for themselves and others. Our Tech Hosts maintain a technologically safe meeting environment and may place anyone in the Waiting Room who is not in a private, fixed location or whose Video is off.  

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[TECH HOST: PASTE TO “EVERYONE” IN CHAT]

As a Closed Meeting, we ask participants to: 

1 - Join from a private and fixed location.

2 - Keep your Video “ON” for the entire meeting, even if you need to step away - up to 5 minutes.

3 - Identify with:

**First Name

**Illness - ‘Compulsive Debtor’ - If other symptoms or issues are identified, such as underearning, overspending, or compulsive shopping, you will be invited to re-identify with ‘compulsive debtor’ only.

**Solvency Date

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SILENCE and PRAYER

Let us now take a moment of silence for the still suffering compulsive debtor, followed by the DA Third Step Prayer.

MOMENT OF SILENCE 

[PAUSE for 5-10 SECONDS]

PRAYER (READ SLOWLY)

DA Third Step Prayer: Higher Power, I stand before you ready to be transformed.  I place myself in your hands.  Guide me on my recovery path.  Remove my compulsive debting, my self-centered fear, and my own self-will.  May I shine to others as a beacon of your power.  May I choose to remain on your path always.

–The Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Debtors Anonymous: Thirty-Six Principles of Recovery, p. 19

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WELCOME and PURPOSE

Welcome to Debtors Anonymous. Debtors Anonymous offers hope for people whose use of unsecured debt causes problems and suffering. We come to learn that compulsive debting is a spiritual problem with a spiritual solution, and we find relief by working the DA recovery program based on the Twelve-Step principles.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop incurring unsecured debt. Even if members are not in debt, they are welcome in D.A. Our Fellowship is supported solely through contributions made by members; there are no dues or fees.

Debtors Anonymous is not affiliated with any financial, legal, political, or religious entities, and we avoid controversy by not discussing outside issues. By sharing our experience, strength, and hope, and by carrying the message to those who still suffer, we find joy, clarity, and serenity as we recover together.

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NEWCOMER - INTRODUCTIONS

1. We warmly welcome those at their first ever DA meeting.  If you would like to introduce yourself by first name only, please click “Raise Hand” and I will call on you. Is anyone attending their first ever DA meeting? [PAUSE - Call on those with raised hands.]

2. We also welcome those in their first 30 days of solvency.  Please click “Raise Hand” and introduce yourself by first name and your solvency date. [PAUSE - Call on those with raised hands.]

NEWCOMER WELCOME (SKIP IF NO NEWCOMERS)

A Word to Newcomers: If you are having problems with money and debt and think you may be a compulsive debtor, you have come to the right place.  Debtors Anonymous can help you.  We offer face-to-face, telephone, and internet meetings, and we suggest attending at least six meetings to have an opportunity to identify with the speakers and become familiar with D.A. before deciding whether or not this program is for you.  If you identify with some or all aspects of compulsive debting, we hope you will join us on the path of recovery and find the peace, joy, and love that we have found in Debtors Anonymous.

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READINGS

1. Step / Tradition / Concept of the Month

I have asked ___ to read Step ____, Tradition ___, and Concept _____.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STEPS / TRADITIONS / CONCEPTS 

2. The Twelve Tools of Debtors Anonymous

I have asked ____ to read the opening paragraph of the tools, the title of each tool, and the paragraph corresponding to the month.

CLICK HERE FOR THE 12 TOOLS OF DEBTORS ANONYMOUS  

DA PURPOSE

Solvency, the primary purpose of Debtors Anonymous, is the practice of not incurring any new unsecured debt one day at a time. Unsecured debt is any form of debt that is not backed up by collateral.

RCG PURPOSE

The Radical Clarity Group welcomes those suffering with compulsive debting, and those who are solvent. We maintain a safe environment to share our experience, strength, and hope. We believe compulsive debting is a spiritual illness; and we focus on the spiritual solution offered in Debtors Anonymous.

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CHAIR: LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH – OTHERWISE, SKIP

TOOL 10. Business Meetings - We attend business meetings that are held monthly. Many of us have long harbored feelings that “business” was not a part of our lives but for others more qualified. Yet participation in running our own program teaches us how our organization operates, and also helps us to become responsible for our own recovery.

The purpose of this business meeting is to fill service positions for next month.   

1. Recordkeeper: There is no solvency requirement and the person serves for one month.  

The Recordkeeper:

• Records the names for each service position for the month.

• Emails radicalclarityfun@gmail.com: This is _____, Recordkeeper for the Thursday meeting for the month of ______.

• Is an Editor in the Google Drive Service Spreadsheet and fills in who is serving.

• Reminds the group who volunteered to serve and the specific topic for the week. 

Who is willing to serve as Recordkeeper for the month of ____? [PAUSE] Recordkeeper, please post your name and contact information in the Chat.  All those who volunteer for the upcoming month, please contact the Recordkeeper for information in the service schedule.

2. Tech Host: There is no solvency requirement. Tech Hosts must use a laptop or desktop device and have attended a Tech Host training session with MeLisa or Tony.  Who is willing to serve as Tech Host for week 1, week 2, etc...

3. Chair: There is no solvency requirement for Chair.  Who is willing to serve as Chair for week 1, week 2, etc…

4. Chip Champion: There is no solvency requirement for Chip Champion.  Who is willing to serve as Chip Champion for week 1, week 2, etc…

5. Are there any other business items to discuss?

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READ and SHARE to 9:20am ET

STEP AND TRADITION STUDY 

We read from The 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of Debtors Anonymous: 36 Principles of Recovery. We read the entire step each week, until the last week of the month when we read the tradition corresponding to the month. 

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INTRODUCTIONS

We will now introduce ourselves.  When I call on you, please introduce yourself with your name, compulsive debtor, and your solvency date, if you have one.  [PAUSE - Call on each person in the Participant line-up.]

__________________________________________________________________

READ: STEP OR TRADITION

1. Weekly: We will now read step ____.

[OR] 

2. Last Thursday of the month: We will now read tradition _____.

Please click “Raise Hand” if you would like to read.  Re-introduction is not needed. Please read up to one page.  I will start and then call on those with raised hands.  [After you read, call on those with raised hands to continue to the end of the step.]

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SHARING

Shares in Debtors Anonymous are timed. Time is our Friend.  Our Spiritual Timekeeper today is _______.  We acknowledge the Timekeeper at the “One-Minute” announcement (keep in mind that a full minute remains).  When “Time” is called we bring our remarks to conclusion.  Please click “Raise Hand” if you would like to share. I will start and then call on those in turn.

[9:15am ET - TIME CHECK - 5 MINUTES REMAIN]

9:20am: We have reached the end of share time. Thank you to all who shared and all who listened. Please join us for a “meeting-after-the-meeting” for fellowship and further guidance.

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[TECH HOST - ENABLE “EVERYONE” IN CHAT]

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9:20am – 9:30am ET

7th TRADITION

We have no dues or fees.  In accordance with the 7th Tradition, every group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. The money collected pays for our Zoom subscription and sends our Group Service Representative to the annual World Service Conference.  The Radical Clarity Group also supports our General Service Office to maintain our DA website, produce literature, and perform services that allow the still-suffering compulsive debtor to find us and get help.  If you are attending your first meeting or you are not yet solvent, we ask that you not contribute.  Just keep coming back. 

The Tech Host has posted the donation methods.  We accept donations via PayPal, Zelle, and personal check or money order.  Thank you.

[CHAIR: GO TO ANNOUNCEMENTS NEXT PLEASE]

__________________________________________________________________

[TECH HOST: PASTE TO “EVERYONE” IN CHAT]

7th Tradition donations are accepted via…

PayPal at radicalclarityfun@gmail.com for international donors and those in the USA. 

Zelle at radicalclarityfun@gmail.com for donors in the USA.

Checks / Money Orders - Please make payable to "Radical Clarity Group" and email radicalclarityfun@gmail.com for the mailing address.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS 

1. The Chat is now open to post your contact info. Please create your own outreach list.

2. The Radical Clarity Group invites homegroup members to join our private WhatsApp Community.  Please send an email with Subject Line: WhatsApp to radicalclarityfun@gmail.com - and include your name and phone number to be added. 

3. We hold a brief Business Meeting on the last Thursday of the month. The full RCG Business Meeting is held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm ET.

4. RCG hosts a total of 5 meetings per week. All information is found at:

https://www.radicalclaritygroup.com/participant-info

I now turn the meeting over to our Chip Champion. Thank you.

CHIP CHAMPION

Thank you. My name is _____, and I’m a compulsive debtor and Chip Champion today. Here at Radical Clarity “Time Is Our Friend” and we celebrate time with virtual chips and virtual hugs. 

1. The first chip is a 24-hour “desire” chip.  This chip you pick up 3 different ways:  The first is when you start counting your solvency days.  The second way is if you need to restart counting your solvency days, which there is nothing wrong with that - sometimes things happen and you just have to start recounting.  The third way is if you just want to remind yourself that you have today and you don’t have to worry about yesterday or tomorrow.  If you would like to pick up a desire chip, please click “Raise Hand” and I will call on you. [PAUSE - Call on those in the line-up.] Congratulations and big hugs!

2. The next chip is a 30-day chip - anybody have 30 days? Please click “Raise Hand” and I will call on you. [Pause - Call on those with raised hands - and if anyone picks up a 30-day chip, then offer a congratulations.] Congratulations and a big hug!

3. Next, is 60 days of solvency.  Anyone with 60 days? Please click “Raise Hand” and I will call on you. [Pause - Call on those with raised hands - and if anyone picks up a 60-day chip, then offer a congratulations.] Congratulations and a big hug! 

4. Then we go to 90 days? Anyone with 90 days? Please click “Raise Hand” and I will call on you. [Pause - Call on those with raised hands - and if anyone picks up a 90-day chip, then offer a congratulations.] Congratulations and a big hug!

5. Anyone at 6 months of continuous solvency? Please click “Raise Hand” and I will call on you. [Pause - Call on those with raised hands - and if anyone picks up a 6-month chip, then offer a congratulations.] Congratulations and a big hug!

6. And now - 9 months - anyone with 9 months of continuous solvency? Please click “Raise Hand” and I will call on you. [Pause - Call on those with raised hands - and if anyone picks up a 9-month chip, then offer a congratulations.] Congratulations and a big hug!

7. Then, for a 1-year solvency anniversary, we actually mail you two chips - one has the year marker and one has your name and solvency date.  After Year 1, we mail out anniversary chips with the year marker.  These chips are custom made.  Does anybody have a solvency anniversary of 1 year or more to celebrate? Please click “Raise Hand” and I will call on you.  [Pause - Call on those with raised hands - and if anyone is celebrating an anniversary, then offer a congratulations.] Congratulations on your anniversary!!!  

8. Now, we ask those with 1 year or more of solvency to identify their solvency date - so we can all see that, truly, Time Is Our Friend.  If you have 1 year or more of solvency, please click “Raise Hand” and I will call on you in turn. [Pause - Call on those with raised hands - and offer congratulations at the end]. Congratulations and a big hug to all!! 

9. Thank you everybody.  Please give yourself and your Higher Power a hug for the chip that you hold.  I now turn the meeting back to the Chair. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. 

CLOSING READING 

I have asked _____ to read The Twelve Promises of Debtors Anonymous.

TWELVE PROMISES OF DEBTORS ANONYMOUS

In the program of Debtors Anonymous, we come together to share our journey in recovering from compulsive debting. There is hope. When we work D.A.’s Twelve Steps and use D.A.’s Twelve Tools we develop new ways of living, and begin to receive these gifts of the program:

1. Where once we felt despair, we will experience a newfound hope.

2. Clarity will replace vagueness. Confidence and intuition will replace confusion and chaos. We will live engaged lives, make decisions that best meet our needs, and become the people we were meant to be.

3. We will live within our means, yet our means will not define us.

4. We will begin to live a prosperous life, unencumbered by fear, worry, resentment or debt.

5. We will realize that we are enough; we will value ourselves and our contributions.

6. Isolation will give way to fellowship; faith will replace fear.

7. We will recognize that there is enough; our resources will be generous and we will share them with others and with D.A.

8. We will cease to compare ourselves to others; jealousy and envy will fade.

9. Acceptance and Gratitude will replace regret, self-pity and longing.

10. We will no longer fear the truth; we will move from hiding in denial to living in reality.

11. Honesty will guide our actions towards a rich life filled with meaning and purpose.

12. We will recognize a Power Greater than ourselves as the source of our abundance. We will ask for help and guidance and have faith that it will come.

All this and more is possible. When we work this program with integrity and to the best of our ability, one day at a time, a life of prosperity and serenity will be ours.

The 12 Promises of Debtors Anonymous ©Registered D.A. groups have permission for distribution to its members. 

CLOSING STATEMENT

In closing, we would like to remind you that in Debtors Anonymous we practice Tradition Twelve, which is the principle of anonymity. This assures us the freedom to express ourselves at meetings and in private conversations without fear that our comments will be repeated. We keep what is shared at meetings confidential. As we work the Steps and practice DA's Traditions and Concepts, we are reminded that recovery is possible and that we are all here for a common purpose – to recover from compulsive debting one day at a time.

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SILENCE AND PLEDGE

Let us now offer a moment of silence for the suffering compulsive debtor followed by the DA Responsibility Pledge. 

MOMENT OF SILENCE 

[PAUSE for 5-10 SECONDS]

RESPONSIBILITY PLEDGE (READ SLOWLY)

I pledge to extend my hand and offer the hope of recovery to anyone who reaches out to Debtors Anonymous.

–The Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Debtors Anonymous: Thirty-Six Principles of Recovery, p. 62

Revised 3/22/2025