Open Path Step Workshops

This page contains a list of upcoming Open Path Step Workshops, structured settings for working through the Twelve Steps of ITAA in a group with lots of built in support. Each session meets for 1.5 hours and the workshop will move through the Twelve Steps over the course of several months. The meetings are set up so that all stepwork can be done within our meeting times (though there are optional additional writing exercises each week if you’d like to go deeper). You’ll also have an opportunity to match up with a sharing partner so that in between meetings you can share your stepwork, and a number of group sponsors will also be available for outreach calls and additional support.

There are several workshops that meet at a different times and cycle, so new workshops start up every few weeks. In order to participate in an upcoming workshop cycle, you must attend the first meeting which can be found on the calendar below. In this way, each workshop will move through the Steps as an intimate, consistent, and committed group. You can view the specific workshop details by clicking into the brown titles. Please note that workshop start dates are subject to change up until one week before they begin, and that meetings follow US time zone shifts during daylight savings in March and November.

There is no need to sign up for the workshop—you can simply attend the first meeting and all additional information will be supplied there.

What if none of the workshop times work for me?

It’s understandable that the current times may not work for everyone. If you have any interest in setting up this workshop with a different weekly meeting schedule, please reach out to openpathstepworkshop@gmail.com and we can help you get started.

What if I can’t make it to the first meeting?

In this case, we encourage you to wait until the next cycle starts up. Every meeting builds on the previous one, so it’s important to be present from the start.

What if I have to miss a meeting partway through?

If you have to miss a session for an unavoidable reason, we ask that you read through the notes afterwards and catch up on the writing. 

Do I need a sponsor to participate?

Not at all—the workshop is specifically designed to give people an opportunity to work through the Steps even if they don’t have a sponsor. As part of the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with one or more sharing partners with whom you can share your stepwork, and we’ll also have several group sponsors who will be available to receive calls and give additional support. It’s also great if you already have a sponsor, and you’re welcome to share your stepwork with them. All are welcome.

Is it okay to participate if I’m not sure yet if I want to work the Steps?

Absolutely. It’s fine to simply participate as an observer if you’re curious in learning more about what the Steps are and how they work.

Can I contribute to the workshop by taking on a service role?

Service is a great way to bolster our own sobriety and it can also help us show up and stay committed to the workshop. At the introductory meeting there will be an opportunity to volunteer for service roles.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for the workshop before it starts?

At our first meeting we’ll suggest several commitments to practice for the duration of the workshop. You’re welcome to get a headstart on them if you’d like:

  1. Attend 90 meetings in 90 days (the workshop meetings count)
  2. Make 90 program calls in 90 days
  3. Abstain from all bottom lines.
  4. Practice observing and/or letting go of unnecessary internet and technology use.

For the fourth suggestion, you may also find some word other than “unnecessary” to be a better fit, such as “unconscious”, “purposeless”, “unhealthy”, “compulsive”, “excessive”, etc. Note that these are just suggestions, not requirements. You are free to use them, adjust them, or set them aside. 

In addition to these suggestions, you can write a 1–2 page “Step One inventory” describing the story of your addiction: when it started, how it changed over time, and how it is now. In particular, you might pay attention to where you notice powerlessness or unmanageability in your story. 

For any additional questions

Feel free to reach out to openpathstepworkshop@gmail.com.


Page last updated on ספטמבר 10, 2023