No matter what program we come from, we are familiar with -- and have probably performed at some time or another -- the Two-Step. This involves working a program that consists predominantly of Step 1 and Step 12. Flushed with enthusiasm for our new freedom from our addictions, we can't wait to go and share the good news with other people. Old-timers in the program remind us that this is not the way it happens. A great deal of work on the intervening Steps will have to take place before we are in a position to work Step 12.

Our ability to focus primarily on ourselves is one of the luxuries of belonging to a mature fellowship. In the early days of AA, there was simply not the experience among recovering alcoholics to permit the new member to work her way through the Steps prior to "carrying the message." As a result, the practice of working with newcomers has always been encouraged in 12-Step programs, even if we are very new in our sobriety. However, the main focus of this activity is to get the newcomer to attend meetings and see if our program is for her.

Step 12 talks about something a little different. Firstly, it talks about a spiritual awakening which occurs as a result of the previous eleven Steps. Then it talks about "carrying this message" -- presumably the message about the spiritual awakening. And finally it urges the practice of "these principles" in all our affairs. "You cannot transmit something you haven't got," says the AA Big Book, before urging us to "abandon yourself to God as you understand God." This is as far away from the Two-Step as one can get. This is about sharing far more than "you can be clean and sober." This is about sharing the news that long-term recovery must be based on a spiritual awakening.