WELCOME NEWCOMERS
Welcome to GA PILIPINAS
If you are reading this, you have already taken an important first step. Coming to Gamblers Anonymous, whether for the first time or after time away, takes honesty and courage.
Gamblers Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from a gambling problem.
You are welcome here.
Who Is a Newcomer in Gamblers Anonymous?
In Gamblers Anonymous, a newcomer is not defined by time.
You may consider yourself a newcomer if you:
- Are attending Gamblers Anonymous for the first time
- Have recently begun attending meetings
- Have returned after a relapse or a period away
- Feel uncertain or new to recovery
- Have a desire to stop gambling
It does not matter:
- How long you have gambled
- How much money you have lost
- How many times you have tried to stop
- How long you have been attending meetings
The only requirement for GA membership is a desire to stop gambling.
In the Fellowship of Gamblers Anonymous, newcomers are valued and welcomed. Every member began as a newcomer.
What to Expect as a Newcomer
Recovery in GA is a shared experience. You are invited to take what you find helpful and leave the rest.
Attending Meetings
Regular meeting attendance is encouraged. Listening is often the first step toward understanding the program.
Listening With an Open Mind
You may hear stories similar to your own and others that are different. Many members find hope through identification rather than comparison.
Sharing
Sharing is voluntary. You are welcome to listen until you feel ready to speak.
One Day at a Time
GA encourages focusing on recovery one day at a time. You are not expected to solve everything at once.
Fellowship Support
Members support one another through shared experience. Asking for help is part of the recovery process.
What Is Not Required of You
As a newcomer, you are not required to:
- Have complete confidence or certainty
- Understand all aspects of the program
- Speak or share personal details
- Compare your progress with others
Honesty and willingness are more than enough to begin.
Joining GA PILIPINAS Through Our Facebook Group
GA PILIPINAS uses a private Facebook group as a communication tool to help members access meeting information and stay connected with the Fellowship.
Step 1: Request to Join
Please visit the official GA PILIPINAS Facebook group:
https://facebook.com/groups/gapilipinas
Click Join Group.
Step 2: Receive Meeting Information
After submitting your request, a group moderator and or an automated chatbot will send meeting information, which may include:
- Current meeting schedules
- Zoom meeting details for online meetings
- Information on available face to face meetings
This allows you to attend a meeting without waiting for group approval.
Step 3: Attend a Meeting
You are encouraged to attend at least one meeting, either online or face to face. You may listen quietly, as participation is always voluntary.
Step 4: Group Approval
After attending a meeting, you will be approved into the Facebook group by a moderator.
This process helps maintain the safety, focus, and purpose of the Fellowship.
Step 5: Review Pinned Information
Once approved, please review the pinned posts in the group. These contain meeting updates, group guidelines, and resources for newcomers.
Step 6: Ongoing Participation
Members are welcome to participate at their own pace. Reading, listening, and attending meetings are all forms of participation.
A Message to Newcomers
Many members of Gamblers Anonymous arrived feeling confused, discouraged, or uncertain. By attending meetings and sharing with others who understand the problem of compulsive gambling, they found a new way of living.
You are not expected to do this alone.
You are not expected to be perfect.
If you have a desire to stop gambling, you belong here.
Welcome to Gamblers Anonymous PILIPINAS.