Be the voice that answers when someone reaches out.

For many people, calling the Cleveland District Office is their first contact with Alcoholics Anonymous. A calm, caring voice can offer hope, answer questions, and help someone take the next step.

Our 12th Step Phone Volunteer Program gives members the opportunity to be that voice—helping connect callers to meetings, answering questions, and offering hope when it’s needed most.

Sign up

What Volunteers Do

  • Answer incoming calls to the Office
  • Help callers find meetings and events
  • Respond to requests for 12th Step help
  • Provide general information about A.A.
  • Direct inquiries for family or loved ones

How It Works

In-Person

Serve at the Office on weekends—ideally with fellow home group members—or during weekdays alongside office staff. Weekend access instructions will be provided ahead of time.

phone volunteer in-person
volunteer man laptop phone

Remote

Answer calls from anywhere using your cell phone and a free app. When you’re scheduled and logged in, calls are routed directly to you—just as if you were in the office.

Time Commitment

When someone reaches out, dependable volunteers help ensure A.A. is there.

phone volunteer weekdays
WEEKDAY
  • In-Person
  • 4 hour shifts
  • One weekly shift for 4 weeks, with the option to do more
phone volunteer weeknights
WEEKNIGHT
  • Remote
  • 2–4 hour shifts
  • One weekly shift for 4 weeks, with the option to do more
WEEKEND
  • In-Person or Remote
  • 2-8 hour shifts
  • One weekly shift

Who Can Volunteer

  • A.A. members with at least one year of sobriety
  • A desire to be of service
  • Willingness to follow phone guidelines
  • Ability to commit to scheduled shifts

Why It Matters

This is Twelfth Step work in its most direct form. A single conversation can help someone find a meeting, take a first step, or simply feel less alone.

Get Involved

See available shifts and sign up for the schedule that works for you:

Weekdays
Weeknights
Weekends

Questions? Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator. For general volunteer opportunities, please submit the volunteer application.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the purpose of the Phone Volunteer Program?
To ensure that when someone calls Alcoholics Anonymous, they reach a real person in recovery—someone who understands, not just an answering service.
2What kinds of calls come in?

Meeting requests, people looking for help, 12th Step requests, family inquiries, and general questions.

The goal is to connect them with the right next step—not to solve everything.
3Do I need experience to volunteer?
No—just a willingness to listen and help. We provide a simple guide with phone tips and answers to common questions.
4Will I be giving advice or counseling?
No. A.A. is not a counseling service. Your role is to listen, share basic information, and connect people to meetings or members, not to counsel or advise.
5How do I answer calls remotely?
Calls are routed to your phone through a simple, free app. We’ll provide your login details. When you’re logged in during your shift, it works just like you’re in the office—and your personal phone number is never shared.
6Is the time commitment flexible?
Somewhat. You can choose a shift that fits your schedule, and we ask that you keep a consistent weekly time. Remote weeknight volunteers commit to one set shift per week for at least 4 weeks. If something comes up, we can work with you to adjust or find coverage.
7What if I don’t know the answer to a question?

That’s okay. While we do provide a simple guide, you can:

  • Use available resources (meeting finder, phone guide, etc.)
  • Take a message
  • Let the office follow up
You’re not expected to know everything.
8What if someone is in crisis?
Stay calm and supportive. Encourage them to seek immediate help (911 or emergency services). Your role is to connect, not manage emergencies.
9Will my personal information be shared?
No. Volunteers do not share personal contact information unless they choose to participate in a 12th Step call through proper channels.