The Miracle of the Man at the Podium

From the AA Grapevine and an article about The Washingtonians;

In April of 1840 six drunks got together to condemn the curse of drink and drew up a pledge of complete abstinence from alcohol. From that first meeting came part of our current format for speaker meetings.

“They chose the name Washington Temperance Society in honor of George Washington, and a membership fee of twenty-five cents was established, together with monthly dues of twelve and a half cents. With fond embraces they parted, each agreeing to bring one new member to the next meeting at the tavern. And they stayed sober!

In response to membership growth and at the frantic urging of the tavern owner, the group eventually rented its own hall and decided to meet weekly. At these meetings, a unique format developed. Each speaker told his own story: “what I used to be like–what happened–and what I am like now.” The idea was greeted with explosive acceptance. It gave new impact to the entire temperance movement. Total abstinence had created the miracle of the man at the podium!”