Welcome Dave
SERVICE is something I have found vital to my sobriety, as it seems was for those who founded this program.
Bill W had his last drink in Dec 1934, but didn't find Dr Bob until Jun 1935 to start AA, 6 months later. Bill didn't sit on his butt with a sign in the window that read 'Will Help Drunks for Free" but rather went and found them. It worked
(And this was well before the 'designated' service positions we have today.)
So while it may seem like a step up to get into a position, some of the most important and life-saving service I can provide is to try and help the Alcoholic sitting next to me.
I still make it a habit at live meetings to look for the new person, or even an oldtimer, particularly if they are sitting alone and look as though they lost their puppy. Shaking hands and saying 'Welcome, glad you're here" made all the difference to me when I was new, or at a new meeting, and it seems to work that way for others, too. It could be the difference between life or dying drunk.
EZ does it was also taught me by the oldtimers... Get a home group and get involved making coffee, setting up, cleaning up, are all ways I got introduced to service, and got to know the people in that group. Once I got involved there, I also got a sponsor... he took me through the Steps, on 12 Step calls, to meetings at the jails & nutwards... even got me to speak.
That getting through the Steps not only helped me, but then I was able to pass
more on to those who were newer than I was.
Today, after some 24 hours and many service positions, I still feel the most important service I can provide is still to stick out my hand and say "Welcome, glad you are here"
So glad you're here, DavesNotHere

Thanks... Tommy
Together, we don't have to cave in or wimp out to that Fatal First One, no matter what today!