What is the process of attending an AA Meeting?

There are no fees or membership requirements to attend a meeting.

• Meetings that are listed as “Open’ indicates that anyone can attend the meeting.
• A “Closed Meeting” means only those who have a desire to stop drinking can attend.

Format Types 

Meetings can be specific with a focus on just for men or just for women. Many meetings also designate that they are for beginners. 

Discussion Meeting:

An A.A. member serving as “leader” or “chair” opens the meeting, using that group’s format and selects a topic for discussion. 

Literature Meeting:

The meeting “chair” will invite the group to read out-loud in turn from A.A. literature.  After the reading, meeting attendees can share on what was read.

Speaker Meeting: 

One or more members selected beforehand “share,” their AA experience. You will hear what they were like, what happened and what they are like now. After they share their experience, the meeting attendees can comment or “share” their thoughts. 

---

Finding a Meeting

AA is everywhere! We have local meeting you can attend in person or virtually. There are meetings all over the world. Click below to search for a meeting.

Local Meeting Finder

World Wide Online Meeting Finder

Join a Marathon Zoom Meeting (24/7)

Smart Phone Meeting App

---

What to Expect if you are New

Below are some tips on what you may find happens at a meeting:

The meeting “Chair” typically asks if anyone is new or visiting the meeting for the first time. You can introduce yourself with just your first name.

The group may let you know they have a list of people willing to be a “Sponsor”.. Click here to read more about AA Sponsorship.

Meetings honor the AA 7th Tradition by passing a basket or talking about ways to contribute funds to their group and AA. You are not obligated to contribute; you may see others offer a few dollars into the basket if the meeting is in-person.

The Meeting after the Meeting….when the meeting ends, attendees typically hang around for conversation. It’s a time to connect, possibly get phone numbers of others or find a member willing to be your “Sponsor”. Click here for the AA Pamphlet for the Newcomer.

Why Get a Sponsor

AA can be a beneficial part of recovery. By going through the steps, you discover more about yourself and how to lead a life of purpose. A Sponsor is another AA Member who has been through The Steps, done the work, and can share with you their experience. Click here to read more about AA Sponsorship.

Readings and Literature at AA Meetings

Each meeting format will vary on the material they read. Click below to view some of the most common readings you will hear:

The Preamble of AA

How it Works

The 12 Steps & 12 Traditions

More About Alcoholism (from pg 30 of the Big Book)

A Vision for You: (from pg 164 of the Big Book)

The Promises (pgs 83-84)