How does an A.A. meeting work?

The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
“Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities” – Tradition 12

You don't have to give your name

At A.A. meetings we don’t ask your name. No one keeps attendance records. If a court wants you to have a card signed, most meeting secretaries will do this for you and probably will not even notice your name. You will hear some A.A. members introduce themselves, but that is their choice. You don’t have to give your name in return.

You don't have to speak

Many members will share, but no one will think it strange if you remain silent. There are A.A. members who prefer to sit and listen.

No one will ask why you are there

At open A.A. meetings, it is not uncommon to see non-alcoholics such as family, friends, spouses, and other visitors like yourself. Why you are there is nobody’s business but your own.

There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership

During the meeting, a basket is passed to pay the cost of renting the room, the coffee and other necessary expenses. This is called the 7th Tradition, but there is no obligation to contribute. In fact, because you are a first-time guest, we would prefer that you didn’t.

No one will tell anyone that you were there

There is an unwritten rule about A.A. meetings – “whatever you see here, hear here, stays here”. That’s the anonymity part of the A.A. programme.

It is not a religious meeting

Most members have a programme based on a belief in a Higher Power of their own understanding. There is no religious affiliation.

About those meetings

Meetings are not what you might expect: You won’t find a bunch of derelicts or religious fanatics. But you will find a bunch of friendly, sober people enjoying life. The meetings are short, usually an hour. They are easy to find using the directories found at most meetings. Meetings are held all over town, afternoons and evenings.

Take a look at the meeting list

You will see the days, times and places. There are open meetings (anyone can attend) and closed meetings, (for alcoholics only or for people with a desire to stop drinking). Take a look at the meeting list.
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