Author: James Anderson

Can I attend a meeting online or by phone? Alcoholics Anonymous

Member acknowledge attendance. This may be provided  on a slip that has been furnished by the referral source, or via a digital method if the group is online. The referred person is responsible for returning the proof of attendance.

1. Some are video meetings where you see each other’s faces.
2. The members of each meeting decide when, where, and how often they will meet.
3. The blue “Email” button allows you to contact groups directly.
4. Learn how to make the most of the resources available through Online AA meetings.
5. Zoom Meetings can be joined by clicking the meeting’s “Zoom” button.

Zoom Meetings can be joined by clicking the meeting’s “Zoom” button. Please read the meeting’s description to find the meeting password, if one is required. Some meetings request you to contact the group directly for meeting information or password. The blue “Email” button allows you to contact groups directly. Meetings appear as upcoming by time and are shown in your local time zoneTo check or change your local time zone, look underneath the search and filter options. Meetings welcome attendees from court programs and treatment facilities.

What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting

Many meetings begin with a reading from the Big Book — frequently a portion of Chapter 5 (“How It Works”) or Chapter 3 (“More About Alcoholism”). A statement about anonymity in A.A. As a valuable privacy principle for new and longtime members might be read. Many meetings close with members joining in a moment of silence followed by a prayer, or perhaps by reciting the Responsibility Statement or other A.A.

To find your closest local entity, please search via A.A. You can also request more information from your regional correspondent at GSO. Step, Tradition or Big Book. These same formats may be applied to group meetings on the Big Book or the Twelve Traditions.

Various platforms are used depending on what the group members prefer. Some are video meetings where you see each other’s faces. At other online meetings, everyone’s video is off.

Still other meetings use a dial-in conference call number. Meetings are typically listed as “open” or “closed” meetings. To find meetings by name, use the search function.

Meeting Guide is a free-of-charge meeting finder app.

The chair usually opens the meeting with the A.A. Preamble and a few remarks. Some call for a moment of silence and/or recite the Serenity Prayer. The chair will often ask if there are any people new to A.A. Attending the meeting who would like to introduce themselves. It isn’t mandatory to identify yourself but it might be helpful if you are attending your first meeting.

Learn how to make the most of the resources available through Online AA meetings. Videos, pamphlets, and guides on how to work the program are available in multiple languages. Who made the referral to A.A. It is the problem drinker who is our concern. We cannot predict who will recover, nor have we the authority to decide how recovery should be sought by any other alcoholic. Use the filter options to find upcoming meetings on specific days or types such as “Tuesday” “Big Book”, “Speaker”, or “Proof of Attendance”.

Meetings are held in-person, online, or on the telephone. The members of each meeting decide when, where, and how often they will meet. Whether open or closed, A.A. Group meetings are conducted by A.A. Members who determine the format of their meetings. At both types of meetings, it may be requested that participants confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism.

Proof of attendance at meetings is not part of A.A.’s procedure. Each group is autonomous and has the right to choose whether or not to provide proof of attendance at their meeting. Whether closed or open, an A.A. Member serving as “leader” or “chair” opens the meeting using that group’s format, and selects a topic for discussion. Background for many topic meetings derives from A.A. Literature, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book), Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, As Bill Sees It, Daily Reflections, and from AA Grapevine.

Getting connected to Meeting Guide

There are a variety of formats for A.A. Meetings and each meeting takes on the feel of their local area. At most meetings you will hear members talk about what drinking did to them and to those around them. Most also share what actions they took to stop drinking and how they are living their lives today.

AA Readings

The strength of our program lies in the voluntary nature of membership in A.A.; however many of us first attended meetings because we were pressured to by someone else. Educated us to the true nature of the illness. Speaker meetings often are open meetings. Online and telephone meetings are also available.