Guide to Understanding A.A. Meeting Types and Codes
A. A. Meetings and our Fourth Tradition:
“Each group should be autonomous,” our Fourth Tradition says, “except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.” Whether open or closed, A.A. group meetings are conducted by A.A. members who determine the format of their meetings.
There are two main types of A.A. meetings:
- O = Open Meeting: Open to both alcoholics and guests (such as family members), but only those who are fighting alcohol addiction can speak (since each group is autonomous many meetings will allow all in attendance to speak.)
- C = Closed Meeting: Attendance is limited to self-identified alcoholics only.
Guide to meeting codes:
There are many other codes that designate the topics suggested for discussion which can be combined to designate the format of the meeting. For example, O-BB-CCP would indicate an Open Meeting where the Big Book will be discussed and Child Care is Provided.ABSI = As Bill Sees It: Reading and discussion from the A.A. publication “As Bill Sees It.”
BB = Big Book: Reading and discussion from the “Alcoholics Anonymous” – Big Book
BG = Beginners: Any meetings may, by group conscience, be designated as a Beginner meeting. These meetings are usually led by more experienced group members with the primary focus on introducing new members to the tools available for the maintenance of sobriety.
CCP = Child Care Provided
D = Discussion: A chairperson shares his or her own experience and then leads the group in further discussion.
DR = Daily Reflection: A chairperson leads the meetings in a discussion of material drawn from “Daily Reflections” a book of reflections by A.A. members for A.A. members.
GV = Grapevine: A chairperson leads the meetings in a discussion of material drawn from the A.A. monthly publication “Grapevine.”
LS = Living Sober: A chairperson leads the meeting in a discussion of material drawn from the A.A. publication “Living Sober.”
LGBTQIA and Allies: LGBTQ-friendly and ally-friendly meeting for individuals interested in A. A’.s program of recovery that meets in a space safe for all.
M = Men only
NS = No Smoking meeting
S = Smoking meeting
SPK = Speaker Meeting: Usually consists of a member selected beforehand who tells their story of what it was like, what happened, and what it is like now.
W = Women only
12 & 12 = Steps and Traditions: The A.A. book “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” is used to focus discussion on one of the 12 steps.