The 2005 General Service Conference
Revised 2005
'The A.A. Group' …Where it all begins
The Difference Between Open and Closed
The purpose of all A.A. group meetings, as the
Preamble states, is for A.A. members to "share their
experience, strength and hope with each other that
they may solve their common problem and help others
to recover from alcoholism." Toward this end, A.A.
groups have both open and closed meetings.
Closed Meetings are for A.A. members only, or for
those who have a drinking problem and "have a desire
to stop drinking."
Open Meetings are available to anyone interested
in Alcoholics Anonymous’ program of recovery from
alcoholism. Nonalcoholics may attend open meetings
as observers.
At both types of meetings, the A.A. chairperson
may request that participants confine their discussion
to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism.
Whether Open or Closed, A.A. group meetings are
conducted by A.A. members who determine the format
of their meetings.
*Source: 'The A.A. Group' PDF File,
© 2005
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
A.A. Meetings
(Page 11)
Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office
A.A. G.S.O. WebSite: http://www.aa.org
