Helpful Pamphlets for Newcomers
Click Here to Read the Big Book and Living Sober
What to Expect at a Meeting
Everyone you will meet in an AA has had the experience of attending a meeting for the first time. We wondered what it would be like. How the meetings would be run. What would be expected of us. Could we bring someone along for support? Does it cost anything? Do I have to say anything? Do I go in person or attend on Zoom?
- AA meetings are lead by AA members, not by paid professionals.
- Meetings are usually an hour long. The format can be discussion of a topic, reading some AA literature and discussing it, an AA member telling their story, or some other variation.
- Our meeting list indicates whether meetings are Closed for AA members and problem drinkers only, or Open to all. You may bring someone to an Open meeting.
- There is no cost to attend. We do accept donations to pay for our expenses but these are voluntary.
- No one is required to share in a meeting unless they want to do so. The meeting chairperson may call on you. It is absolutely fine to say you will pass if you prefer to listen.
- Our meeting list indicates which meetings are In Person, Zoom only, or a Hybrid combination of the two. Attending an In Person meeting allows more time to talk to members before and after the meeting, which can be very helpful to someone starting out in AA.
You will easily pick up the way meetings are structured. While they are not all run the same way, what is the same is that we focus on recovery from alcoholism through the Alcoholics Anonymous program.
If you would like to talk to someone before attending a meeting, please give us a call at 607-273-1541 or email info@aaithaca.org with your contact information and someone will call you.
Ready for a Meeting?
Read the Big Book and Living Sober
These books can be purchased at local AA meetings and from Ithaca Intergroup.
