19th Street Group-

Types of AA Meetings

As Bill Sees It: As Bill Sees It is a collection of essays and reflections from AA’s founder, Bill W., about the organization and its purpose. The book is often referenced in AA meetings to encourage members to individually and collectively discuss their recovery.

Big Book: AA programs in Pennsylvania often feature the Big Book in discussions. Clients find inspiration from the lives of real people who overcame alcohol use disorder.

Closed: In Pennsylvania, closed AA meetings are not open to general members of the community. The only people who may attend are members of AA and individuals who know they have a drinking problem and want to find help.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Pennsylvania are structured around a central topic related to alcoholism and recovery. After opening the meeting and sharing the topic, leaders may share briefly from a related AA text. Then, they’ll add their own insights and encourage others to participate in the conversation.

Living Sober: AA centers may have selected sessions set aside for Living Sober discussions. This text is secular in nature, and focuses on practical ways that members have used to stay sober one day at a time.

Newcomer: In Pennsylvania, AA newcomer meetings are available for individuals who are new to AA and want to learn more as they take the first steps toward recovery. Experienced members usually lead the sessions, which may be discussion-based or structured around core topics.

Open: In Pennsylvania, open AA meetings are accessible to all local community members who want a firsthand look into how the program operates and what the 12 strep recovery model includes. This may include individuals looking for help with alcohol addiction as well as their supporters.

Speaker: In Pennsylvania, speakers assist AA members by appealing to them to resist relapse. Speakers tend to use a blend of humor, reason, faith, raw emotions, and charm to dissuade members from drinking.

Step Meeting: Step meetings are part of the 12 Step Program in Pennsylvania AA centers. Groups read AA texts like Twelve Steps, discuss how the passages fit their experience, and come up with goals to improve their recovery in the next meeting.

Tradition Study: Tradition Study sessions are AA reflections about the organization. Members discuss how AA chapters can be more successful in their purpose through greater unity and its outreach programs.

Wheelchair Access: In Pennsylvania, non-ambulatory clients can have wheelchair access to participate in their AA meetings. Features include exterior ramps, designated parking, and open floor spaces to meeting halls, restrooms, and amenities.

Wheelchair-Accessible Bathroom: Selected AA centers offer wheelchair-accessible bathrooms for participants. These bathrooms have enough space for a wheelchair to safely navigate, and can include private stalls with guardrails, reachable toilet paper and seat cover dispensers, a wash basin, and other amenities.