Serenity Group

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: Iowa AA centers often hold Big Book meetings to inspire clients. These discussions center on a collection of women and men who overcame alcohol use disorder.

Candlelight: Candlelight AA meetings are sessions in which members bring candles, usually white, that represent their hopes and goals. When each member shares, that member lights their candles as they discuss their challenges and successes.

Closed: In Iowa, closed AA meetings are accessible only to members and individuals seeking help for a drinking problem. They are not open to the general public. This provides a safe, confidential space for participants to share about their alcohol addictions and journeys to sobriety.

Grapevine: Grapevine is a monthly magazine published by AA. Its contents, written by AA members, generally feature the experiences of individuals with alcohol use disorder, and articles are often discussed in AA meetings.

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.

Open: Open AA meetings in Iowa are open to anyone in the community, including alcoholics and nonalcoholics alike. They’re designed to be educational and informative, allowing attendees a firsthand look into how the program operates and what the 12 step recovery model includes. Members can participate and share stories while observers are free to listen and learn.

Step Meeting: Iowa AA chapters often feature step programs for members. Here, participants talk about their progress in accordance with the 12 Step Program, and they discuss ways to improve their goals for 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.