Pioneer Group

Types of AA Meetings

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.

Discussion: In Arkansas, AA discussion meetings begin with one member sharing about a particular topic related to alcohol addiction recovery. This topic will normally come from an AA-related text, such as Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions or the Big Book. After their initial reflections, other members can participate by sharing their own experiences and thoughts on the subject.

Open: In Arkansas, open AA meetings are available to individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction and nonalcoholics who want to learn more about how the program operates. This may include friends and loved ones of current members or anyone from the community seeking more information on the 12 step model of recovery.

Speaker: Speaker meetings in AA programs can inspire clients in Arkansas to strengthen their resolve against alcohol. Speakers are usually AA alumni and use a mix of raw emotions, humor, and faith to motivate participants.