Principles Before Personalities

Types of AA Meetings

Child-Friendly: Child-friendly AA meetings allow each member to bring up to one child to the meeting, with the expectation that the discussion will not feature experiences or language that are inappropriate for the child. Formal childcare may not be available, but the member can watch over her child while participating in the discussion.

Closed: In Minnesota, closed AA meetings are restricted to members and people who recognize they have a drinking problem and want to stop. Newcomers can ask questions to more experienced members, gaining insight and advice as they begin their recovery journey.

Step Meeting: AA programs in Minnesota feature step meetings to assist members’ recovery. In these meetings, members participate in group readings, converse about their experience and relate it to the text, and suggest ways for future improvement.