Sunday Candlelight Meeting

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.

Digital Basket: AA chapters may have a digital basket, which is a virtual collections plate for members to donate funds to pay for the chapter’s expenses. The virtual basket may accept various online payment services, such as PayPal, Google Pay, Stripe, and Venmo.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in California help members share their thoughts and feelings on a specific topic related to alcoholism and recovery. A pre-determined speaker will open the meeting by sharing a topic from an AA text, such as the Big Book or AA Grapevine. After discussing the topic briefly, they will open the floor for others to speak.

Dual Diagnosis: Dual diagnosis refers to mental and behavioral health disorders that may influence an individual's alcohol use disorder. Select AA groups or events might offer clinical insight into how underlying psychological issues may impact members’ recovery.

Open: Open AA meetings in California are informative in nature, designed for those seeking help for alcohol addiction and anyone interested in learning about the 12 step recovery model. Members are encouraged to share their stories and provide tips for recovery, helping observers learn more about how the program works and what their loved ones can expect.

Speaker: AA speakers often blend humor, faith, charm, and raw emotions before audiences. In California, speakers can effectively motivate listeners to harden their resolve against alcohol.