Letter to Anyone New to A.A.
What is an ‘open’ A.A. meeting? An open meeting of A.A. is a group meeting that any member of the community, alcoholic or non alcoholic, may attend. The only obligation is that of not disclosing the names of A.A. members outside the meeting.
Our open meeting will usually have a “leader” and may have other speakers. The leader opens and closes the meeting and introduces each speaker. The speakers at an open meeting are A.A members. Each, in turn, may review some individual drinking experiences that led to joining A.A. The speaker may also give his or her interpretation of the recovery program and suggest what sobriety has meant personally.
All views expressed are purely personal, since all members of A.A. speak only for themselves.
Our meetings are conducted with maximum informality, and all members are encouraged to participate in the discussions. The meetings are of particular value to the newcomer, since they provide an opportunity to ask questions that may trouble a beginner, and to get the benefit of “older” members experience with the recovery program. -Reprinted from Frequently Asked Questions About A.A. Pamphlet, Portable Document Format file, page 22. – Answers the questions most frequently asked about A.A. by alcoholics seeking help, as well as by their families and friends. Printing a single copy of this pamphlet is permitted, in accordance with the A.A. World Services, Inc. Content Use Policy.
The A.A. Group Pamphlet, Portable Document Format file. – Informal guide tells how a group works most effectively, how a new group can be started, and how each group can be linked to A.A. as a whole. Printing a single copy of this pamphlet is permitted, in accordance with the A.A. World Services, Inc. Content Use Policy.
New To Alcoholics Anonymous?What is Alcoholics Anonymous? Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Copyright by The A.A. Grapevine, Inc.
Questions & Answers on Sponsorship Pamphlet, Portable Document Format file version. – Shared AA experience to answer 34 questions likely to be asked by persons seeking sponsors, persons wanting to be sponsors, and groups planning sponsorship activity.
The “God” Word – Agnostic and Atheist Members in A.A. Pamphlet, PDF version.
Humility: “Perpetual quietness of heart. It is to have no trouble. It is never to be fretted or vexed, irritable or sore: to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised, it is to have a blessed home in myself where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret and in peace, as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and about is seeming trouble.” – Reprinted from Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, page 222, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.
The Responsibility Statement reads:
I am Responsible.
When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help,
I want the hand of A.A. always to be there.
And for that: I am responsible.
Newcomer page updated Friday, April 21, 2023. Don’t Drink.