“This information is both for people who may have a drinking problem and for those in contact with people who have, or are suspected of having, a problem. Most of the information is available in more detail in literature published by A.A. World Services, Inc. This sheet tells what to expect from Alcoholics Anonymous. It describes what A.A. is, what A.A. does, and what A.A. does not do.”

“Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of people 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.“

How Do You Become an A.A. Group Member?
“The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking” (Tradition Three). Thus, group membership requires no formal application. Just as we are members of A.A. if we say we are, so are we members of a group if we say we are.

Self-support: The Seventh Tradition
There are no dues or fees for membership in A.A., but we do have expenses such as rent, refreshments, A.A. Conference-approved literature, meeting lists and contributions to services provided by the local intergroup (central office), district and area, and the General Service Office of A.A. In keeping with the Seventh Tradition a group may “pass the basket” for contributions, and members are encouraged to participate.

“We are not an organization in the conventional sense of the word… We are not allied with any particular faith, sect or denomination, nor do we oppose anyone. We simply wish to be helpful to those who are afflicted.”

Big Book – Foreword to the First Edition pages xiii-xiv

In simple language, we are not a religious organization, nor do we require any such affiliation.  We are bound in a kinship of common suffering, and by a program of action under the twelve steps that provide a way out. Our aim is to be inclusive, rather than exclusive, of all who suffer.

We have a few practices that may resemble what is observed in some religious practices, but they are found in many organizations, such as financial self-support.  While many meetings occur in churches, the spaces are only rented to Alcoholics Anonymous. The relationship between Alcoholics Anonymous and religious organizations was forged in the earliest days of AA because many disheartened clergy sent their afflicted members to us for the unique help we provide. Throughout the years, religious, social and medical organizations have embraced the methods practiced in Alcoholics Anonymous as a pathway to permanent sobriety, one day at a time.

The unique remedy is found in a path to Spirituality, which begins for many of us as a reliance on the AA Group for support.  The majority of members believe that our strength comes from a power greater than ourselves. Still, we are encouraged to “find our own conception” — it just has to be a power greater than ourselves. There is room for all shades of belief and non-belief. Many of us, in these skeptical beginnings, are surprised to tap into an unsuspected inner reservoir of strength, supported by our friends in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, that we eventually identify as a Higher Power.

A.A. today represents “a membership whose characteristics – of age, gender, race and culture – have widened and have deepened to encompass virtually everyone the first 100 members could have hoped to reach.”

Black in AA – Experience Strength and HopeBig Book – Foreword to the Fourth Edition pg. xxiii

At “open meetings,” speakers tell how they drank, how they discovered A.A., and how its program has helped them. Members may bring relatives or friends, and usually anyone interested in A.A. is also welcome to attend “open meetings” as an observer.

“Closed meetings” are for alcoholics only. These are group discussions, and any members who want to may speak up, to ask questions and to share their thoughts with fellow members. At “closed meetings,” A.A.s can get help with personal problems in staying sober and in everyday living. Some other A.A.s can explain how they have already handled the same problems — often by using one or more of the Twelve Steps.

There are a variety of formats for A.A. meetings and each meeting takes on the feel of their local area. At most meetings you will hear members talk about what drinking did to them and to those around them. Most also share what actions they took to stop drinking and how they are living their lives today.

Upcoming Meetings

“…I see no way of making nonalcoholic addicts into A.A. members. Experience says loudly that we can admit no exceptions, even though drug users and alcoholics happen to be fi rst cousins of a sort. If we persist in trying this, I’m afraid it will be hard on the drug user himself, as well as on A.A. We must accept the fact that no nonalcoholic, whatever his affliction, can be converted into an alcoholic A.A. member.”

Problems Other Than Alcoholism – Pg. 3