Open

Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous’ program of recovery from alcoholism. Non-alcoholics may attend open meetings as observers. All Books Don’t Lie meetings are Open

Big Book

Big Book meetings are where members of the group come together and read through the base inspirational book that AA members have been called to know by, the Big Book. Here, stories and principles that have helped so many men and women achieve sobriety are shared among people. The shared readings offer a connection and collective wisdom that provides lessons for people in their recovery. Many people have found themselves addicted to AA meetings like this, drawn in by the power of the narrative and practical guidance provided in the Big Book.

Speaker

Speaker meetings are vital components of AA, where selected members share their stories of addiction and recovery. Usually, members who have already celebrated some time in sobriety share their experiences. Attendees can be hopeful and motivated by listening to such experiences, seeing that it is possible to recover. Besides showing that AA is transforming, speaker meetings emphasize belonging and shared purpose – two aspects that define Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Monterey – Topic Tag

The format of this meeting is a group topic tag. The leader of the meeting picks an A.A. topic and talks briefly on that subject. They will then tag somebody with a different Alcoholics Anonymous topic to speak on. That person then tags another person with a new A.A. topic and so on.

12 & 12 Book Study

These meetings explain the 24 basic principles of AA. The “12 & 12 Book” dedicates a chapter to each Step and each Tradition. Chapters provide an interpretation of these principles for personal recovery and the organization of the group.

As Bill Sees It

As Bill Sees It is a collection of essays and reflections from AA’s founder, Bill W., about the organization and its purpose. The book is often referenced in AA meetings to encourage members to individually and collectively discuss their recovery. This meeting format is to read selections from this book for discussion

Ask-it-Basket

In this format participants anonymously submit questions by writing them on slips of paper and placing them in a basket, allowing people to ask questions they might be hesitant to voice openly due to fear or stigma; the questions are then read and discussed collectively.

Crosstalk

Crosstalk can be fun! Usually shunned, crosstalk is when members give real-time advice to others who have already shared. Speaking directly to another person rather than to the group and questioning or interrupting the person speaking at the time.