How To Chair AA Meeting: Tips for Success

The AA meeting chairperson is the person responsible for leading a specific Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Leading an AA meeting involves more than just calling the meeting to order. It’s about creating a safe and supportive environment where members can share their experiences, strength, and hope. This comprehensive alcoholics anonymous meeting guide will give you the tools you need for effective meeting leadership. This article provides guidance on everything from opening an AA meeting to ensuring adherence to sharing guidelines for AA meetings. You will also learn AA meeting etiquette.

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The Responsibilities of the AA Meeting Chairperson

The role of the AA meeting chairperson is crucial. It ensures meetings run smoothly and stay focused on recovery. Here’s a look at the core responsibilities:

• Setting the Tone: Create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
• Following the AA Meeting Format: Adhere to the established structure of the meeting.
• Guiding Group Discussion: Facilitate meaningful sharing while keeping the discussion on track.
• Managing Time: Ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak within the allotted time.
• Upholding AA Traditions: Protect the anonymity and principles of AA.

Fathoming the Significance of Service

Being an AA meeting chairperson is a service position. It’s an opportunity to give back to the AA community and strengthen your own recovery. Approaching the role with a spirit of service makes a significant difference in the quality of the meeting.

Preparing to Chair an AA Meeting

Preparation is key to chairing a recovery meeting effectively. Thoughtful planning helps you feel confident and prepared.

Reviewing the AA Meeting Format

Before the meeting, review the specific AA meeting format used by the group. Common formats include:

• Open Discussion: Anyone can attend, and members share on any topic related to recovery.
• Closed Discussion: Only those with a desire to stop drinking may attend, and sharing is focused on personal experiences.
• Step Study: The meeting focuses on one of the Twelve Steps.
• Speaker Meeting: A designated speaker shares their story of recovery.
• Big Book Study: The group reads and discusses passages from the Alcoholics Anonymous book.
• Grapevine Meeting: Articles from the AA Grapevine publication are read and discussed.

AA Meeting Formats: A Quick Reference

Meeting Type	Description	Attendance
Open Discussion	Members share on any topic related to recovery.	Open to anyone.
Closed Discussion	Members share personal experiences related to recovery.	Only those with a desire to stop drinking.
Step Study	Focuses on one of the Twelve Steps.	Generally open to anyone interested in the Step
Speaker Meeting	A designated speaker shares their recovery story.	Open to anyone.
Big Book Study	Reads and discusses passages from the Alcoholics Anonymous book.	Generally open to anyone.
Grapevine Meeting	Articles from the AA Grapevine publication are read and discussed.	Generally open to anyone.

Selecting a Topic or Reading

Choose a topic or reading that aligns with the meeting format and the needs of the group. This could be a passage from the Big Book, a daily reflection, or a question related to a specific Step. If using a pre-selected reading, familiarize yourself with it beforehand.

Preparing Your Own Share

Think about what you might share related to the chosen topic. Your share can be a personal story, a reflection on a particular principle, or an explanation of how the topic relates to your own recovery. This doesn’t need to be lengthy or elaborate, but having a few thoughts prepared can help get the meeting started.

Conducting the AA Meeting

The way you conduct the meeting as AA meeting chairperson greatly impacts its success. Projecting enthusiasm and genuine interest fosters a welcoming environment.

Opening the Meeting Effectively

Opening an AA meeting involves a few key steps:

1. Welcome and Introduction: Greet attendees and introduce yourself as the chairperson. State the name and type of meeting.
2. Serenity Prayer: Lead the group in the Serenity Prayer.
3. Preamble and AA Traditions: Read the AA Preamble and relevant AA Traditions. This sets the foundation for the meeting and reminds everyone of the core principles of AA.
4. Announcements: Share any relevant announcements about AA events or activities.
5. Introducing the Topic: Clearly state the topic or reading for the meeting.

Guiding Group Discussion with Skill

The AA meeting chairperson can guide group discussion effectively by:

• Inviting Sharing: Open the floor for members to share their thoughts and experiences. Use open-ended questions to encourage participation.
• Active Listening: Pay attention to what others are saying, and acknowledge their contributions.
• Maintaining Focus: Gently guide the discussion back to the topic if it veers off course.
• Ensuring Equal Opportunity: Encourage participation from all members, and be mindful of those who may be hesitant to speak.
• Respecting Anonymity: Remind members to respect the anonymity of everyone in the room.
• Handling Disruptions: Address any disruptive behavior in a calm and respectful manner. It may be necessary to gently remind members of the sharing guidelines.

Establishing Effective Sharing Guidelines for AA Meetings

To ensure the meeting runs smoothly and everyone has an opportunity to share, it’s important to establish and reinforce sharing guidelines for AA meetings. These guidelines often include:

• Time Limits: Set a reasonable time limit for each share (e.g., 2-3 minutes).
• Focus on Personal Experience: Encourage members to share their own experiences, rather than giving advice or criticizing others.
• Avoid Cross-Talk: Discourage members from interrupting or commenting on other people’s shares.
• Respect Anonymity: Remind members not to repeat what they hear in the meeting outside of the meeting.

Example of Sharing Guidelines Presentation:

“Welcome, everyone. To ensure everyone has a chance to share and that we all benefit from this meeting, we have a few simple guidelines. Please keep your sharing to around 2-3 minutes to allow everyone to speak. We ask that you focus on your own experience, strength, and hope. Remember, we avoid cross-talk in AA. This means we don’t interrupt or comment directly on what someone else has shared. And most importantly, please remember to respect the anonymity of everyone here. What’s said here, stays here. Thanks for your cooperation.”

Navigating Challenging Situations

Even with careful preparation, unexpected situations can arise. Here are some tips for handling common challenges:

• Silence: If the meeting is slow to start, offer your own share to break the ice. You can also pose a specific question related to the topic to stimulate discussion.
• Monopolizing: Gently interrupt a member who is speaking for too long, and remind them of the time limit. Encourage others to share.
• Cross-Talk: Remind the group of the no cross-talk rule. If necessary, speak to the individuals involved privately after the meeting.
• Controversial Topics: Politely steer the conversation away from controversial topics that are not related to recovery.
• Emotional Distress: If a member becomes overly emotional, offer support and compassion. You can suggest that they speak to someone privately after the meeting.

Concluding the Meeting

Closing an AA meeting is as important as the opening. Here’s how to end the meeting effectively:

1. Thanking Participants: Express gratitude to everyone who shared and attended.
2. Announcements: Make any final announcements.
3. Closing Prayer or Tradition: Lead the group in a closing prayer (e.g., the Lord’s Prayer) or recite a closing AA tradition.
4. Fellowship: Encourage members to stay for fellowship after the meeting.

Adhering to AA Meeting Etiquette

Following proper AA meeting etiquette shows respect for the group and creates a safe and supportive environment.

• Arrive on Time: Be punctual to avoid disrupting the meeting.
• Turn Off Cell Phones: Silence your phone before the meeting begins.
• Respect Anonymity: Do not disclose the identity of anyone you see at the meeting.
• Listen Attentively: Pay attention to the speakers and avoid distractions.
• Avoid Cross-Talk: Refrain from interrupting or commenting on other people’s shares.
• Be Respectful: Treat everyone with kindness and consideration.

Tips for Effective Meeting Leadership

Effective meeting leadership requires more than just following a script. Here are some tips for creating a positive and impactful meeting experience:

• Be Yourself: Share from your own experience and speak from the heart.
• Be Enthusiastic: Project energy and enthusiasm to create a positive atmosphere.
• Be Inclusive: Encourage participation from all members, especially newcomers.
• Be Supportive: Offer encouragement and support to those who are struggling.
• Be Humble: Remember that you are a member of the group, not an authority figure.
• Lead by Example: Model the principles of AA in your own words and actions.
• Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice from experienced members.
• Reflect on Your Performance: After the meeting, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved.

Resources for AA Meeting Chairpersons

There are several resources available to help you prepare for and conduct AA meetings:

• The Alcoholics Anonymous Book (The Big Book): This book contains the basic principles and philosophy of AA.
• The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions Book: This book explains the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of AA in detail.
• The AA Grapevine: This is the international journal of Alcoholics Anonymous, featuring stories and articles written by AA members.
• Your Local AA Central Office: Your local AA central office can provide information about meetings, events, and resources in your area.
• Experienced AA Members: Talk to experienced AA members for advice and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What if I’m nervous about chairing a meeting? It’s normal to feel nervous, especially when you’re new to the role. Prepare thoroughly, practice your opening remarks, and remember that everyone in the room is there to support you.
• Can I choose any topic I want for the meeting? It depends on the meeting format. Some meetings have pre-determined topics, while others allow the chairperson to choose the topic. Consult with the group beforehand if you’re unsure.
• Who is allowed to share at an open meeting? Anyone is welcome to attend an open meeting and observe. However, the tradition is that only those who identify as alcoholics share about their experiences with alcohol. Non-alcoholics can share about how alcoholism has affected them.
• What do I do if someone starts sharing about something inappropriate? Gently but firmly redirect the conversation back to the topic of recovery. Remind the group of the sharing guidelines.
• What if someone is disruptive during the meeting? Address the behavior in a calm and respectful manner. If the behavior continues, you may need to ask the person to leave. Enlist the help of another trusted member if you feel uncomfortable.
• What is the best way to open an AA meeting? Opening with a warm welcome, reciting the Serenity Prayer, and reading the AA Preamble and relevant Traditions sets a respectful and focused tone for the meeting. Clearly stating the meeting’s purpose and topic helps orient attendees.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can become an AA meeting chairperson who effectively leads meetings, fosters a supportive environment, and contributes to the recovery of yourself and others. Remember, service is a cornerstone of AA, and chairing a meeting is a powerful way to give back to the community that has supported you.