AA PREAMBLE
In Alcoholics Anonymous we share our experience, strength and hope with each other, that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees of AA membership. We are self supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics 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 others recover from alcoholism.
(c) The A.A. Grapevine. Used with permission.
Is this an atheist meeting?
No. Our meeting is geared toward anyone who has an unconventional concept of a power greater than themselves. For some of us, that power is not supernatural. It is something we can see and use such as other people or the law or physics. For others, our greater power is something we can not explain. Still others don't define or name the power they rely on. If your quest for truth has brought you this far you are probably going to like it here.
Will I be asked to pray?
No. Unlike traditional AA meetings, we do not open or close the meeting in prayer. We open with a moment of silence to focus on why we're in recovery and close with AA's Statement of Responsibility (found here).
Are the steps the same?
Yes and no. We have found that the suggested steps of Alcoholics Anonymous work - and they work well. Some of us have worked out ways to make them more relevant to our beliefs (or non-beliefs)
What do you talk about?
We are a topic discussion meeting. Our topics relate to our recovery from alcoholism and are chosen by the person hosting the meeting or a person in attendance. If any member has a pressing problem that puts his or her sobriety in jeopardy we discuss that as well. Every meeting is a bit different.
Topic Examples:
Relapse Prevention
24 Hour Plan vs. One Day at a Time
Letting Go of Anger and Resentment
Long-term Sobriety
Work-arounds for 6 of the 12
Recovered or Recovering?
Will there be anyone there trying to convert me to agnosticism, or 'save' me?
No. We are an OPEN meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, meaning anyone may attend regardless if they have a desire to stop drinking or not. We are responsible for keeping the hand of AA out for anyone that reaches out for help. Our group does not tolerate bashing religions nor do we tolerate proselytism. We do not engage in any controversy, we only provide a safe environment to recover.
Is there a lot of "God" talk?
Not really. We welcome those with questions about their higher powers as well as those with firm beliefs. We talk about "God" because it's referred to in six of the twelve steps. We are NOT here to debate the existence of God or gods, nor are we here to bash religions. We are here to stay sober and to be of maximum service to our fellows. We, like any other AA meeting, discuss issues that affect our sobriety. Basically, we're just a regular AA meeting. The only difference is that God doesn't come up much.
How can I help or get involved?
As with most A.A. meetings, there are many ways to get involved. We have many service positions available for people with no sobriety at all to those with years of it. The best way to be of service of course, is simply by showing up to a meeting. There truly is power in one member helping another. Our business meetings are held monthly and are the perfect place to start. Check out our Service Opportunities page for upcoming service opportunities or contact us to volunteer.
What if I'm a drug addict or quAlify for another fellowship?
We are an OPEN meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous for three reasons: First, we want to show everyone how a group of drunks like us manage to stay sober using the 12-Step fellowship. Second, many of us qualify for other 12-Step fellowships and we want a place where we feel comfortable speaking openly and honestly. Third, we want the general public to see that there are many paths to recovery - that we have a solution we all emphatically agree on.
What if I have a "conventional" concept of a power greater than myself?