East Bay Intergroup, Inc

Suggested Meeting Format

Introduction: This is the regular (day) meeting of the (group name-) of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is a (closed/open) meeting, so please respect our members anonymity_ No last names shall be revealed publicly. The stories you hear are told in confidence and should not be repeated outside this meeting. These sharings of experience are attempts to better understand ourselves and build more meaningful lives. (Secretary gives his/her name.;

Open the meeting with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer.

The A.A. Preamble: 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 a 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.*

1. Have one of the members read "How It Works" from Chapter 5 of the Big Book. Or at your discretion, you may choose a portion of the Big Book to be read.

2. Have a member read The 12 Traditions.

3. Ask if there are any newcomers; those attending their first, second, or third A.A. meeting. Welcome any newcomers. Ask them to identify themselves by first name only. Urge them to remain after the meeting to talk to group members. Ask if there are any present who are in their first thirty days of sobriety. If so; ask them to identify themselves by first name.

.. Announce that in keeping with our singleness of purpose and our third tradition, those who participate should confine their remarks to problems related to alcohol and alcoholism.

5. introduce the chairperson for the meeting.

6. The chairperson should qualify briefly.

7. Time for the 7th Tradition

8. The chairperson provides a topic for discussion.

9._. Time for A.A.. related announcements

10. invite members (who wish) to join in the closing prayer.

*Reprinted with permission of the AA Grapevine, Inc.