Current Month
Open meetings:
- Who can attend: anyone interested in the program, including potential new members, as well as non-members such as family, friends, and professionals like judges or probation officers.
- Purpose: to carry the message of recovery to those who need it and to allow non-members to learn about the program.
- Common settings: speaker meetings where members share their personal experiences of recovery, or general introductory meetings for those considering joining.
Closed meetings:
- Who can attend: only individuals who identify with the group’s struggle, such as people with a drinking problem in AA or addicts in NA.
- Purpose: to provide a more personal and intimate environment for members to share openly about their recovery, personal problems, and experiences in staying sober.
- Common settings: discussion meetings where members share their thoughts and struggles, and can recieve support from others who identify with their challenges.
Why the discussion matters:
- Comfort: newcomers may prefer an open meeting to get a taste of the fellowship without the pressure of participating personally.
- Privacy: those who are not ready to share their struggles publicly or want to protect their privacy may find closed meetings more comfortable.
- Support: friends and family can attend open meetings to learn about their loved one’s recovery, while closed meetings offer a space for members to provide direct, peer-to-peer support to one another.