MEETING FORMAT

Charlotte AA Group - Big Book Discussion

Closed Meeting (1st-3rd Saturdays)

CHAIRPERSON INSTRUCTIONS: Read this format exactly as written, line by line. Everything you need to say is written here.

OPENING (Chairperson)

"Welcome to the regular meeting of Charlotte AA Group. My name is _______ and I'm an alcoholic.

Let's open with the Serenity Prayer."

(Serenity Prayer)

VISITORS & NEWCOMERS

"Are there any visitors from out of town or newcomers who have never been to this meeting before? We ask that you raise your hand and introduce yourself - not to embarrass you, just so we can get to know you a little bit."

(Welcome visitors/newcomers)

"Please turn off or silence your cell phones and keep them out of sight during the meeting. No recording or photography is permitted."

ALCOHOLISM IDENTIFICATION

"This is a closed meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. In keeping with the long form of our Third Tradition, our membership ought to include all those who suffer from alcoholism. Non-alcoholics are asked to not share during the meeting. We ask that you limit your sharing to your experience with alcoholism. Outside issues may be addressed in appropriate fellowships.

I've asked _______ to read from page 44 of the Big Book - the first two paragraphs of Chapter 4, 'We Agnostics,' which describes what an alcoholic is."

(Reading from page 44: The first two paragraphs describing the alcoholic's inability to stop drinking)

SPONSORSHIP & BUSINESS MEETING INFO

"Our experience is that sponsorship is a vital part of recovery. Will everyone willing to sponsor please raise your hand?

If you don't have a sponsor, please raise your hand.

Our business meeting is held the second Saturday of each month immediately following this meeting. If you don't have a home group or you're looking to join, this is a good one."

Note to Chairperson: We don't read the Twelve Steps, Traditions, Preamble, or safety statement. We don't do chips, burning desires, or announcements.

MEETING EXPLANATION

"This is an AA literature discussion meeting. We'll read a passage from the book Alcoholics Anonymous, where the program of recovery we practice is contained, then open the floor for discussion."

TOPIC SELECTION & OPENING SHARE

"Tonight's topic comes from page ___ of the Big Book: [Read passage and share on the topic for 5-10 minutes]"

Topics must be from:

• The first 164 pages
• The Doctor's Opinion
• Doctor Bob's Nightmare

Chairperson Note: This is a lead discussion format. Share your experience with the topic for 5-10 minutes to open the discussion.

"The meeting is now open for discussion. Please keep your sharing focused on your experience with alcoholism through the program in the Big Book.

We ask that you limit your shares to 3-4 minutes so everyone has a chance to share. Who would like to share?"

DISCUSSION

(50 minutes)

CLOSING (When last person finishes sharing or at the hour)

Chairperson Note: The meeting ends promptly on the hour. When the last person finishes sharing or when you reach the hour, close immediately.

"Let's close with the Lord's Prayer."

(Remain seated and recite Lord's Prayer)

"Keep coming back!"

Meeting Length: 60 minutes
Meeting Schedule:

• 1st-3rd Saturday: Closed discussion (alcoholics only)
• Last Saturday: Open birthday celebration Chairperson: Selected by Meeting Coordinator (different person each week)
  Time Limits: 3-4 minutes suggested, chairperson's discretion
  NO announcements
  NO burning desires
  NO preamble, steps, traditions, or safety statement