The leader (Chairperson or Secretary) in an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting primarily facilitates the process. AA is a fellowship where members share their experience, strength, and hope to recover from alcoholism, and the leader guides this process without acting as a counselor or teacher. This service position ensures the meeting environment remains safe, focused on recovery, and aligned with the group’s established traditions. Leaders are trusted servants whose function is to maintain order and adherence to the group’s format. The meeting’s purpose is to provide a supportive atmosphere where the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Preparation and Setting the Stage
A successful meeting requires careful logistical planning and setup before the scheduled start time. The leader must arrive early to secure the space and arrange chairs, often in a circular or semi-circular configuration, to promote inclusion. Confirming the specific meeting type (e.g., speaker meeting, Big Book study, or general discussion) determines the appropriate script and literature needed. This literature typically includes the AA Preamble, the suggested Twelve Traditions, and the group’s chosen opening and closing prayers.
The leader also ensures that practical amenities like coffee and meeting literature are available and properly displayed on a table near the entrance. Many groups maintain a designated notebook or folder containing the exact sequence of readings, which the leader must review to ensure familiarity with the flow. This pre-meeting organization minimizes confusion and allows the leader to focus on the participants once the meeting officially begins.
Guiding the Meeting Structure
The meeting structure follows a sequence designed to establish the group’s purpose and ensure a safe, shared experience. The leader begins with a moment of silence, followed by the recitation of a common prayer like the Serenity Prayer. After welcoming attendees, the leader reads the AA Preamble, which formally defines the fellowship and states its sole requirement for membership. This reading also clarifies that the group is self-supporting and not affiliated with outside organizations.
The structure continues by defining the meeting’s specific format, such as a discussion on a particular topic or a reading from the main text, Alcoholics Anonymous. The leader typically coordinates with other members to read selected portions of the literature, such as “How It Works” or the Twelve Traditions. This practice involves multiple members, reinforcing the idea that leadership is shared and that the message comes from the fellowship itself.
The sharing period is the core of the meeting, and the leader often starts the discussion with a brief share of their own experience, strength, and hope. To maintain safety and respect, the leader must clearly state the guidelines, including the principle of “no cross-talk.” Cross-talk is defined as speaking directly to another member’s share, offering advice, or interrupting. Discouraging cross-talk keeps the focus on individual sharing addressed to the group. The leader also defines a time limit for shares, typically three to five minutes, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to speak.
The meeting concludes with the collection of contributions, known as the Seventh Tradition, which reminds the group that it is fully self-supporting. This is followed by group-related announcements, such as service opportunities or upcoming events. The leader then asks the group to join in a closing prayer or statement, such as the Responsibility Pledge, to formalize the end of the meeting. This defined sequence ensures the meeting remains focused on recovery and adheres to the principles of the fellowship.
Handling Common Situations
Effective leadership requires intervention skills to maintain the integrity and safety of the meeting when deviations occur. A frequent challenge is managing the time allotted for individual sharing, which the leader must address gently to ensure fairness. The leader might use a subtle visual cue or a soft verbal reminder to signal when a speaker’s time is nearing its end. This approach preserves the dignity of the speaker while respecting the group’s limited time.
Intervening to prevent cross-talk is a regular leadership responsibility, especially when a member attempts to respond directly to a previous share or offer unsolicited advice. The leader may offer a calm, impersonal reminder that the group’s format encourages members to speak only about their own experience. Maintaining this boundary ensures the meeting remains a safe space where members feel comfortable sharing without fear of judgment or debate.
The principle of anonymity involves maintaining focus on recovery principles and avoiding outside issues. The leader must gently redirect the conversation if it drifts toward gossip, political opinions, or personal financial advice, which could violate the tradition of non-controversy. This action protects the group’s unity and keeps the primary purpose of the meeting at the forefront.
If a disruptive or intoxicated individual is present, the leader’s intervention must prioritize the safety of the entire group while acting with compassion. Rather than confronting the person alone, the leader should discreetly enlist the help of trusted, long-term members. These members can manage the situation outside the meeting room. This strategy relies on the collective conscience and experience of the group to manage challenges respectfully.