New to A.A.?
What to Expect at Your First Meeting
You are welcome here. Walking into a first meeting takes courage — so here is what usually happens, to help you walk in knowing what to expect.
You don’t have to speak. At many meetings you can simply listen. If you’d rather not share, you can say “I’m just here to listen today” — or say nothing at all.
Come exactly as you are. You are welcome whether or not you are sober right now, and whoever you are.
Nothing to pay, nothing to sign. A.A. has no dues or fees. A basket is usually passed for members who wish to chip in, and you are free to let it go by.
Open or closed? Open meetings welcome anyone. Closed meetings are for people who think they may have a drinking problem. If you’re unsure, an open meeting is an easy place to start — and it’s always fine to ask.
Every meeting has its own feel. Some read from A.A. literature, some share on a topic, some feature a speaker. Formats vary from group to group, so if one meeting isn’t a fit, another may feel more like home.
You can come and go. Arrive, listen, and leave whenever you need to.