Freedom On Liberty

Types of AA Meetings

As Bill Sees It: As Bill Sees It is a collection of essays and reflections from AA’s founder, Bill W., about the organization and its purpose. The book is often referenced in AA meetings to encourage members to individually and collectively discuss their recovery.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Pennsylvania are structured around a central topic related to alcoholism and recovery. After opening the meeting and sharing the topic, leaders may share briefly from a related AA text. Then, they’ll add their own insights and encourage others to participate in the conversation.

Living Sober: AA centers may have selected sessions set aside for Living Sober discussions. This text is secular in nature, and focuses on practical ways that members have used to stay sober one day at a time.

Speaker: In Pennsylvania, speakers assist AA members by appealing to them to resist relapse. Speakers tend to use a blend of humor, reason, faith, raw emotions, and charm to dissuade members from drinking.

Step Meeting: Step meetings are part of the 12 Step Program in Pennsylvania AA centers. Groups read AA texts like Twelve Steps, discuss how the passages fit their experience, and come up with goals to improve their recovery in the next meeting.