Renewell Group

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.

Big Book: In Kansas, AA clients participate in Big Book discussions for inspiration. The Big Book is an anthology that features men and women who overcame alcohol use disorder.

Closed: Closed AA meetings in Kansas are not open to members of the general community. Only members and people seeking help for alcohol addiction can attend. The discussions are informal and everyone is invited to share their experiences with alcoholism and recovery.

Daily Reflections: Daily Reflections is an AA text that compiles insight, experience, and encouragement from various members. Selected contents may be topics of discussions in AA meetings. Members can also adapt reflections into their daily activities.

Discussion: In Kansas, AA discussion meetings are structured around a specific topic that relates to alcohol addiction. Typically, the speaker will choose a short passage from a related AA text, such as the Big Book, and then briefly share their reflections. Then, other members can reflect on the topic and share their insights.

Grapevine: Grapevine is a monthly magazine published by AA. Its contents, written by AA members, generally feature the experiences of individuals with alcohol use disorder, and articles are often discussed in AA meetings.

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.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in Kansas are designed to introduce the program to people who are seeking help for alcohol addiction. Experienced members typically lead the sessions, which often focus on Steps 1 through 3 of AA’s 12 step recovery model.

Open: In Kansas, open AA meetings are accessible to anyone in the public who wants to learn more about how the recovery program works and what the 12 step model of recovery includes. This may include individuals currently seeking help for alcohol addiction, as well as their friends and loved ones.

Speaker: Motivational speakers can help AA audiences reinforce their sobriety. In Kansas, many Speakers are usually AA alumni and use a mix of humor, charm, faith, and raw emotions to connect with participants.

Step Meeting: AA programs in Kansas often include step meetings. In these meetings, clients can discuss how their experience aligns with the 12 Step Program and make suggestions about how to better their recovery.

Tradition Study: Tradition Study sessions are AA reflections about the organization. Members discuss how AA chapters can be more successful in their purpose through greater unity and its outreach programs.

Wheelchair Access: Kansas AA meetings with wheelchair access may feature ramps and designated parking for non-ambulatory clients. These clients can safely navigate the center to access meeting spaces and amenities.

Women: Women’s AA meetings in Kansas are community support meetings for women who are affected by alcoholism, including those who are addicted to alcohol and those who have loved ones with alcohol addiction. Held at various neighborhood locations, these meetings use a 12-step addiction recovery curriculum and are free to attend.