Southside Group Crawfordville

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: The Big Book is a collection of stories from men and women who overcame alcohol use disorder. The Big Book is often a center of discussion in many Florida AA meetings.

Candlelight: Candlelight AA meetings are sessions in which members bring candles, usually white, that represent their hopes and goals. When each member shares, that member lights their candles as they discuss their challenges and successes.

Child-Friendly: Child-friendly AA meetings allow each member to bring up to one child to the meeting, with the expectation that the discussion will not feature experiences or language that are inappropriate for the child. Formal childcare may not be available, but the member can watch over her child while participating in the discussion.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Florida are based around one topic designed to spur group conversation. The leader will normally choose the topic from an AA text, such as Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Once they share a brief reflection, others can participate and add their input.

Meditation: Meditation AA meetings feature physical and emotional calmness as a main method of healing. The meetings open with 15 minutes of private mediation and close with an additional 5 minutes of meditation.

Non-Smoking: AA groups may be non-smoking, meaning that members are not allowed to use tobacco products or vape during the meeting or on the facility’s grounds. These rules may be set by the group, the venue hosting the meeting, or local ordinances.

Step Meeting: AA members in Florida often schedule step meetings in their programs. In these meetings, members read from texts like Twelve Steps, talk about their level of progress, and strategize for greater improvement for their next meeting.

Wheelchair Access: Florida AA facilities with wheelchair accessibility feature ramps and designated parking spots. Clients will be able to safely navigate the facility’s amenities to participate in their meetings.