Closed Meetings
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Closed Meetings
Introduction
Closed Meetings are a type of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting reserved for those who identify as alcoholics or have a desire to stop drinking. Unlike Open Meetings, which are open to the general public, closed meetings aim to provide a more private and secure environment for sharing.
Objectives
The primary objectives of closed meetings are:
- To provide a safe space for sharing personal experiences, challenges, and achievements related to alcoholism.
- To delve deeper into the program, often with discussions centered around AA literature or the Twelve Steps.
- To foster fellowship and mutual support among AA members.
Structure
Typical elements of a closed meeting may include:
- A welcome and recitation of the Serenity Prayer
- Reading from AA literature like the Big Book or The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
- Member sharing, often focused on a specific topic or step
- Anonymity reminders and closing remarks
Etiquette
- Only those who identify as alcoholics or have a desire to stop drinking should attend.
- What is discussed in the meeting stays in the meeting, to uphold the principle of anonymity.
- Interruptions are generally discouraged to maintain the flow and focus of sharing.
Further Considerations
- Some closed meetings may have specific formats like Step Meetings, where one of the Twelve Steps is studied in detail, or Big Book Studies, which focus on reading and discussing the Big Book.
See Also
- Open Meetings - Meetings open to anyone interested in the AA program.
- The Twelve Steps - The core principles guiding the AA program.
- The Twelve Traditions - Guidelines for AA group function and unity.
- Literature - Essential texts and writings in the AA program.
External Links
- [Closed Meetings on the Official AA website](https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aa)