Portland Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Experience, Strength and Hope
Online Via ZOOM, Thursdays, 4-5 – 1AM PST
Online meeting for Deaf alcoholics with American Sign Language interpretation provided
Zoom ID:826 5275 5714
PW: Deafsober
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of men and women who have found a solution to their drinking problem. We are:
- Anonymous – no personal information, no last names
- Nonprofessional – no paid counselors
- Self-supporting – no cost except what we choose to put in the basket
- Inclusive – everyone is welcome
- Non-political – we don’t take sides
- Non-sectarian – not promoting any religion
- Available almost everywhere in the U.S. and world-wide
About Meetings
A.A. Groups conduct meetings, usually weekly, where we share our experience, strength, and hope. Portland area meetings are listed on the Meetings page by day, time, and location.
The two most common kinds of A.A. meetings are:
OPEN MEETINGS: Open to alcoholics and their families, anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem, as well as anyone curious about A.A.
CLOSED MEETINGS: Limited to those with a desire to stop drinking, they provide an opportunity for sharing on problems related to alcoholism and discussion of solutions found in the recovery program.
What happens at an A.A. Meeting?
Some meetings are specific to men, women, LBGTQ, and speakers of minority languages. There is often some socializing before the meeting begins. Meetings commonly begin with a short prayer or moment of silence, followed by a few readings from A.A. literature.
Following announcements, the basket is passed; typical contributions are a dollar or two but are not required. The money collected is used for coffee, rent for the meeting space, A.A. literature purchases, and support of local, state, and national A.A. services, such as this website. Large donations are actively discouraged.
Common meeting formats include:
Speaker – one person relating their personal experience with alcoholism and recovery
Group discussion of a topic chosen by the chairperson
Step Study meeting where one or more of the 12 Steps are discussed
In keeping with A.A.’s primary purpose, discussion is generally focused on recovery from alcoholism.
The meeting is typically ended with a prayer, usually the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, often with the group forming a circle and holding hands. Participation in the prayer is optional. More socializing typically follows the close of the formal meeting, and members may gather afterward at a nearby coffee shop.
A.A. Preamble
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Portland Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Experience, Strength and Hope
Online Via ZOOM, Thursdays, 4-5 – 1AM PST
Online meeting for Deaf alcoholics with American Sign Language interpretation provided
Zoom ID:826 5275 5714
PW: Deafsober
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of men and women who have found a solution to their drinking problem. We are:
- Anonymous – no personal information, no last names
- Nonprofessional – no paid counselors
- Self-supporting – no cost except what we choose to put in the basket
- Inclusive – everyone is welcome
- Non-political – we don’t take sides
- Non-sectarian – not promoting any religion
- Available almost everywhere in the U.S. and world-wide
About Meetings
A.A. Groups conduct meetings, usually weekly, where we share our experience, strength, and hope. Portland area meetings are listed on the Meetings page by day, time, and location.
The two most common kinds of A.A. meetings are:
OPEN MEETINGS: Open to alcoholics and their families, anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem, as well as anyone curious about A.A.
CLOSED MEETINGS: Limited to those with a desire to stop drinking, they provide an opportunity for sharing on problems related to alcoholism and discussion of solutions found in the recovery program.
What happens at an A.A. Meeting?
Some meetings are specific to men, women, LBGTQ, and speakers of minority languages. There is often some socializing before the meeting begins. Meetings commonly begin with a short prayer or moment of silence, followed by a few readings from A.A. literature.
Following announcements, the basket is passed; typical contributions are a dollar or two but are not required. The money collected is used for coffee, rent for the meeting space, A.A. literature purchases, and support of local, state, and national A.A. services, such as this website. Large donations are actively discouraged.
Common meeting formats include:
Speaker – one person relating their personal experience with alcoholism and recovery
Group discussion of a topic chosen by the chairperson
Step Study meeting where one or more of the 12 Steps are discussed
In keeping with A.A.’s primary purpose, discussion is generally focused on recovery from alcoholism.
The meeting is typically ended with a prayer, usually the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, often with the group forming a circle and holding hands. Participation in the prayer is optional. More socializing typically follows the close of the formal meeting, and members may gather afterward at a nearby coffee shop.
A.A. Preamble
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Portland Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Experience, Strength and Hope
Online Via ZOOM, Thursdays, 4-5 – 1AM PST
Online meeting for Deaf alcoholics with American Sign Language interpretation provided
Zoom ID:826 5275 5714
PW: Deafsober
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of men and women who have found a solution to their drinking problem. We are:
- Anonymous – no personal information, no last names
- Nonprofessional – no paid counselors
- Self-supporting – no cost except what we choose to put in the basket
- Inclusive – everyone is welcome
- Non-political – we don’t take sides
- Non-sectarian – not promoting any religion
- Available almost everywhere in the U.S. and world-wide
About Meetings
A.A. Groups conduct meetings, usually weekly, where we share our experience, strength, and hope. Portland area meetings are listed on the Meetings page by day, time, and location.
The two most common kinds of A.A. meetings are:
OPEN MEETINGS: Open to alcoholics and their families, anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem, as well as anyone curious about A.A.
CLOSED MEETINGS: Limited to those with a desire to stop drinking, they provide an opportunity for sharing on problems related to alcoholism and discussion of solutions found in the recovery program.
What happens at an A.A. Meeting?
Some meetings are specific to men, women, LBGTQ, and speakers of minority languages. There is often some socializing before the meeting begins. Meetings commonly begin with a short prayer or moment of silence, followed by a few readings from A.A. literature.
Following announcements, the basket is passed; typical contributions are a dollar or two but are not required. The money collected is used for coffee, rent for the meeting space, A.A. literature purchases, and support of local, state, and national A.A. services, such as this website. Large donations are actively discouraged.
Common meeting formats include:
Speaker – one person relating their personal experience with alcoholism and recovery
Group discussion of a topic chosen by the chairperson
Step Study meeting where one or more of the 12 Steps are discussed
In keeping with A.A.’s primary purpose, discussion is generally focused on recovery from alcoholism.
The meeting is typically ended with a prayer, usually the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, often with the group forming a circle and holding hands. Participation in the prayer is optional. More socializing typically follows the close of the formal meeting, and members may gather afterward at a nearby coffee shop.
A.A. Preamble
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Portland Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Experience, Strength and Hope
Online Via ZOOM, Thursdays, 4-5 – 1AM PST
Online meeting for Deaf alcoholics with American Sign Language interpretation provided
Zoom ID:826 5275 5714
PW: Deafsober
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of men and women who have found a solution to their drinking problem. We are:
- Anonymous – no personal information, no last names
- Nonprofessional – no paid counselors
- Self-supporting – no cost except what we choose to put in the basket
- Inclusive – everyone is welcome
- Non-political – we don’t take sides
- Non-sectarian – not promoting any religion
- Available almost everywhere in the U.S. and world-wide
About Meetings
A.A. Groups conduct meetings, usually weekly, where we share our experience, strength, and hope. Portland area meetings are listed on the Meetings page by day, time, and location.
The two most common kinds of A.A. meetings are:
OPEN MEETINGS: Open to alcoholics and their families, anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem, as well as anyone curious about A.A.
CLOSED MEETINGS: Limited to those with a desire to stop drinking, they provide an opportunity for sharing on problems related to alcoholism and discussion of solutions found in the recovery program.
What happens at an A.A. Meeting?
Some meetings are specific to men, women, LBGTQ, and speakers of minority languages. There is often some socializing before the meeting begins. Meetings commonly begin with a short prayer or moment of silence, followed by a few readings from A.A. literature.
Following announcements, the basket is passed; typical contributions are a dollar or two but are not required. The money collected is used for coffee, rent for the meeting space, A.A. literature purchases, and support of local, state, and national A.A. services, such as this website. Large donations are actively discouraged.
Common meeting formats include:
Speaker – one person relating their personal experience with alcoholism and recovery
Group discussion of a topic chosen by the chairperson
Step Study meeting where one or more of the 12 Steps are discussed
In keeping with A.A.’s primary purpose, discussion is generally focused on recovery from alcoholism.
The meeting is typically ended with a prayer, usually the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, often with the group forming a circle and holding hands. Participation in the prayer is optional. More socializing typically follows the close of the formal meeting, and members may gather afterward at a nearby coffee shop.
A.A. Preamble
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Portland Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Experience, Strength and Hope
Online Via ZOOM, Thursdays, 4-5 – 1AM PST
Online meeting for Deaf alcoholics with American Sign Language interpretation provided
Zoom ID:826 5275 5714
PW: Deafsober
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of men and women who have found a solution to their drinking problem. We are:
- Anonymous – no personal information, no last names
- Nonprofessional – no paid counselors
- Self-supporting – no cost except what we choose to put in the basket
- Inclusive – everyone is welcome
- Non-political – we don’t take sides
- Non-sectarian – not promoting any religion
- Available almost everywhere in the U.S. and world-wide
About Meetings
A.A. Groups conduct meetings, usually weekly, where we share our experience, strength, and hope. Portland area meetings are listed on the Meetings page by day, time, and location.
The two most common kinds of A.A. meetings are:
OPEN MEETINGS: Open to alcoholics and their families, anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem, as well as anyone curious about A.A.
CLOSED MEETINGS: Limited to those with a desire to stop drinking, they provide an opportunity for sharing on problems related to alcoholism and discussion of solutions found in the recovery program.
What happens at an A.A. Meeting?
Some meetings are specific to men, women, LBGTQ, and speakers of minority languages. There is often some socializing before the meeting begins. Meetings commonly begin with a short prayer or moment of silence, followed by a few readings from A.A. literature.
Following announcements, the basket is passed; typical contributions are a dollar or two but are not required. The money collected is used for coffee, rent for the meeting space, A.A. literature purchases, and support of local, state, and national A.A. services, such as this website. Large donations are actively discouraged.
Common meeting formats include:
Speaker – one person relating their personal experience with alcoholism and recovery
Group discussion of a topic chosen by the chairperson
Step Study meeting where one or more of the 12 Steps are discussed
In keeping with A.A.’s primary purpose, discussion is generally focused on recovery from alcoholism.
The meeting is typically ended with a prayer, usually the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, often with the group forming a circle and holding hands. Participation in the prayer is optional. More socializing typically follows the close of the formal meeting, and members may gather afterward at a nearby coffee shop.
A.A. Preamble
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Portland Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Experience, Strength and Hope
Online Via ZOOM, Thursdays, 4-5 – 1AM PST
Online meeting for Deaf alcoholics with American Sign Language interpretation provided
Zoom ID:826 5275 5714
PW: Deafsober
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of men and women who have found a solution to their drinking problem. We are:
- Anonymous – no personal information, no last names
- Nonprofessional – no paid counselors
- Self-supporting – no cost except what we choose to put in the basket
- Inclusive – everyone is welcome
- Non-political – we don’t take sides
- Non-sectarian – not promoting any religion
- Available almost everywhere in the U.S. and world-wide
About Meetings
A.A. Groups conduct meetings, usually weekly, where we share our experience, strength, and hope. Portland area meetings are listed on the Meetings page by day, time, and location.
The two most common kinds of A.A. meetings are:
OPEN MEETINGS: Open to alcoholics and their families, anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem, as well as anyone curious about A.A.
CLOSED MEETINGS: Limited to those with a desire to stop drinking, they provide an opportunity for sharing on problems related to alcoholism and discussion of solutions found in the recovery program.
What happens at an A.A. Meeting?
Some meetings are specific to men, women, LBGTQ, and speakers of minority languages. There is often some socializing before the meeting begins. Meetings commonly begin with a short prayer or moment of silence, followed by a few readings from A.A. literature.
Following announcements, the basket is passed; typical contributions are a dollar or two but are not required. The money collected is used for coffee, rent for the meeting space, A.A. literature purchases, and support of local, state, and national A.A. services, such as this website. Large donations are actively discouraged.
Common meeting formats include:
Speaker – one person relating their personal experience with alcoholism and recovery
Group discussion of a topic chosen by the chairperson
Step Study meeting where one or more of the 12 Steps are discussed
In keeping with A.A.’s primary purpose, discussion is generally focused on recovery from alcoholism.
The meeting is typically ended with a prayer, usually the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, often with the group forming a circle and holding hands. Participation in the prayer is optional. More socializing typically follows the close of the formal meeting, and members may gather afterward at a nearby coffee shop.
A.A. Preamble
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Portland Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Experience, Strength and Hope
Online Via ZOOM, Thursdays, 4-5 – 1AM PST
Online meeting for Deaf alcoholics with American Sign Language interpretation provided
Zoom ID:826 5275 5714
PW: Deafsober
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of men and women who have found a solution to their drinking problem. We are:
- Anonymous – no personal information, no last names
- Nonprofessional – no paid counselors
- Self-supporting – no cost except what we choose to put in the basket
- Inclusive – everyone is welcome
- Non-political – we don’t take sides
- Non-sectarian – not promoting any religion
- Available almost everywhere in the U.S. and world-wide
About Meetings
A.A. Groups conduct meetings, usually weekly, where we share our experience, strength, and hope. Portland area meetings are listed on the Meetings page by day, time, and location.
The two most common kinds of A.A. meetings are:
OPEN MEETINGS: Open to alcoholics and their families, anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem, as well as anyone curious about A.A.
CLOSED MEETINGS: Limited to those with a desire to stop drinking, they provide an opportunity for sharing on problems related to alcoholism and discussion of solutions found in the recovery program.
What happens at an A.A. Meeting?
Some meetings are specific to men, women, LBGTQ, and speakers of minority languages. There is often some socializing before the meeting begins. Meetings commonly begin with a short prayer or moment of silence, followed by a few readings from A.A. literature.
Following announcements, the basket is passed; typical contributions are a dollar or two but are not required. The money collected is used for coffee, rent for the meeting space, A.A. literature purchases, and support of local, state, and national A.A. services, such as this website. Large donations are actively discouraged.
Common meeting formats include:
Speaker – one person relating their personal experience with alcoholism and recovery
Group discussion of a topic chosen by the chairperson
Step Study meeting where one or more of the 12 Steps are discussed
In keeping with A.A.’s primary purpose, discussion is generally focused on recovery from alcoholism.
The meeting is typically ended with a prayer, usually the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, often with the group forming a circle and holding hands. Participation in the prayer is optional. More socializing typically follows the close of the formal meeting, and members may gather afterward at a nearby coffee shop.
A.A. Preamble
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Portland Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Experience, Strength and Hope
Online Via ZOOM, Thursdays, 4-5 – 1AM PST
Online meeting for Deaf alcoholics with American Sign Language interpretation provided
Zoom ID:826 5275 5714
PW: Deafsober
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of men and women who have found a solution to their drinking problem. We are:
- Anonymous – no personal information, no last names
- Nonprofessional – no paid counselors
- Self-supporting – no cost except what we choose to put in the basket
- Inclusive – everyone is welcome
- Non-political – we don’t take sides
- Non-sectarian – not promoting any religion
- Available almost everywhere in the U.S. and world-wide
About Meetings
A.A. Groups conduct meetings, usually weekly, where we share our experience, strength, and hope. Portland area meetings are listed on the Meetings page by day, time, and location.
The two most common kinds of A.A. meetings are:
OPEN MEETINGS: Open to alcoholics and their families, anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem, as well as anyone curious about A.A.
CLOSED MEETINGS: Limited to those with a desire to stop drinking, they provide an opportunity for sharing on problems related to alcoholism and discussion of solutions found in the recovery program.
What happens at an A.A. Meeting?
Some meetings are specific to men, women, LBGTQ, and speakers of minority languages. There is often some socializing before the meeting begins. Meetings commonly begin with a short prayer or moment of silence, followed by a few readings from A.A. literature.
Following announcements, the basket is passed; typical contributions are a dollar or two but are not required. The money collected is used for coffee, rent for the meeting space, A.A. literature purchases, and support of local, state, and national A.A. services, such as this website. Large donations are actively discouraged.
Common meeting formats include:
Speaker – one person relating their personal experience with alcoholism and recovery
Group discussion of a topic chosen by the chairperson
Step Study meeting where one or more of the 12 Steps are discussed
In keeping with A.A.’s primary purpose, discussion is generally focused on recovery from alcoholism.
The meeting is typically ended with a prayer, usually the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, often with the group forming a circle and holding hands. Participation in the prayer is optional. More socializing typically follows the close of the formal meeting, and members may gather afterward at a nearby coffee shop.
A.A. Preamble
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Portland Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Experience, Strength and Hope
Online Via ZOOM, Thursdays, 4-5 – 1AM PST
Online meeting for Deaf alcoholics with American Sign Language interpretation provided
Zoom ID:826 5275 5714
PW: Deafsober
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of men and women who have found a solution to their drinking problem. We are:
- Anonymous – no personal information, no last names
- Nonprofessional – no paid counselors
- Self-supporting – no cost except what we choose to put in the basket
- Inclusive – everyone is welcome
- Non-political – we don’t take sides
- Non-sectarian – not promoting any religion
- Available almost everywhere in the U.S. and world-wide
About Meetings
A.A. Groups conduct meetings, usually weekly, where we share our experience, strength, and hope. Portland area meetings are listed on the Meetings page by day, time, and location.
The two most common kinds of A.A. meetings are:
OPEN MEETINGS: Open to alcoholics and their families, anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem, as well as anyone curious about A.A.
CLOSED MEETINGS: Limited to those with a desire to stop drinking, they provide an opportunity for sharing on problems related to alcoholism and discussion of solutions found in the recovery program.
What happens at an A.A. Meeting?
Some meetings are specific to men, women, LBGTQ, and speakers of minority languages. There is often some socializing before the meeting begins. Meetings commonly begin with a short prayer or moment of silence, followed by a few readings from A.A. literature.
Following announcements, the basket is passed; typical contributions are a dollar or two but are not required. The money collected is used for coffee, rent for the meeting space, A.A. literature purchases, and support of local, state, and national A.A. services, such as this website. Large donations are actively discouraged.
Common meeting formats include:
Speaker – one person relating their personal experience with alcoholism and recovery
Group discussion of a topic chosen by the chairperson
Step Study meeting where one or more of the 12 Steps are discussed
In keeping with A.A.’s primary purpose, discussion is generally focused on recovery from alcoholism.
The meeting is typically ended with a prayer, usually the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, often with the group forming a circle and holding hands. Participation in the prayer is optional. More socializing typically follows the close of the formal meeting, and members may gather afterward at a nearby coffee shop.
A.A. Preamble
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Portland Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous
Experience, Strength and Hope
Online Via ZOOM, Thursdays, 4-5 – 1AM PST
Online meeting for Deaf alcoholics with American Sign Language interpretation provided
Zoom ID:826 5275 5714
PW: Deafsober
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of men and women who have found a solution to their drinking problem. We are:
- Anonymous – no personal information, no last names
- Nonprofessional – no paid counselors
- Self-supporting – no cost except what we choose to put in the basket
- Inclusive – everyone is welcome
- Non-political – we don’t take sides
- Non-sectarian – not promoting any religion
- Available almost everywhere in the U.S. and world-wide
About Meetings
A.A. Groups conduct meetings, usually weekly, where we share our experience, strength, and hope. Portland area meetings are listed on the Meetings page by day, time, and location.
The two most common kinds of A.A. meetings are:
OPEN MEETINGS: Open to alcoholics and their families, anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem, as well as anyone curious about A.A.
CLOSED MEETINGS: Limited to those with a desire to stop drinking, they provide an opportunity for sharing on problems related to alcoholism and discussion of solutions found in the recovery program.
What happens at an A.A. Meeting?
Some meetings are specific to men, women, LBGTQ, and speakers of minority languages. There is often some socializing before the meeting begins. Meetings commonly begin with a short prayer or moment of silence, followed by a few readings from A.A. literature.
Following announcements, the basket is passed; typical contributions are a dollar or two but are not required. The money collected is used for coffee, rent for the meeting space, A.A. literature purchases, and support of local, state, and national A.A. services, such as this website. Large donations are actively discouraged.
Common meeting formats include:
Speaker – one person relating their personal experience with alcoholism and recovery
Group discussion of a topic chosen by the chairperson
Step Study meeting where one or more of the 12 Steps are discussed
In keeping with A.A.’s primary purpose, discussion is generally focused on recovery from alcoholism.
The meeting is typically ended with a prayer, usually the Serenity Prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, often with the group forming a circle and holding hands. Participation in the prayer is optional. More socializing typically follows the close of the formal meeting, and members may gather afterward at a nearby coffee shop.
A.A. Preamble
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.