Understanding AA Meetings
Learn about different meeting types and formats to find the right fit for your recovery journey in Victoria.
Two Main Meeting Types in Victoria
AA Victoria offers both in-person and online meetings to accommodate different needs, schedules, and comfort levels.
In-Person Meetings
Traditional face-to-face meetings held in community centers, church halls, and other venues across Victoria.
Face-to-Face Connection
Build genuine relationships with fellow AA members in your local community
Group Energy
Experience the collective strength and support that comes from physical presence
Structured Environment
Regular meeting times and locations help establish healthy routines
Anonymous Setting
Traditional AA anonymity in familiar community venues across Victoria
Online Meetings
Virtual meetings conducted through Zoom, allowing participation from any location with internet access.
Accessible from Anywhere
Join meetings from home, work, or while traveling - no geographical barriers
Additional Privacy
Participate with or without video, using meeting-specific names for anonymity
Flexible Participation
More meeting options available throughout the day across different time zones
Diverse Community
Connect with AA members from across Victoria and beyond
Meeting Formats Available
Different meeting formats serve different needs in recovery. Each type offers unique benefits for your AA journey.
Open Meetings
Anyone can attend - family members, friends, and those interested in learning about AA.
Perfect for newcomers who want to bring a supportive friend or family member.
Closed Meetings
For those who have a desire to stop drinking or think they might have a drinking problem.
Most common type of meeting, providing a safe space for honest sharing about alcohol problems.
Speaker Meetings
One person shares their complete story of recovery for most of the meeting.
Great for newcomers to hear complete recovery stories and understand the AA program.
Discussion Meetings
Multiple people share briefly on a chosen topic related to recovery and sobriety.
Interactive format where members discuss specific aspects of recovery and the 12 Steps.
How AA Meetings Work
Understanding the typical meeting structure helps newcomers feel more comfortable and prepared.
Typical Meeting Structure
Most AA meetings in Victoria follow a similar format, whether in-person or online:
Opening (5-10 minutes)
Welcome, moment of silence, serenity prayer, and reading of AA preamble
Introductions (5 minutes)
Newcomers introduced, anniversaries acknowledged
Main Sharing (30-40 minutes)
Members share their experience, strength, and hope
Collection (2 minutes)
Voluntary contributions for meeting expenses
Closing (5 minutes)
Announcements, serenity prayer, and informal socializing
Fellowship (15+ minutes)
Coffee, conversation, and connection building
What People Share About
When AA members share, they typically talk about three main areas of their experience:
What it was like
Their drinking experience and how alcohol affected their life, relationships, and wellbeing
What happened
How they came to AA, their decision to stop drinking, and early recovery experiences
What it's like now
Their current life in recovery, ongoing challenges, and the benefits of sobriety
In-Person Meeting Guidelines
- Cross-talk is discouraged - wait to be called upon
- Listen for similarities with your own experience
- No pressure to share - listening is perfectly acceptable
- Stay for coffee after for informal conversation
- First names only - no records kept
Online Meeting Security
- Share generally - save personal details for private chats
- Use a meeting-specific name for anonymity
- Video participation is optional
- Most groups use security measures like waiting rooms
- Remember online meetings are still public gatherings
Find Your Right Meeting Type
With over 350 weekly meetings across Victoria, you'll find the format and community that works best for your recovery journey.
