1. You join the meeting.
You click the meeting link or enter the meeting ID and password. Depending on the group, you may enter a waiting room before being admitted. You usually don’t need any special experience or knowledge to attend. *Note: you’ll need the appropriate “app” to connect.
Some Groups like the 12 Steps in 4 Hours requires you register. This Group requires registration to plan for what size of room the Group needs to account based on attendance and secondly, when a participant registers they get an email giving them the details such as the meeting id&pw link. This helps to eliminate anyone who has reasons other than recovery from joining the meeting.
Most online meetings use “ZOOM” as their virtual meeting platform. (In the spirit of Tradition Six, C.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution.)
2. You’re welcomed.
A chairperson or other trusted servant opens the meeting and welcomes everyone. Many groups make a special effort to welcome newcomers.
3. The meeting opens with readings.
The group may read its fellowship’s opening statement, the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, or other approved literature. Some meetings also begin with a moment of silence or a prayer.
4. The meeting follows a particular format.
Different meetings have different purposes. For example, you might encounter:
- Speaker meetings — one or more members share their recovery experience.
- Discussion meetings — members share on a recovery topic.
- Step meetings — discussion focuses on one of the Twelve Steps.
- Literature meetings — the group reads and discusses recovery literature.
- Newcomer meetings — designed especially for people who are new to recovery.
5. Members share their experience.
People usually take turns speaking. Online, members may use the Raise Hand feature or follow whatever procedure the chairperson explains.
Sharing isn’t normally a debate or group conversation. One person speaks while everyone else listens. Members talk about their own experience, strength and hope rather than telling another person what they should do.
6. You don’t have to speak.
A newcomer can generally simply listen. If you’re invited to introduce yourself or share and don’t want to, you can usually say something as simple as:
“Thanks, I’m just listening today.”
Groups may have their own camera and participation practices, so it’s worth checking the meeting’s description or asking the host.
7. Anonymity and privacy matter.
Twelve Step fellowships traditionally place great importance on anonymity. Participants should respect the privacy of the people they encounter in the meeting. Groups may also have specific rules about screenshots, recording, social media and identifying other members.
8. The meeting closes.
After the scheduled sharing, there may be announcements, information about sponsorship or other meetings, and a closing reading or prayer.
What happens after the meeting?
This can be one of the most valuable parts for a newcomer.
Some online groups leave the virtual room open afterward so members can talk informally—similar to people chatting over coffee after an in-person meeting. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, meet other members, exchange contact information and learn about sponsorship.
If it’s your first meeting…
You don’t need to understand the Twelve Steps before attending. You don’t need to have everything figured out, and you don’t need to prepare a speech.
Show up, listen, and see whether you identify with what you hear.