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Originally Posted by otter  If nobody minds I have a question about meetings. I'm looking up the schedule on the internet and it's kind of overwhelming. I've never been to one before and have no idea what to expect or even what some of this means:
4:00PM – Grupo AA Los Amigos—Iglesia Luz & Esperanza - “SS,NS” (90min)
7:00PM – Nineteenth Street Group – Fellowship House,** – "As Bill Sees It"
7:30PM – Mid City Group – St. Paul’s United Meth. Church, – "OD,NS"
8:00PM – 40th Street Group – St. Catherine Church,** (entry 40th St) – "C,BB,NS"
What does "As Bill Sees It" mean? Or what's the difference between open and closed discussion? Which is better for a "newbie"?
I'm nervous enough going and would like some ideas to help me choose the right ones.
Thanks |
Don't be nervous. It's real simple when you have the "code". We will teach you the secret handshake later... I'm kidding!!!!
SS/NS Spanish Speaking/Non-Smoking
"As Bill Sees It" is a book of Quotes from the literature in AA such as the Big Book, The Twelve and Twelve, and some from letters that Bill W. wrote. When you see that in regard to a meeting they will take a topic from the book and the page on that topic to be used during the meeting. It's rather fun.
OD/NS Open Discussion/Non-Smoking (Open Discussion is for others as well as Alcoholics)
C/BB/NS Closed Meeting (Alcoholics Only)/Big Book/Non-Smoking This meeting is closed to protect the alcoholic's anonymity and they will be reading and discussing the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous).
It's just telling you what kind of meetings you are looking at so you can pick the best one for you. Speaker meetings are really good when you are new. I suggest you focus on the similarities and not the differences though. And don't worry, most of the speakers are more nervous than you are. Anything else we can help you with?