Well....
Not all AA groups give chips.
Not all groups use the same colors to denote time
Not all groups have the same "spacing" time.
Can you come into AA and pick up a chip
any chip that is offered by that group...at your first meeting?
In the groups I know about....Yes.
Can you get a chip for something else...not related to alcohol?
I don't know anyone who has but we really don't check.
Sometime during a meeting...usually at the end...a member
will give out chips. Not a ceremony deal...just a lot
of smiles and clapping....and
Birthday/Anniversary meetings are usually on the final days
of the month. Family and friends are invited...Cake is
served. This is specifically for members of that group
celebrating years of sobriety. The format differs from a
regular meeting...depending on the group.
...My current home group decorates the hall and
we have a speaker. The medallions are engraved
(Carol D) and have the years in Roman Numerials.
The youngests in years get a metal model
of a Harley Bike. Have no clie why...
That's my experience on this topic
and certainly not Everyones.