Question Meetings In Home?

[Chance]

I was wondering what it says about having meetings in your own home instead of a church, or other facility. Is there any rules or any other literature that says that you can not do this? I have searched however I don't see anything that says this isn't possible. Thanks for your input!

[brians]

the first aa meetings were in bill w's house.

[Time2Surrender]

Nope. I've been to one or two meetings in someones home. Never heard or read anything against it. All it takes for a meeting is two addicts meeting together. I've even seen meetings on the beach in Florida. Sure wish I was there now. Its freakin cold here.

[Sugah]

When I was unable to get out to meetings (was trussed up in an elephant cast), women brought meetings to me every week.

A men's meeting began as a result of a member on house arrest about five years ago. It moved around after this gentleman gained more freedom. He's back out there, but as of now, that meeting still takes place every week at my dining room table. It's not "official" -- not registered, but it's open as a men's meeting. Women can join, but I don't unless I really need a meeting.

The only issue I would see in it is possibly the mixing of sexes. Some newcomers and oldtimers alike may not be well enough to respect boundaries when being welcomed into the home of a member of the opposite sex.

Just my two cents.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

[REZ]

I don't think it violates any traditions but I would not advise it, unless absolutely necessary. First, if it is at someone's home, there is the real possibility that anonymity will be violated by people in the home, neighbors, etc. learning who is attending. Second, some people may feel uncomfortable attending a meeting at someone's home, due to anonymity concerns, personalities, etc.

[GlassPrisoner]

I've always been told when two or more addicts meet to discuss their experience, strength and hope.....

[Recoveree]

Originally Posted by luckyv2

I was wondering what it says about having meetings in your own home instead of a church, or other facility. Is there any rules or any other literature that says that you can not do this? I have searched however I don't see anything that says this isn't possible. Thanks for your input!

Read page 29
in a Guide to Local Services in NA

here is an excerpt
"It’s generally recommended that group meetings not be held in members’
homes. Most groups find it desirable to hold their meetings in public facilities for a variety of reasons. Stable meetings held in public places tend to enhance NA’s credibility in the community. Because of varying work and vacation schedules, it is often difficult to maintain consistent times for meetings held in individuals’ homes. Holding a meeting in an individual’s home may affect the willingness of some members to attend. Although some groups may hold their first few meetings in a member’s home, it’s generally recommended that they relocate their meetings to public facilities as soon as possible."

Other things to consider....
theft of personal property
liability if someone is injured while on your personal property
handicap access
the homeowner relapsing


Richie

[Time2Surrender]

One reason I would never hold a meeting in my home, you never know who will show up. The Alano club where I go to meetings has been broken into twice in the last week. So has the church where I was tonight. The last time was during a meeting. Someone broke into the Pastors office and stole $6.

[Phinneas]

Originally Posted by Time2Surrender

. All it takes for a meeting is two addicts meeting together.

Two addicts and a resentment, huh?

Originally Posted by Sugah

When I was unable to get out to meetings (was trussed up in an elephant cast), women brought meetings to me every week.

Yup, when I had mono last year, the women brought meetings to me, too. Saved my @ss when I could not get out to the meeting hall.

I think there is a time and a place for home meetings, although my program is built on the traditional ones in halls and churches.

[Time2Surrender]

Originally Posted by Phinneas

Two addicts and a resentment, huh?

Yup, when I had mono last year, the women brought meetings to me, too. Saved my @ss when I could not get out to the meeting hall.

I think there is a time and a place for home meetings, although my program is built on the traditional ones in halls and churches.

What resentment? What, cause of the recent thefts I mentioned? I answered the guys question if there was anything against meetings in someones home. And no, theres not. All I said is I would never have a meeting in my home. I have been to meetings in peoples homes. And not meetings being brought into someones home because of illness, or what ever, but meetings listed on the schedule. (Grants Pass, Oregon) So if someone is having an actual NA meeting in their home, anyone is welcome who is an addict right? We have a jail down the street from me. It has a work release/ restitution center next door. I can go to any meeting in my area and xomeone from the R.C. will be there. And unfortunatly, most of the people from the R.C. have no desire to get clean. After 8 years of meetings here, I can pretty much say I've seen it. They only want a pass to leave for a couple hours. Not at my house. Sorry, I dont want any RC people in my house. Would you have had any objections to a few inmates who you know nothing about or who they are showing up when they brought the meeting to your house? I dont. Call it a resentment if you will. Too many valubles laying around my place for strangers to be welcome in my home. And that has nothing to do with NA. Just happens to be the world we live in.

[Recoveree]

Originally Posted by Time2Surrender

I answered the guys question if there was anything against meetings in someones home. And no, theres not.

Yes there is!!!

You can read about it in a Guide to Local Services or The Group Booklet in the section where it discusses where to hold meetings.

Richie

[Time2Surrender]

Missed that one.