Attending Women's AA Meetings as a Non-12-Stepper with Three Years of Sobriety
~sb
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MD
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Melbourne Australia.
Posts: 3,753
Originally Posted by Ken33xx 
It all depends on the particular meeting you attend. Outside of the way AA meetings open they often vary in format, vibe and attendance. I don`t think it`s wise to share right away that you`ve not done the steps yet are confident in your sobriety. You want to feel comfortable and at ease. Say something others might not agree with and you run the risk of upsetting a few members
I recall around the ten year mark I was asked to speak at Pacific Group meeting in Southern Cal. I was a visitor and agreed to do so. Well, about half way through my speech a couple of guys stood up and walked out. My first thoughts were I must be a pretty dull speaker for members to take off. It was after the meeting I learned the reason they left: I spoke about not having a sponsor or having formally worked the 12-steps.
At which point I left upset. My feeling was if the group is so concerned about what a speaker might say perhaps they should vetted me before hand.
In any case that was a one-off experience but I`ve learned to be careful sharing anything which might ruffle anyone's feathers.
I`ll be in a new city for about the next 6 weeks and am looking forward to the meetings. However, I won`t initially share unless asked and if asked I`ll be careful. While I don`t mind discussing some of the more sensitive aspects of AA on-line when I go to a meeting I want to feel comfortable. If the vibe isn`t to my liking I just don`t return.
Good luck with the women`s meetings.
I recall around the ten year mark I was asked to speak at Pacific Group meeting in Southern Cal. I was a visitor and agreed to do so. Well, about half way through my speech a couple of guys stood up and walked out. My first thoughts were I must be a pretty dull speaker for members to take off. It was after the meeting I learned the reason they left: I spoke about not having a sponsor or having formally worked the 12-steps.
At which point I left upset. My feeling was if the group is so concerned about what a speaker might say perhaps they should vetted me before hand.
In any case that was a one-off experience but I`ve learned to be careful sharing anything which might ruffle anyone's feathers.
I`ll be in a new city for about the next 6 weeks and am looking forward to the meetings. However, I won`t initially share unless asked and if asked I`ll be careful. While I don`t mind discussing some of the more sensitive aspects of AA on-line when I go to a meeting I want to feel comfortable. If the vibe isn`t to my liking I just don`t return.
Good luck with the women`s meetings.
sometimes it's just for a coffee or smoke. It happens a lot; sort of AA non etiquette.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: The Deep South
Posts: 14,636
I made a phone call to the Methodist church ... and very glad I did. Their schedule isn't up-to-date. (At this point, not surprising, lol.) Women's meetings are held Tuesday evenings now. I finally got my definitive answer. Woohoo!
This has been quite complicated.
This has been quite complicated.
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: The Deep South
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Oh my god! Seriously ridiculous... I arrived as women were leaving. The woman told me 6:30. I'll have to go another week before getting into this meeting!
She told me the wrong time.
It was a group of about five women.
She told me the wrong time.
It was a group of about five women.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,126
I'm sorry you got incorrect information from the church lady. Perhaps you may try calling AA Intergroup for your area; they may have better, more current info regarding meetings; perhaps even for other women's meetings near you...........I don't know where you live or I would give you some links for phone numbers.............
(o:
(o:
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Join Date: Jun 2011
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Since I've missed this meeting for two weeks now, I think I'll go to the N/S meetings at the Clubhouse. I'll try the one tomorrow, a closed discussion. And on Thursday, there's a N/S closed Big Book meeting. No N/S on Friday, but that's ok, cause I have yoga on Friday. Then, on Saturday, there's a N/S speaker meeting.
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Join Date: Jun 2011
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I placed a phone call weeks ago. They couldn't give me any information on women's meetings, or any other meetings in this area besides the Clubhouse meetings, which I already know about.
Apparently, these extraneous meetings are super-secret, cliques, or for whatever reason, aren't disclosed officially.
Apparently, these extraneous meetings are super-secret, cliques, or for whatever reason, aren't disclosed officially.
Behold the power of NO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
Originally Posted by Soberpotamus
I placed a phone call weeks ago. They couldn't give me any information on women's meetings, or any other meetings in this area besides the Clubhouse meetings, which I already know about.
Apparently, these extraneous meetings are super-secret, cliques, or for whatever reason, aren't disclosed officially.
Apparently, these extraneous meetings are super-secret, cliques, or for whatever reason, aren't disclosed officially.
When I started a meeting a couple of years ago I had to go to intergroup and fill out a form and still it was not listed until the next meeting booklet came out (they come out every three months).
Sometimes also, people start a group and just rely on word of mouth and do not bother with intergroup.
Well it has to be a goodie ... you will definitely have to let us know what happens. Been following the saga for a bit now and my curiosity is pricked LOL
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Join Date: Jun 2011
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I will, Carlotta. I'm curious, myself.
I called the rehab and they don't have any info on meetings outside of the Clubhouse either.
I think the women's meeting must be word-of-mouth here. Maybe it's for safety reasons.
It's actually located by a safe house where I volunteered a couple of years ago. The two organizations are unrelated but I couldn't help but notice the close proximity.
I called the rehab and they don't have any info on meetings outside of the Clubhouse either.
I think the women's meeting must be word-of-mouth here. Maybe it's for safety reasons.
It's actually located by a safe house where I volunteered a couple of years ago. The two organizations are unrelated but I couldn't help but notice the close proximity.
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