Dumb question, but...
 

Why do the observers (mainly psychology students from what I've seen) at open AA and Al-Anon meetings join in when saying "keep coming back, it works if you work it"? They're not working a program.

Why don't you ask one of them?

Because they are not told by the chairperson not to participate just to listen and observe.

But why participate if they are there just to listen and observe?

For me, I learned that it's not my
place to judge another. What gives
me the right to take someone elses
inventory.

I have to continue to work on me
for a better, healthier, happier,
honest person in recovery.

Each day is a learning process.

23 yrs. living on a solid, stable
foundation built on steps and
principles learned from a recovery
program one day at a time. :)

I would guess it is just done without much thought. A group starts saying something together and people just join in automatically.

Do the psychology students put a dollar in the basket when it goes around? At my Family Anonymous meeting there was a older guy who didn't put anything in the basket.

Maybe it's so they feel apart of, just joining in the functions of the meetings. Does it really matter, does it really affect YOU at these meetings?

Just like it's non of our business who does and doesn't put money into the basket.

Canadians stand for the national anthem (our US version) at hockey games.

Folks don't want to offend. "they're didn't do the chant, they must feel above us!" People would whisper if the students didn't chant as well.

who gives a f? I mean really?

I would think if I were observing the observers, I would not be WORKING MY OWN PROGRAM.

Just saying.

Here is what my meetings go like --

I say Hi to everyone I notice that likes me to say Hi to them. And sometimes say Hi to those who do not.

I cry or choke when I need to and drive on through it.

I take my glasses off, so I can listen, just like the Blind Lady taught me to do. Lets me quit reading ahead, or quit studying the other people -- rather than listening to them.

and

I flat hand slam in my $20 Bill at the end, so folks cannot see how much I put in. Some folks try to watch anyway. Had someone watching later hint after a meeting they needed to "borrow" some money. I took that as a God Sign to help them with understanding Tradition 7, and how to manage their money.

Do not worry about the folks that do not put in. Someone has it covered somewhere. I have even had to duck out the door when I had one busybody lady chasing me trying to "give me change" for the $20 bill.

One group very near our house has some messed up 1/2 and 1/2's (my term for folks having a hard time in AA and Alanon). They run back and tell Mrs. Hammer what I say in Alanon meetings. I feel bad for them, because that will harm their own program.

Some folks have some wild bad boundaries but -- NONE OF THAT MATTERS.

I work my Program for ME, My Kids, and to God's Honor and Glory. (Praise His Holy Name).

And I keep Going Back BECAUSE IT WORKS WHEN I WORK IT.

I would think the same for most other folks, as well.