Open and closed meetings
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
In my area there are 10 open meetings to every one closed meeting.
Therefore, I've only attended open meetings. I don't understand the differences, but open meetings are fine. Every once in a while there will be someone at the meeting who is not an alcoholic. They don't speak, generally. We do have one Pastor who comes and sometimes the Chair will ask him to say something, but usually non-Alcoholics are just sitting and listening.
People sometimes bring their kids or spouse or parent or whoever. Doesn't really affect me one way or the other...unless it's a really cute kid, then I want to cuddle them (but of course, I don't).
Therefore, I've only attended open meetings. I don't understand the differences, but open meetings are fine. Every once in a while there will be someone at the meeting who is not an alcoholic. They don't speak, generally. We do have one Pastor who comes and sometimes the Chair will ask him to say something, but usually non-Alcoholics are just sitting and listening.
People sometimes bring their kids or spouse or parent or whoever. Doesn't really affect me one way or the other...unless it's a really cute kid, then I want to cuddle them (but of course, I don't).
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: East Sussex
Posts: 326
Originally Posted by biminiblue 
In my area there are 10 open meetings to every one closed meeting.
Therefore, I've only attended open meetings. I don't understand the differences, but open meetings are fine. Every once in a while there will be someone at the meeting who is not an alcoholic. They don't speak, generally. We do have one Pastor who comes and sometimes the Chair will ask him to say something, but usually non-Alcoholics are just sitting and listening.
People sometimes bring their kids or spouse or parent or whoever. Doesn't really affect me one way or the other...unless it's a really cute kid, then I want to cuddle them (but of course, I don't).
Therefore, I've only attended open meetings. I don't understand the differences, but open meetings are fine. Every once in a while there will be someone at the meeting who is not an alcoholic. They don't speak, generally. We do have one Pastor who comes and sometimes the Chair will ask him to say something, but usually non-Alcoholics are just sitting and listening.
People sometimes bring their kids or spouse or parent or whoever. Doesn't really affect me one way or the other...unless it's a really cute kid, then I want to cuddle them (but of course, I don't).
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 52
I'm not an alcoholic but I've been to a few open A A meetings to get a better understanding of my alcoholic friend. I was asked to talk once so people could ask questions from my point of view as a teetotaler, which seemed to prove very useful for all of us, but every other time I've just sat and listened. I was made as welcome as everyone else there and you will be too I'm sure. I'm in awe of those people who fight so hard for something and was really humbled by it. Go along, be yourself and talk to people. :-)
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