The following meetings include all Johnstown meetings and surrounding areas. District 41 (Johnstown), District 43 (Northern Cambria) and District 44 (Somerset)
The Difference Between Open and Closed A.A. Meetings
The purpose of all A.A. group meetings, as the Preamble states, is for A.A. members to "share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism." Toward this end, A.A. groups have both open and closed meetings.
Closed meetings are for A.A. members only, or for those who have a drinking problem and "have a desire to stop drinking."
Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous' program of recovery from alcoholism. Nonalcoholics may attend open meetings as observers.
At both types of meetings, the A.A. chairperson may request that participants confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism. Whether open or closed, A.A. group meetings are conducted by A.A. members who determine the format of their meetings.
The Difference Between a Meeting and a Group
It is STRONGLY suggested to get a home group and participate at the group conscience in order to strengthen your sobriety.
For the purposes of this website, Groups differ from meetings in that Groups hold a regular 'group conscience' or 'business meeting' seperate from the A.A. meeting. Also known as a 'home group meeting', this is where the business of the group is discussed and managed. It is there that the members of the group come together to ensure the group's success at carrying it's message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Service positions are assigned and reports are given, such as the group treasurer, secretary, and chairperson. Events are planned, outreach is discussed, and all home group members are encouraged to help as they are able.
All A.A. groups are also meetings, but not all A.A. meetings are groups.
If you want to drink, that's your business. If you want to quit drinking, that's our business.
