Have you heard the one about the difference between an A.A. group and an A.A. meeting?
The group is the ongoing fellowship; the meeting is one hour when everybody finds a chair.
While simplified, this distinction points to an important truth: a group exists beyond its scheduled meetings. The table below outlines several key differences between A.A. groups and A.A. meetings.
| A.A. Meeting | A.A. Group | |
| Definition | A scheduled gathering where members share recovery. | An ongoing fellowship of alcoholics. |
| Duration | Usually about one hour. | Continues beyond meeting hours. |
| Structure | Usually led by a rotating chairperson. | Managed by elected trusted servants, such as a General Service Representative (GSR) and treasurer. |
| Governance | Does not conduct business during the meeting itself. | Conducts business meetings and votes on group matters. |
| Registration | May be listed in local meeting directories. | May be registered with A.A.’s General Service Office (GSO). |
| Financials | Collects contributions for meeting expenses, such as rent. | Maintains a budget, bank account, and prudent reserve. |
| Affiliation | A group may host more than one meeting. | Members may choose one group as their home group. |
Distinctions between A.A. meetings and groups are outlined in greater detail in the pamphlet “The A.A. Group… Where It All Begins,” copies of which can be found at the Lansing Central A.A. (LCAA) office.
| Additional Resources at LCAA |
| Inside A.A. Understanding the Fellowship and its Services |
| Making the A.A. Message Accessible |
| Experience Has Taught Us: An Introduction to our Twelve Traditions |
| The Twelve Traditions Illustrated |
| The Twelve Steps Illustrated |
One key difference worth focusing on is registration, because a common question we receive is how to register an A.A. group or list an A.A. meeting. Because while based on the principle of autonomy in Tradition 4, registration helps connect groups and meetings to the broader AA network.
Registering a group
To register a new group, submit the Alcoholics Anonymous New Group Form, available on the LCAA website (aalansingmi.org). This will connect your group to GSO.
Registering a group offers several benefits:
- Groups receive a Group Handbook.
- Groups are included in mailings sent to listed A.A. groups.
- GSRs or group contacts for listed groups receive registration information for the International Convention, held every five years.
When registering, please also send a copy of the registration form to the LCAA office by email at lansingaa@gmail.com or by mail to 1915 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. D, Lansing, MI 48912.
Listing a Meeting
One of the most important services LCAA provides is connecting local groups to the print directory, online meeting list, and Meeting Guide app. To add a meeting to these resources, complete the New Meeting/Update Form on the LCAA website.
Whether you are starting a new group or adding a meeting to local directories, understanding the distinction is an important first step. If your group or meeting is ready to be registered or updated, complete the appropriate form and share the information with LCAA so members can find and connect with your fellowship.
| Coming in July: Should my Meeting be a Group?An A.A. meeting should formally become an A.A. group when it establishes a permanent identity, commits to a long-term presence, and takes on a direct role in the broader A.A. service structure. While any two or three alcoholics meeting for sobriety can call themselves a meeting, an official group accepts a deeper level of responsibility. Look for more on this topic in next month’s issue of Reaching Out. |