Your Guide to Online AA Meetings

Online Aa Meetings, also known as virtual AA meetings, provide a vital lifeline for individuals seeking support and recovery from alcohol addiction. These meetings extend the reach of Alcoholics Anonymous, making help accessible regardless of location or circumstance. If you’re new to online meetings or have questions about how they work, this guide will provide you with the answers you need.

Understanding Virtual AA Meetings

Are Online AA Meetings the Same as In-Person Meetings?

Virtual AA meetings function much like traditional, face-to-face meetings. The core purpose remains the same: to offer a space for members to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another in order to solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The primary difference is the format – instead of being physically present in the same room, participants connect remotely using video conferencing or phone lines. This virtual setting maintains the essence of AA meetings, fostering connection and support despite physical distance.

What is Zoom and How Is It Used for Online AA Meetings?

Zoom is a popular online platform that facilitates video and telephone conferencing. It’s widely used by AA groups to host virtual meetings, offering a user-friendly way for members to connect visually and audibly. While neither Alcoholics Anonymous nor Northern New Jersey Intergroup officially endorses Zoom, its widespread adoption by AA groups makes it a practical tool for online meetings. For individuals wanting to attend meetings, Zoom is generally free to use.

Joining Online AA Meetings: Step-by-Step

Do I Need to Download Zoom to Participate in an Online Meeting?

Not necessarily. Zoom offers multiple ways to join a meeting, providing flexibility for different users and devices:

Joining via Web Browser: You can join a Zoom meeting directly through your web browser without downloading the Zoom application. Simply go to the Zoom website, click “Join a Meeting,” enter the Meeting ID, and select “Join from Your Browser” when prompted.
Joining via Phone (Landline or Mobile): You can also participate in the audio portion of a meeting using a landline or mobile phone. Dial the provided phone number, enter the Meeting ID when prompted, followed by the # key.
Zoom Application (Optional): For a more streamlined experience, you can download the Zoom application on your computer or smartphone. While not mandatory, it can simplify the joining process, especially if you attend meetings regularly.

How to Join an Online AA Meeting via Phone

Joining an online AA meeting using a phone is straightforward:

Dial the Phone Number: Look for the “Join by Phone” number associated with the meeting.
Enter Meeting ID: When prompted, enter the Meeting ID followed by the # key.
Meeting Controls: Once connected, you can use the following dial pad commands:
- *6: Toggle mute/unmute your line.
- *9: Raise your hand to speak.

How to Join an Online AA Meeting via Smartphone

Smartphones offer two primary methods for joining virtual AA meetings:

Audio Only via Phone Call: To join just the audio portion, simply tap the phone number link provided for “Join by Phone.”
Audio and Video via Zoom App/Link: For full participation with audio, video, and screen sharing (if the meeting host is sharing content), click on the “Link to Join Online.” This will typically open the Zoom app if installed or direct you to join via your browser.

Important Note: If you join the audio via phone, avoid connecting audio again through the “Join Online” link as this can cause audio feedback.

When joining via smartphone or computer, Zoom will usually ask you to confirm the name you want displayed to other participants. You can typically change this name if desired.

Should I Turn My Video On During an Online AA Meeting?

Whether to turn on your video is a personal decision, reflecting the AA principle of anonymity. AA’s General Service Office provides guidance on Anonymity Online and Digital Media, encouraging members to maintain their personal anonymity as they feel comfortable. Some members prefer to keep their video off for privacy reasons, while others choose to turn it on to enhance the sense of connection and community. The choice is entirely yours and should respect your personal comfort level with anonymity in a digital setting.

Is It Necessary to Mute Myself When Not Speaking?

Yes, muting your microphone when you’re not actively sharing is considered good online meeting etiquette, especially in virtual AA meetings. Background noise from your environment can be distracting to the speaker and other participants.

Muting on Computer: Click the “mute” button within the Zoom interface.
Muting on Smartphone: Use the mute button within the Zoom app or your phone’s mute function.
Muting on Landline: Utilize your phone’s mute button. If your phone lacks a mute button, please ensure you are in a quiet environment during the meeting.
Dial-in Mute Command: As mentioned earlier, you can also use *6 to toggle mute/unmute when joining via phone.

Additional Information and Support

Adding Your Virtual AA Meeting to a Meeting List

If your existing AA group has transitioned to online meetings and maintains its regular meeting schedule, you can add your virtual meeting to online meeting directories to help others find it. Typically, there is a form available online (like the Meeting Update Form mentioned in the original text for Northern New Jersey) where you can submit your meeting details.

Getting Further Assistance

For questions specifically about using the Zoom application, Zoom offers comprehensive Support documentation and FAQs on their website.

If you have inquiries related to online AA meeting listings or meeting information for your local area, you can typically contact your local AA intergroup or central office via email or phone. For example, the original text mentions contacting the Northern New Jersey Intergroup at [email protected] or by phone at (908) 687-8566.

Downloading Zoom

Download Zoom for Computer: Zoom Download Center
Download Zoom for Apple Devices: Apple App Store
Download Zoom for Android Devices: Google Play Store

Managing Your Display Name in Zoom

When you join a Zoom meeting for the first time, you’ll be prompted to enter a display name. This name will be visible to other participants. If you’ve used Zoom before, it will likely default to the name you previously used. You can usually edit your display name within the Zoom settings or sometimes directly before joining a meeting. Instructions for Changing Your Display Name in Zoom are often available from local intergroup websites.

Online AA meetings provide a valuable and accessible way to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous. By understanding how to join and engage in these virtual meetings, you can continue to receive and offer support on your recovery journey.