Are you seeking support in your journey to sobriety? Do you find it challenging to attend traditional, in-person Alcoholics Anonymous meetings? Welcome to Online Aa, a vibrant and supportive community that brings the power of Alcoholics Anonymous to your fingertips. We are a group of recovering alcoholics, part of the Online Intergroup, dedicated to providing accessible and confidential online aa meetings for anyone seeking help.
At Online AA, we understand that reaching out is the first step, and we are here to ensure that every suffering alcoholic who seeks assistance finds it within our virtual rooms. Our primary goal is to be a source of attraction, drawing individuals to recovery through the strength of our community and the principles of AA, rather than through promotion. We firmly believe in Tradition 5, emphasizing that our core purpose is to carry the message to alcoholics who still suffer. Membership is open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking, aligning with AA’s only requirement for membership. In accordance with Tradition 6, we remain independent and unaffiliated with any outside organizations.
Embracing the A.A. Preamble in a Digital Space
Online AA is deeply rooted in the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. As stated in the A.A. Preamble:
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our Primary Purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. – Copyright A.A. Grapevine 2021
We strive to embody these principles within our online aa environment. While our meetings are conducted online, the essence of face-to-face meetings remains. To ensure a smooth and respectful experience for everyone, we follow an Online Protocol, which we will outline to help newcomers navigate our virtual meetings with ease.
Navigating Our Text-Based Online Meetings: Protocol Explained
Unlike some virtual meetings, Online AA meetings are conducted exclusively in Text Only Format. This commitment to text-based communication is central to our adherence to Tradition 12, which states that anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions. This format helps maintain a level of anonymity and allows for focused, thoughtful sharing.
Drawing from the A.A. Guidelines on Internet from the General Service Office (G.S.O.), we prioritize anonymity in the digital realm. This means that members do not publicly identify themselves as A.A. members using their full names or full-face photos in our online space.
Our experience has shown us that adhering to the Twelve Traditions is crucial for maintaining unity and ensuring our ability to support those seeking recovery. By upholding these traditions, we focus on our primary purpose – recovery from alcoholism – while protecting the anonymity of our members, avoiding outside affiliations, and remaining self-supporting.
For more in-depth information on the broader online AA community, we encourage you to visit the Online Intergroup Website.
Please note that any A.A. Literature referenced on this Website or quoted in our meeting rooms is copyrighted by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. The opinions and experiences shared by individuals are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Alcoholics Anonymous as a whole.
Participating in Online AA Meetings: A Step-by-Step Guide
To ensure respectful and orderly meetings, we follow a simple protocol during sharing:
- One at a Time Sharing: We share our experiences one at a time, avoiding interruptions or crosstalk. Please refrain from typing while someone else is sharing.
- Raising Your Hand Virtually: To share, type “!” – this is the online equivalent of raising your hand in a physical meeting. The Chairperson will call on participants in the order hands are raised.
- “Go Ahead” (GA): When you are called upon, and ready to share, wait for the Chairperson to indicate “GA” (Go Ahead).
- Signaling Completion: After sharing, type “GA” to signal that you have finished.
- Seeking Help: If you need assistance, type “?“. Look for the Blinking Dot in the Users List and click on the name beside it to connect with a volunteer via Private Message.
We encourage members to share their personal experiences and refrain from cross-talk or judgment. Negative input towards others is strongly discouraged. Our meeting room also utilizes a profanity filter to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment for all members. Our aim is to make Online AA a welcoming and attractive resource for recovery. We strive to provide every attendee with an equal opportunity to share their experience, strength, and hope in the spirit of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Open Chat and Continued Support
Beyond scheduled meetings, our Online AA chat room offers a safe space for ongoing recovery discussions. While protocol is relaxed during these open chat sessions, the Primary Purpose remains to foster continued recovery and enhance sobriety. If you need help or have a question during open chat, please don’t hesitate to interrupt and ask!
We are all committed to supporting newcomers and anyone struggling with alcoholism. We hope that your Higher Power guides you on your path to sobriety.
As the quote from Alcoholics Anonymous (Dr. Silkworth) reminds us: “…and though perhaps he came to scoff, he may remain to pray.”
Joining Online AA: Registration and Meeting Access
If prompted to register, click Register. Choose a Username and Password, submit the form, click the Key icon, enter your Password, and Login. Alternatively, you can enter as a Guest by selecting a Username and clicking Login without a password.
Meeting Schedule (All Times Eastern):
- Weekdays: 8:30am, 1:30pm, 6:30pm, 9:30pm
- Weekends: 8:30am, 3:00pm, 6:30pm, 9:30 pm
- Beginners Meetings: Mondays 9:30pm, Wednesdays 1:30pm, Saturdays 3:00pm
For further insight, explore the pamphlet: Is A.A. For You? – Twelve Questions Only You Can Answer.
If you are new to Online AA, we extend a warm welcome! Learn more about us through our FAQ.
We are glad you’re here. Keep Coming Back! You will find hope here at Online AA!
Home | A.A. Preamble | AA Online User Registration | Meetings and Chat | FAQ | Meeting Schedule | Service Volunteers | Chair Signups | Birthday Signups | A.A.- This & That | Room Use Policy Back to Top
Any A.A. Literature referenced on this Website, or quoted exactly by a sharer in our Meeting Room, is a Copyright of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. The opinions and experiences shared are of the individual’s, and not necessarily in agreement with the Program of A.A. found in the “Big Book” ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS.
