What is an ‘open’ meeting?

An open meeting of A.A. is a group meeting that any member of the community, alcoholic or nonalcoholic, may attend. The only obligation is that of not disclosing the names of A.A. members outside the meeting. 

A typical open meeting will usually have a “leader” and other speakers. The leader opens and closes the meeting and introduces each speaker. With rare exceptions, the speakers at an open meeting are A.A. members. Each, in turn, may review some individual drinking experiences that led to joining A.A. Speakers may also give their interpretation of the recovery program and suggest what sobriety has meant to them personally. All views expressed are purely personal, since all members of A.A. speak only for themselves. 

Coffee and other refreshments are frequently offered at open meetings.