On schedules of twelve-step meetings, you will find some are designated as “Open” meetings, while others are shown as “Closed” meetings. What does this mean?

Closed Meetings

Closed meetings are limited to members and prospective members only. It is up to individuals to determine if they are “qualified” for membership based on Tradition Three of the twelve-step group.

Closed meetings provide an atmosphere in which members can feel more certain that those attending will be able to identify with them. Newcomers may feel more comfortable at a closed meeting for the same reason.

Open Meetings

Open meetings are for anyone who is interested in the fellowship. If a meeting is “open,” it will be so designated on the published meeting schedule. Open meetings can be attended by students, professionals, and other non-members interested in learning more about recovery programs. The designation of a meeting as “open” does not change the meetings primary purpose of the group.

Generally visitors and guest are allowed to attend “open” meetings, but should not speak or share during the meeting. Some groups have open meetings once a month to allow friends and relatives of members to celebrate recovery anniversaries with them. Groups that have open meetings may structure their format in such a way that opportunities for participation by non-members are limited only to short birthday or anniversary presentations. Such a format allows the meeting to retain its focus on recovery. It should be made clear during the meeting that groups do not accept monetary contributions from non-members.

Generally speaking, when attending one twelve-step meeting, members do not mention their membership in other twelve-step groups during the meeting in order to keep the meeting focused on its primary purpose.

If a meeting is not designated as either open or closed on a published meeting schedule, it should be considered closed.