Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Question: What kind of web site is this?
Answer: We are AAOnline which is, of course, Alcoholics Anonymous on a computer. A computer changes the AA meetings in that folks who attend the meetings for the first few times may not know all the necessary procedures needed to participate in an Online meeting. We call these extra conditions - "Protocol".
Protocol is simply a set of rules to allow all members to have an equal opportunity to speak during the meeting. ! = raising hand. The ! or raised hands are placed in a que on a first raised first called basis. G/A means go ahead which is used to call on folks ( G/A Screen Name) and also is used when the speaker finishes their share. This way we do not interrupt the speaker during their share.
In this room we also have a profanity filter to keep the language suitable for all members. In additon, we ask members to please share their own experience and not cross talk or judge another's share. Any negative input to another is strongly discouraged.
We prefer AAOnline be a web site of attraction. We try to allow all attendees an equal chance to share their experience, strength, and hope in the spirit of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The process of group conscience, by necessity, is also different on line . Who decides group conscience? In our case, it is the folks who have set up and continue to maintain the web site. Others are invited when they demonstrate a willingness, knowledge, and spirit of AAonline and its goals.
There are many online AA web sites. If ours does not suit you - we suggest you seek out one that does. May your Higher Power guide you on your journey of sobriety.

Question: Are there any concerns about Online Behavior?
Answer: Occasionally, there are men and women who are "13th-Stepping" with members of the AAOnline group. That means they prey on hurting and vulnerable AA people. They know all the right words to say to gain confidence, but they aren't really working the program. If you are IMed or receive suggestive email USE EXTREME CAUTION!!!! Although you may choose to talk with people who have that hidden agenda, we feel it best to warn you. We want AAOnline to be a safe place for all.

Question: In other online AA rooms, i see people engaging in personal attacks and verbal abuse, does this happen here ?
Answer: Those who engage in such attacks and abuse are warned. If they continue, they are denied access to the room to keep it a safe place for recovery

Question: How can I get a password protected user name?
Answer: Email by clicking on: unity@aaonline.net

Question: Is there a letter for a new person to AAOnline?
Answer: We have a welcome letter for anyone who wants one. Email: welcome@aaonline.org

Question: Are there AA meetings for beginners?
Answer: Yes. Mondays at 9:30 PM (eastern time).

Question: The judge said i have to go to AA meetings, do these count and can i get my card signed here?
Answer: You would have to ask your probation officer/counselor if they count. Because the room has been configured with anonymity in mind, we have no way of verifying who is behind a screen name so we cannot sign cards or vouch that anyone was here.

Question: Are AAOnline meetings in competition with my regular face to face meetings?
Answer: Online meetings are designed as a supplement to our face to face meetings. We encourage you to go to face to face meetings and use AAOnline as an extra tool to your recovery.

Question: Is there a schedule of meetings available?
Answer: Yes. The schedule is at the top of the guest page Chat Also see schedule at the bottom of this page. Helpful Pages

Question: Do we celebrate AA birthdays in AAOnline?
Answer: You bet. We celebrate years and then follow with a countdown for those with less than a year. The last Sunday of each month at 6:30pm (Eastern Time). Send First Name, aaonline screen name, Date Of Sobriety (Month/Day/Year - Feb 23, 1999), and Years sober

Question Is there any difference between chairing a meeting online than chairing a regular AA meeting?
Answer: Yes there are slight differences. We use an AAonline protocol which all chairpersons need to be familiar. We also have people eager to help folks willing to learn. ChairTraining

Question: Can I view the chair sign up page, and possibly sign up to chair?
Answer: Yes. The chair sign up page has the meetings available for sign up and a list of those folks who already signed up to chair a meeting. Chair Sign Up Page

Question: How long do i have to be sober to chair an online meeting ?
Answer: It is suggested that you have at least 90 days sober to chair.

Question: Do I need to be a member of AAOnline to receive the Daily Thought?
Answer: The AA Daily Thought is sent by request at no cost to those in recovery from alcoholism, and highlights AA Conference-approved literature along with sharings and thoughts from actual AA members similar to life sharings in the AA Grapevine. . Sample Daily Thought |
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